What Is Natural Cycle IVF?
Natural Cycle IVF, also known as Mini IVF or Minimal Stimulation IVF, is a fertility treatment approach that uses little to no hormone medication to achieve pregnancy. In some cases, it can even be carried out entirely without the use of fertility drugs.
In conventional IVF treatments, hormone injections are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. However, in Natural Cycle IVF, no injections are given, or only low-dose oral medications are used instead. The goal is to work with the single egg that the body naturally produces during a menstrual cycle.
This makes Natural Cycle IVF an ideal option for couples who are sensitive to hormone use or prefer a less invasive and more natural treatment process.
Stages of Natural Cycle IVF
- Monitoring the Natural Menstrual Cycle
The woman’s menstrual cycle is closely monitored to determine the exact time of ovulation. - Egg Retrieval
Once the egg naturally matures, it is retrieved from the ovary. - Fertilization in the Laboratory
The retrieved egg is fertilized with the partner’s sperm in a laboratory environment. - Embryo Transfer
The resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus. A pregnancy test (β-hCG) is done 12 days after transfer to check for pregnancy.
How Is Natural Cycle IVF Different from Conventional IVF?
Natural Cycle IVF differs from conventional IVF in several key ways:
First, the use of hormone medication is minimal or nonexistent in Natural Cycle IVF, whereas conventional IVF typically involves high doses of hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries.
Second, while only one egg is usually collected in Natural Cycle IVF (the egg naturally selected by the body), conventional IVF aims to retrieve multiple eggs in one cycle to increase the chances of fertilization and embryo development.
In terms of cost, Natural Cycle IVF is often more affordable because fewer medications are needed, making it a budget-friendly alternative for many couples.
Additionally, Natural Cycle IVF offers a less invasive and more natural approach, whereas conventional IVF requires more medical intervention throughout the process.
However, it’s important to note that the pregnancy success rate per cycle may be lower with Natural Cycle IVF, since only one egg is used, resulting in fewer embryos available for transfer or freezing. In contrast, conventional IVF generally offers higher success rates per cycle due to the availability of multiple embryos
Who Is Natural Cycle IVF Suitable For?
Natural Cycle IVF is especially suitable for:
- Women in younger age groups
- Women with regular menstrual cycles
- Women who have difficulty responding to hormone stimulation
- Couples who prefer a natural and low-intervention approach
Also known as Mini IVF, this method provides a valuable alternative for those who want to avoid the physical and emotional toll of high-dose hormone treatments. However, timing is crucial. In some cases, the egg may ovulate before retrieval if not carefully monitored, making the cycle unsuccessful. Therefore, the egg must be both mature and not yet released at the time of retrieval.
Personalized Care at British Cyprus IVF Hospital
At British Cyprus IVF Hospital, we are committed to designing a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re exploring Natural Cycle IVF or other fertility solutions, our expert medical team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about Natural Cycle IVF and take the first step toward making your dream of parenthood a reality.