Natural IVF and Mini IVF Treatment
When it comes to the world of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) there are so many options. One can feel overwhelmed trying to decipher all of the information available from the internet and even fertility specialists. We hope that this article will help shed some light on the options of Natural IVF cycle and Minimal Stimulation IVF (Mini-IVF).
What is a Natural IVF Cycle?
In essence, a Natural IVF Cycle comes sans the medications used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple follicles. While some term this a “drug free approach”, others simply believe it is “holistic” and like its name –“natural”. Under normal circumstances only one egg is available. A bit of trivia – this was the original method of IVF first used in 1977 that resulted in the healthy birth in 1978 of the first “test tube baby” – Louise Joy Brown!
Studies vary as to the success rate of Natural IVF vs. the more traditional methods using medications to produce multiple eggs. Usually only one follicle is produced, so the chances of pregnancy are lower than during standard IVF where multiple follicles can occur producing multiple eggs and embryos; thereby allowing the possibility of extra embryos to be frozen and stored for later use.
What is the Advantage of a Natural IVF Cycle vs a Mini-IVF Cycle?
The advantage of the Natural IVF cycle is cost. Fees for a Natural IVF Cycle may be up 30% to 50% less than a stimulated IVF cycle, secondary to the lower medication use.
The “Mini-IVF” procedure uses medications such as Clomid and/or very low doses of gonadotrophins to stimulate a few follicles and can result in producing more than one egg. The fees are more than the natural method, due to medication costs, yet less than a traditional stimulated IVF cycle. Note that eggs from both of these IVF procedures are retrieved, fertilized, cultured and transferred in the same manner as a typical IVF cycle so standard IVF laboratory costs still apply.
FIH Offers Multiple IVF Treatment Options
Here at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii, we offer many fertility treatment options. We recognize that “one size doesn’t fit all”. We know that some individuals or couples will prefer to use standard treatments with hormonal medications to enhance the chances of becoming pregnant. Others may feel that using a less invasive Natural IVF process is more suitable and aligns with their personal beliefs and needs.
You are invited to come to our fertility center to discuss more about IVF options and our success rates. Please note that we the most experienced fertility center in Hawaii offering Natural IVF and Mini-IVF alternatives. International and neighbor island patients always are welcome to visit our fertility center and inquiries can be made simply by clicking this link:
To make an appointment please connect by calling: 808-545-2800