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Mini-IVF

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Be in the Know. Mini-IVF at a Glance.

Denoted as the most successful form of assisted reproductive technology (ART), in vitro fertilization (IVF) at FSMG (Fertility Specialists Medical Group) has helped couples overcome a wide range of common fertility concerns.

While conventional IVF uses variable doses of fertility medications to support the ovaries to release as many high-quality eggs as possible, Mini-IVF offers some of the benefits of the IVF process with smaller amounts of medication, fewer injections, potentially lessened stress, fewer office visits — and less cost.

    • What is Mini-IVF?
    • Who Should Consider Mini-IVF?
    • What is the Process for Mini-IVF?

What is Mini-IVF Fertility Treatment?

Mini-IVF is technically the same as the IVF process EXCEPT it uses a reduced or minimal stimulation protocol. Why do fertility specialists want to use fewer medications for IVF treatment? What is the benefit?

When fewer medications are used in fertility treatment, it can reduce the stress on the female body and as well as decrease the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (though this is an infrequent occurrence with most modern IVF protocols). And while some question why an IVF treatment protocol that produces fewer eggs is beneficial — the pursuit is the possibility of higher quality eggs.

Research indicates that in women with decreased ovarian reserve, administering lower doses of gonadotrophins may results in increased egg quality. Mini-IVF is advantageous in many cases because fertility clinics can do multiple IVF cycles at a lower cost to the patient, allowing to then potentially generate high-quality embryos that may result in a pregnancy.

Who Should Consider Mini-IVF?

If you are among the many individuals and couples who want to reduce the costs associated with IVF, you should consider Mini-IVF and the lower doses of medication associated with the process.

Good candidates for Mini-IVF include:

  • Women under the age of 35.
  • Low or Diminished Ovarian Reserve
  • High Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation
  • Female patients with tubal factor infertility
  • Women at greater risk of complications from injections or higher levels of estrogen associated with conventional IVF.

The Mini-IVF Process

The Mini-IVF process is, to some extent, identical to the operation of a conventional IVF cycle. The difference in processes comes with the amount of medication and frequency of monitoring.

During the ovulation induction phase, the patient will undergo monitoring and ultrasounds to confirm that the follicles within the ovaries are growing, indicating that the eggs inside are likely to be retrieved at the time of egg retrieval. Patients opting for mini-IVF will still need to administer injections, though at lower doses and potentially decreased frequency or number, along with possible oral medications as well.

The remainder of the IVF process is similar to conventional IVF, where the lab fertilizes the eggs with sperm in the laboratory to hopefully generate embryos.

To schedule a consultation to discuss if mini-IVF is right for you, make an appointment. We believe everyone should understand their reproductive health and family building options from the very start.

You’re unique.
Your fertility plan should be too.