Mini-IVF is an in vitro fertilization program using minimal hormonal stimulation. This approach reduces the medication load on the woman's body, creating favorable conditions for a successful pregnancy (if fresh embryo transfer is doing). The Mini IVF advantage is safety, however, in order this protocol to be as effective as the classic one, several conditions must be met.
The material was prepared by Vitaliy RADKO, reproductive specialist at the Mother&Child Medical Center.
Hormonal stimulation of ovulation and refusal from it
Hormonal stimulation, or ovulation induction is one of the stages of IVF preparation, during which a woman uses hormonal medications, under the influence of which not one oocyte, but many, matures in the ovaries during one menstrual cycle. It allows to select the best oocytes for fertilization, to cultivate several embryos at once, from which it is possible choose better ones, and to make a reserve from the rest in case of a failed attempt or the desire to have another child.
For these advantages, hormonal stimulation has disadvantages. Not all women tolerate it well, but most importantly, due to the high hormonal load, the risk of a successful pregnancy in this cycle decreases, as the maturation of the endometrium is disturbed. The solution to the problem is refusal or minimization of hormonal induction of ovulation.
Under what conditions can the stage of ovarian stimulation be refused without losing the IVF program effectiveness ? It is possible in two cases:
Mini IVF advantages and disadvantages
The main and only drawback of the method is the impossibility to obtain many oocytes at once. It means that if an attempt fails, all IVF stages will have to be repeated, in particular ovarian puncture, which is a rather complex invasive procedure. Due to the small oocytes number, the method of choice is usually ICSI - intraplasmic sperm injection. Its cost is higher than the cost of IVF conventional.
The mina IVF advantage is the reduction of the medication load on the body and its consequences:
Indications for mini IVF
The mini-IVF procedure is recommended for the following indications:
Mini IVF is used not only for medical reasons. Sometimes it is chosen by women who do not want to be exposed to high doses of hormonal medications and therefore prefer a more physiological variant of the procedure.
Mini IVF in the "Mother&Child" Medical Center
“Mother&Child” Medical Center proposes several options for IVF programs with minimal or no stimulation:
IVF in a natural cycle
The program includes:
IVF with minimal stimulation:
IVF with low reserve:
IVF, Japanese protocol:
You can always consult a reproductive specialist at the "Mother&Child" Medical Center and choose the appropriate IVF or mini IVF program with doctor’s help.
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