In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a well-known assisted reproductive technology, but it can be time-consuming and physically demanding due to the high doses of hormones required. Fortunately, alternative treatments like mini IVF offer similar benefits with fewer hormones.
Mini IVF uses a combination of oral medications and lower-dose injectable hormones to stimulate egg production in a shorter time frame, potentially reducing side effects. This article explores the mini IVF procedure, its suitability for different patients, and its pros and cons.
What Is Mini IVF?
Minimal stimulation IVF (mini IVF), uses lower doses of fertility medications than traditional IVF to stimulate egg production. It primarily relies on oral medications like letrozole or Clomid, supplemented with low doses of injectable hormones. This procedure is generally easier on the body due to reduced hormone exposure.
Unlike conventional IVF, which aims to maximize the number of eggs produced, mini IVF focuses on retrieving fewer but higher-quality eggs. A mini IVF cycle typically yields three to six eggs, compared to conventional IVF's eight to 14 average.
Other Names for Mini IVF
Mild IVF
Soft IVF
Micro IVF
Low stimulation (stim) IVF
Mini IVF Procedure
The mini IVF procedure differs for each patient, but here’s a broad overview of what to expect.
Phase One: Ovarian Stimulation
Typically beginning on days two to four of your menstrual cycle, you’ll start taking hormone-based medications that encourage the ovaries to develop a small number of high-quality eggs. Most people take an oral medication like letrozole or Clomid for five days, along with a small number of injectable medications like Gonal F, Follistim, or Menopur for about 10 days.
Phase Two: Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval takes place 35 hours after a trigger shot is given to induce ovulation. In this outpatient procedure, called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration (TVOA), a doctor uses a thin needle to collect eggs from the ovarian follicles.
Phase Three: Fertilization and Embryo Culture
Collected eggs are fertilized using conventional fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Conventional fertilization allows sperm to naturally penetrate the egg in a petri dish, while ICSI involves directly injecting a single sperm into an egg.
The resulting embryos develop in an environment mimicking the Fallopian tube for about five days until reaching the blastocyst stage. At this point, they can be tested for genetic disorders.
Phase Four: Embryo Transfer
One or two healthy blastocyst-stage embryos are transferred to the uterus for potential implantation. This procedure resembles intrauterine insemination (IUI), with embryos inserted using a catheter that passes through the cervix into the uterus.
Mini IVF produces fewer embryos than traditional IVF, so leftover embryos are less common. However, any unused viable embryos can be frozen for future use.
Who Is Mini IVF Ideal For?
People at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS):
Those with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may opt for less aggressive fertility treatments to reduce the risk of OHSS.
People with low ovarian reserves:
Individuals with a limited number of eggs may not respond to additional medication to boost egg production, making the IVF’s heavy medication regime ineffective and unnecessary.
People with ethical or religious concerns about creating excess embryos:
Some believe that embryos are human lives with a fundamental right to live, which they feel is compromised by the freezing process.
People seeking a more affordable fertility option:
The medications required for traditional IVF make up 30% of the overall cost. Since mini IVF uses fewer medications, the procedure is significantly less expensive.
Mini IVF Advantages
Lower risk of OHSS:
By using lower doses of fertility medication, this approach reduces the chances of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Fewer appointments:
With less medication involved, you’ll need fewer doctor visits throughout the process.
Cost-effective:
Less medication makes this option more affordable compared to conventional IVF.
Comparable success rates:
For individuals under 35 with good ovarian function, success rates are similar to those of conventional IVF.
Less discomfort:
Reduced medication leads to fewer side effects and less overall discomfort.
Quicker recovery:
The shorter recovery time makes it possible to perform back-to-back cycles.
Mini IVF Disadvantages
Lower success rates:
With fewer eggs and embryos produced, mini IVF tends to be less successful compared with conventional IVF.
Potentially higher overall costs:
Since multiple cycles may be required, the cumulative cost can add up, making mini IVF less affordable than it initially seems.
Fewer embryos for future use:
With fewer embryos, there’s less chance of having extras to freeze, which may limit additional attempts.
Disclaimer
The medical information in this article is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. Gay Moms Club expressly disclaims responsibility and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this article. Gay Moms Club does not endorse specifically any test, treatment, or procedure mentioned.