Natural & Minimal Stimulation IVF
Natural IVF and Minimal Stimulation IVF are treatment options that are similar to IVF cycles but use little to no medication.
Natural IVF
The process of undergoing a Natural IVF cycle is nearly identical to that of a traditional IVF cycle, with the exception that medications are not used to stimulate the maturation of more than one egg during your cycle.
In Natural IVF, the one egg that you release during your natural monthly menstrual cycle is retrieved, fertilized in an IVF laboratory, and then transferred back into the uterus.
During a monthly menstrual cycle, a group of immature eggs develops toward a mature state in which it is possible to be fertilized. Usually, only one egg from this group reaches full maturity, is released from the ovary, and becomes available for fertilization.
In a Natural IVF cycle, this process is monitored closely through blood work and ultrasound, and when the mature egg is ready to be released from the ovary it is retrieved through a procedure called an egg retrieval. The retrieved egg is then fertilized in the laboratory. If an embryo forms and develops, it is allowed to grow for 3 to 5 days in the laboratory. Then an embryo transfer is performed and the embryo is placed back into the uterus to continue its development.
Minimal Stimulation In Vitro Fertilization (Ministim IVF)
Minimal Stimulation IVF follows a nearly identical set of steps as Natural IVF, except that a small amount of medication is used to stimulate more than one of the eggs to develop to maturity. This allows for greater chances of a successful pregnancy from the cycle. However, less medication is used in Minimal Stimulation IVF than in a regular IVF cycle. Unlike regular IVF, this usually results in fewer mature eggs that can be retrieved and fertilized.
There are certain considerations to make when weighing whether Natural IVF or Minimal Stimulation IVF are appropriate for you. You and Dr. Kelly will discuss the pros and cons as they relate to your personal diagnosis and circumstances.
Both Natural and Minimal Stimulation IVF are considerations when one wants to limit the number of embryos formed, reduce costs or diminished ovarian reserve exists.
