Once you have decided to proceed with in-vitro fertilization (IVF), the next big decision is which approach you should choose. A gynecologist in Mulund will explain the different protocols used during IVF, including their timelines, costs, and success rates. The two most commonly discussed options are natural and stimulated IVF. Each option has its risks and benefits. Let’s explore both in detail.
Overview of Natural IVF Cycle
If you have regular ovulation, a natural IVF cycle can be a good option. Also called drug-free IVF, the procedure doesn’t involve heavy drug use for ovarian stimulation. Instead, your gynecologist follows your body’s natural ovulation cycle to get a single egg that’s used for fertilization outside your body.
The process, however, is not completely drug-free. You need a trigger shot to prepare the egg for retrieval. Progesterone supplementation is also needed to prepare your uterine lining for implantation. The rest of the steps, i.e., egg retrieval, fertilization with the partner’s sperm, embryo transfer, and pregnancy tests, will be similar to stimulated IVF.
Pros
- Gentler Approach: It doesn’t put your body through stress or side effects from continuous hormonal injections.
- No Ethical Concerns: If you are worried about embryo disposal, natural IVF is your best bet.
- Requires Fewer Medications: You only need a trigger shot for egg maturation.
- Affordable Option: Since fewer medicines are needed, the option is relatively more affordable than stimulated IVF.
Cons
- Low success rate
- Only a single embryo can be created
- Not viable for women with irregular ovulation
Overview of Stimulated IVF Cycle
When you discuss fertility treatment in Mulund with a gynecologist, they are most likely talking about stimulated IVF. Your fertility specialist prescribes hormonal medication, containing FSH and LH hormones, to trigger your ovaries to produce, mature, and then release multiple eggs. These are then retrieved under sedation through a minimally invasive procedure. The key difference between natural and stimulated IVF is the use of hormonal medication in stimulated IVF.
Pros
- Multiple Egg Retrieval: Ovarian stimulating medication produces multiple eggs, which can be used for fertilization. This also allows you to reserve some embryos for later use through freezing. If your first IVF cycle fails, you can use the preserved embryos for subsequent cycles.
- Higher Success Rate: Multiple egg retrieval increases your chances of a successful IVF cycle.
- Best for PCOS: If you have ovulation disorders or PCOS, you may not be a good candidate for natural IVF. Stimulated ovulation is your best option.
- Advanced Fertility Procedures: It allows you to use eggs for advanced fertility procedures, like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT).
Cons
- You need hormonal shots every day for 8-14 days
- Possible side effects from medication include bloating, cramps, and mood swings
- Increased risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Natural IVF Vs Stimulated IVF: Which is Best
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your preference, budget, medical history, age, and the cause of your infertility. If you have a normal ovulation cycle and are okay with a slightly lesser chance of success, natural IVF may be a suitable choice. If you can handle medications and extra costs just to increase your success rate, stimulated IVF is the best alternative.