Natural & Natural-Modified Cycle

In the realm of assisted reproductive technologies, Natural IVF and Natural Modified Cycle IVF offer alternative approaches to traditional IVF methods. This page will provide a comprehensive overview of both Natural IVF and Natural Modified Cycle IVF, including their definitions, steps, indications, benefits, and potential risks.

Unlike conventional IVF, which employs high doses of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries for multiple egg production, Natural IVF relies on the body's natural hormonal levels and typically retrieves one or two eggs per cycle while in Natural Modified cycles small doses of stimulating agents are used to recruit more than 2 follicles if the ovarian reserve allows.

Natural Cycle

Natural IVF, also known as Mini IVF, is an assisted reproductive technique that aims to collect and fertilize the eggs naturally produced by a woman's body during her menstrual cycle.

  • Natural IVF is considered for specific patient profiles, including:

    Low Ovarian Reserve: Women with a reduced number of available eggs may benefit from Natural IVF as it is less likely to deplete their ovarian reserves.

    Hormone Sensitivity: Women who are sensitive to the hormonal medications used in traditional IVF may opt for Natural IVF to minimize side effects.

    Repeated IVF Failures: Patients who have experienced multiple unsuccessful traditional IVF cycles may explore Natural IVF as an alternative.

  • Less Medication: Natural IVF minimizes the use of hormonal medications, reducing the risk of associated side effects.

    Lower Cost: Natural IVF can be more cost-effective than conventional IVF due to the decreased need for medications.

    No Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Since Natural IVF does not involve ovarian stimulation, the risk of OHSS minimal.

  • Fewer Eggs Retrieved: One of the main drawbacks of Natural IVF is the lower number of eggs retrieved, which can reduce the chances of success, especially in women with infertility due to egg quality issues.

    Lower Success Rates: Natural IVF has lower success rates compared to traditional IVF, particularly in cases of severe infertility.

    Cycle Cancellation: There is a higher risk of cycle cancellation if the woman's body does not produce a mature egg during the monitoring phase.

    Multiple Cycles: Since Natural IVF yields fewer eggs, some patients may need to undergo multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy, which can increase costs.

Natural Modified Cycle or Mini IVF

Natural Modified Cycle IVF is a variation of Natural IVF that involves minimal ovarian stimulation with tablets or a low dose of hormonal medication. It strikes a balance between Natural IVF and traditional IVF.

  • Natural Modified Cycle IVF may be considered for patients who:

    Desire Minimal Medication: Those who wish to minimize the use of hormonal medications while still increasing their chances of success.

    Increased Egg Yield: Women who want to retrieve more eggs than in Natural IVF, yet without the high stimulation of traditional IVF.

    Low Ovarian Reserve: Similar to Natural IVF, it can be suitable for women with a diminished ovarian reserve.

  • Balanced Approach: This method offers a balance between the reduced medication of Natural IVF and the increased egg yield of traditional IVF.

    Reduced Medication Side Effects: Patients experience fewer side effects compared to high-dose stimulation protocols.

    Reasonable Success Rates: Natural Modified Cycle IVF can provide reasonable success rates while minimizing potential risks.

    Lower OHSS Risk: The risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is lower compared to conventional IVF.

  • Moderate Medication: While the medication used is lower than in traditional IVF, it is not entirely medication-free, potentially leading to mild side effects.

    Multiple Cycles: Similar to Natural IVF, some patients may require multiple cycles to achieve pregnancy.

    Lower Egg Yield: Although it yields more eggs than Natural IVF, it typically yields fewer eggs than traditional IVF, which may impact success rates.

Which are the main steps of these treatments

  • In mini IVF the process starts with closely monitoring the natural menstrual cycle. This involves tracking hormone levels and ovarian follicle development through ultrasounds and blood tests.

    In the natural modified cycle, minimal stimulation with tablets or low dose injectable hormonal medication may be administered, to encourage the development of a few mature follicles.

  • Once the leading follicle is deemed mature, a minor surgical procedure called egg retrieval is performed to collect the egg. This procedure is less invasive than in conventional IVF.

  • The retrieved egg is fertilized with sperm in the laboratory, following the same process as traditional IVF.

  • After the fertilized egg (embryo) has developed, it is transferred to the uterus. This transfer can occur in the same cycle or, in some cases, after freezing and thawing of the embryo.

Natural IVF and Natural Modified Cycle IVF offer alternatives to traditional IVF, catering to patients with specific needs and preferences. It is essential to consult with a fertility specialist to determine which approach is most suitable based on individual circumstances, as each method has its own set of advantages and limitations. Regardless of the chosen approach, these techniques provide hope and options for individuals and couples seeking to build their families through assisted reproductive technologies.

Book your non-obligatory discovery call today to see if we can help you ensure the best possible chance of achieving your dream of having a child.