Am I a Good Candidate for Mini IVF?
In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is an assisted reproductive technology that has several variations including mini and natural IVF. When seeking treatment for infertility, it’s important to understand what’s necessary for IVF candidacy.
If you wonder “am I a good candidate for mini IVF?” and live in Los Angeles, CA, Tarzana, CA, or Bakersfield, CA, Drs. Michael Vermesh and Tannaz Toloubeydokhti at the Center for Fertility and Gynecology can perform a fertility evaluation to help determine if you’re a candidate or discuss which treatments are right for your needs.
What Is Mini IVF?
Mini IVF, also called minimal stimulation IVF, is similar to traditional IVF treatment but uses less fertility medication. The goal is to stimulate the ovaries to grow extra eggs instead of as many as possible.
Like with traditional IVF, the eggs are monitored and retrieved when matured. The eggs are then fertilized in a lab to create an embryo. The resulting embryo is then placed into the uterus, and if it successfully implants, will result in pregnancy.
Candidates for Mini IVF
Mini IVF is a less intensive process than traditional IVF. It uses less fertility medication resulting in fewer injections, fewer doctor visits, lower costs, and fewer side effects, making it a good option for many people seeking fertility treatment.
Mini IVF can help many couples conceive but it isn’t right for everyone. The following are some factors that may make you a good candidate for mini IVF.
Low Ovarian Reserve
Ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs a woman has remaining in her ovaries. It’s normal for the number of eggs to decrease with age but other things can lower a woman’s ovarian reserve including injury or disease.
Women with low ovarian reserves may not have a sufficient quantity of eggs to benefit from traditional IVF, which over-stimulates the ovaries to produce as many eggs as possible. Instead they may be better served by mini IVF since it aims to produce just a few additional eggs during ovulation.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that causes the ovaries to enlarge and develop cysts. This condition can increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome when undergoing traditional IVF.
Because mini IVF uses few fertility medications, there is less risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, making it preferable for many women with PCOS.
Budget
The costs for the mini IVF procedure are typically less than traditional IVF costs. Mini IVF can be a good option for those seeking fertility treatments with a limited budget or who do not have insurance that covers fertility treatments.
Tubal Factor Infertility
Tubal factor infertility is a condition in which the fallopian tubes are blocked as a result of disease, scarring, or some other obstruction that prevents sperm from reaching an egg.
Women with tubal factor infertility may be good candidates for mini IVF since the egg is retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized in a lab.
Find Out If You’re a Candidate for Mini IVF
Mini IVF can help women and couples who have struggled to conceive become pregnant.
To find out if you’re a candidate for mini IVF, we invite you to contact our practice to schedule a consultation at the Center for Fertility and Gynecology.