What You Need to Know about Mini IVF
Mini IVF often attracts patients' interest because it uses less medication and costs less per treatment session than traditional in vitro fertilization. It may be recommended for certain patients, such as those with a low ovarian reserve, but it is not right for everyone. The knowledgeable specialists at our Los Angeles, CA, fertility center can provide an evaluation and help determine if mini IVF is the right treatment to help you conceive. Drs. Marc Kalan and Nurit Winkler work closely with each patient at the Los Angeles Reproductive Center to meet their unique needs.
Similar to traditional IVF, mini IVF involves combining sperm and eggs in a laboratory.
What Is Mini IVF?
Mini IVF is very similar to traditional IVF. The primary difference, however, is that mini IVF uses less fertility medication for ovarian stimulation. Because fewer eggs are retrieved, mini IVF is not as effective as its standard counterpart. However, it can be an optimal treatment option for certain individuals, such as women with low ovarian reserve or for those who prefer not create many embryos for ethical reasons.
Mini IVF Treatment Process
To begin the mini IVF treatment process, the female patient will begin a low dose of medication to stimulate egg growth. This will continue until an ultrasound shows that the patient is ready to ovulate. Next, low doses of medicine may be used to prepare the follicle for retrieval. Finally, IVF will proceed as usual, with egg retrieval, fertilization, and transfer of the embryo(s).
Some individuals believe that mini or natural IVF is safer for theoretical reasons, however, there is no evidence to support this.
In some cases, no fertility drugs are used to stimulate ovulation. This is known as a natural cycle. However, this process while attractive to some people carries a higher risk of not retrieving any eggs at all.
Evaluating Your Candidacy
Mini IVF is a viable choice for women with a low ovarian reserve since a full cycle would only result in a limited number of eggs. It may also be an option for those women who cannot use ovarian stimulation medication for a variety of reasons including ideological, medical, or other.
Does Mini IVF Cost Less?
Because there are fewer fertility drugs used in mini IVF, it costs less per cycle than standard IVF. However, patients need to understand that it might take a greater number of cycles to become pregnant, leading to a higher overall treatment cost.
Regardless of which type you choose, our team of doctors is here to help you every step of the way. At the Los Angeles Reproductive Center, we understand that finances are a significant concern for many of our clients so we work with a third-party financing company to help cover out-of-pocket costs. Our financial experts are available to ensure you maximize applicable insurance coverage.
Contact Us for More Information
At the Los Angeles Reproductive Center, our doctors are committed to providing compassionate care. We understand that infertility can be a sensitive and emotional topic. By combining advanced technology with warmth and openness, we cultivate an atmosphere of comfort and cutting-edge treatment. To learn more about mini IVF, schedule a consultation at our practice. You can call us at (661) 889-5173 or contact us online.
