You may have heard of in vitro fertilization (IVF) already, but are you familiar with minimal stimulation IVF? Also known as “Mini IVF,” “Soft IVF,” or “Micro IVF,” minimal stimulation IVF is an alternative IVF treatment protocol that may reduce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancy rates, and cost while retaining high live birth rates. In this IVF treatment protocol, a lower stimulation of hormones is used. There are fewer laboratory techniques applied to the eggs during this treatment; the eggs are inseminated and allowed to fertilize on their own.
Minimal Stimulation IVF
Unlike conventional IVF, which can produce multiple eggs, minimal stimulation IVF usually results in the production of only a few eggs and a few embryos. This treatment addresses two major concerns for patients and doctors: cost and overstimulation. It helps women get pregnant with fewer medication-associated risks at a lower cost than conventional IVF.
Although some big concerns may be alleviated with minimal stimulation IVF, there are still some risks. The chance of having no eggs retrieved in the end is significantly higher, and there is also a high chance of having no embryos available for transfer. It may take several cycles to achieve a pregnancy. However, minimal stimulation IVF does show great potential for providing great fertility success for a lower cost.
Conventional IVF
In conventional IVF procedures, medications are used to help stimulate the development and release of a woman’s eggs. The eggs and sperm are then collected and placed together in a laboratory dish to fertilize. In the initial phase, the goal is to create a large number of mature follicles to increase the chances of fertilization. Follicles are fluid-filled sacs in which eggs mature. NCCRM’s second phase of conventional IVF allows the patient to prepare her uterus for implantation with a much lower dose of estrogen to mimic a more natural cycle, a “freeze all cycle.” After embryos are frozen, we wait for the female to start her menses to prep her uterus for embryo transfer. Finally, the embryo is ready for transfer into the uterus.
IVF helps patients who would otherwise be unable to conceive. Overall, it has been used for a very long time and has a safe track record. It tends to be more successful than IUI and other forms of assisted reproductive technology. It can also help to diagnose fertilization problems.
If you are considering IVF and would like to learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us today! You may also learn more about success rates, factors that affect success rates, and multiple gestations. NCCRM is here to listen to you and give you our best guidance along your fertility journey. We deliver dreams, one baby at a time with low-cost IVF.
