Introduction:
When it comes to IVF, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. For many patients, traditional IVF has long been a trusted solution, providing hopeful outcomes for those on their fertility journey. But now, Minimal Stimulation IVF (Mini IVF) is offering an exciting, personalized alternative that works wonders for certain individuals and couples.
At Jaslok -FertilTree International Fertility Centre located at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, we believe in providing comprehensive care that includes all the available options. Whether you’re considering traditional IVF or the more gentle Mini IVF, we’re here to help you explore what works best for you.
In this communication, we will take a closer look at Minimal Stimulation IVF, its unique benefits, and why it’s gaining popularity and whether it is a good option for you– without replacing the proven success of traditional IVF.
What is Minimal Stimulation IVF?
Minimal Stimulation IVF is a refined version of traditional IVF that uses lower doses of medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. While Traditional IVF often aims to produce a large number of eggs, Mini IVF focuses on producing fewer but potentially higher-quality eggs for fertilization. With Mini IVF, it is also possible to do a fresh transfer as the uterine lining is not hyperstimulated and retains its receptivity, thereby eliminating the need for frozen embryo transfer in many cases and also cutting down the entire cost of IVF, the side effects and being gentler on your body, while still maintaining excellent chances for success.
How Does Minimal Stimulation IVF Work?
1. Ovarian Stimulation
In Mini IVF, instead of using higher doses of hormones, patients are prescribed a lower dose of fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries. This results in a smaller, more manageable number of eggs. In Mini IVF, a combination or oral tablets such as Clomiphene or Letrozole are used along with either hMG or FSH. Usually an antagonist is avoided bt may be necessary f the LH rises during simulation.
2. Egg Retrieval
When the eggs are ready, a minor surgical procedure is performed to retrieve them, similar to traditional IVF. This is carried out under mild anesthesia. You will be ready to go home pithing 4 to 6 hours of the procedure.
3. Fertilization & Embryo Transfer
The eggs are fertilized in the lab and once blastocysts are formed, they are then carefully transferred to the uterus, just like in traditional IVF.
While both treatments share common steps, the key difference is in the stimulation process. Mini IVF is designed to be gentler on the body with fewer medications, making it an appealing option for certain patients. Patients with PCOS, for responders and even norms responders can avail of Mini IVF.
Why Consider Minimal Stimulation IVF?
Minimal Stimulation IVF offers specific advantages, especially for individuals who may benefit from a more personalized and gentle approach:
1. Less Medication, Fewer Side Effects
Many patients find Mini IVF appealing because it involves significantly fewer medications compared to traditional IVF. This can reduce the risk of side effects like bloating, mood swings, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), making the experience more comfortable overall.
2. Cost-Effective Option
Because fewer medications are required, Mini IVF can be a more affordable option compared to traditional IVF. Also fresh embryo transfer cuts done the cost of freezing embryos. For couples looking for a lower-cost treatment without compromising on the quality of care, Mini IVF provides an accessible solution.
3. Ideal for Those with Lower Ovarian Reserve
For women over 35 or those with lower ovarian reserve, Mini IVF can produce high-quality eggs with a gentler approach. This method is perfect for individuals who might not respond well to heavy stimulation.
4. Less Physical and Emotional Stress
Mini IVF typically involves a more controlled and less intense stimulation process, which can reduce the physical and emotional stress that some patients may experience with traditional IVF.
Traditional IVF vs. Minimal Stimulation IVF
While Mini IVF is an exciting option, Traditional IVF remains the gold standard in many cases. Here’s how they compare:
| Aspect | Minimal Stimulation IVF | Traditional IVF |
|---|---|---|
| Medication | Lower doses of hormones | Higher doses of hormones |
| Egg Retrieval | Fewer eggs (2-4) | More eggs (10-20) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher due to more medications |
| Risk of Side Effects | Lower (due to fewer medications) | Higher (due to higher doses) |
| Success Rates | Comparable to traditional IVF in select cases | Proven higher success rates due to more eggs |
| Ideal Candidates | Women with PCOS, older women, those with low ovarian reserve | Suitable for women with a good ovarian reserve |
Both treatments are effective in their own right, however Mini IVF offers a tailored approach that may be better suited for certain individuals, depending on their medical history and treatment goals.
Who Should Consider Minimal Stimulation IVF?
Minimal Stimulation IVF is a great option for:
1. Women with Low Ovarian Reserve
For women who have fewer eggs or lower-quality eggs, Mini IVF may offer a better chance at success by reducing the need for heavy ovarian stimulation.
2. Women Over 35
As fertility naturally declines with age, Mini IVF offers a more personalized and less invasive option to maximize the potential of available eggs.
3. Women with PCOS
For women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Mini IVF can help prevent overstimulation of the ovaries, which is common with higher doses of medications.
4. Those Seeking a More Affordable Option
If you’re looking for a less costly alternative, Mini IVF offers an effective treatment method with fewer medications and lower overall costs.
Success Rates with Minimal Stimulation IVF
Success rates for Mini IVF can vary depending on a variety of factors including age, ovarian reserve, and overall health. While the number of eggs retrieved may be lower, the quality of the eggs tends to be higher. This means that for some patients, Mini IVF can offer similar success rates to traditional IVF.
At Jaslok-FertilTree International Fertility Centre Mumbai, we carefully assess your individual needs and work with you to determine the best treatment plan. Whether you choose traditional IVF or Mini IVF, our goal is to provide you with the most effective and personalized care possible.
Conclusion:
At Jaslok FertilTree International Fertility Centre Mumbai, we understand that every patient’s fertility journey is unique. While Traditional IVF has been a life-changing treatment for many, Minimal Stimulation IVF offers a more personalized, gentle, and cost-effective alternative for others. We’re here to help you explore all your options, so you can make the best decision for your health and family-building goals.
If you’re considering IVF, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for a consultation. We’ll discuss your fertility needs and help you find the approach that works best for you.
💬 Want to learn more about Minimal Stimulation IVF?
Cost per cycle Approximately 1,80,000 to 2,00,000 per cycle. This includes Sonography charges, Procedure charges, hormone stimulation, Blood hormone tests, 1 day admission, embryo freezing charges if extra embryos need to be frozen. The charges will not increase if a frozen embryo cycle is advised instead of a fresh transfer.