Natural cycle IVF is a fertility treatment in which the woman does not receive hormonal medication to stimulate the ovaries. Unlike conventional IVF, no injections are used to develop multiple follicles or retrieve multiple eggs.
What Is the Process of IVF Without Medication?
In natural cycle IVF, the woman’s natural cycle is closely monitored through ultrasound scans and hormone tests to track the development of the single egg her body produces. When the egg is mature, it is retrieved through a minor procedure. The egg is then fertilized in the laboratory with sperm, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.
When Is Natural Cycle IVF Recommended?
This approach may be indicated in the following cases:
- Poor ovarian response to stimulation, resulting in the development of only one or two eggs, even after high-dose medication
- Medical reasons or personal preference to avoid ovarian stimulation medications
- Previous failed IVF attempts with conventional stimulation protocols
What Are the Advantages of Natural Cycle IVF?
Natural cycle IVF is a simpler, less invasive alternative to conventional IVF, with several potential benefits:
- Minimal physical and emotional stress
- No need to alter daily routine
- Can be repeated in back-to-back cycles
- The retrieved egg may be of higher quality compared to stimulated cycles
- The endometrium remains more receptive, as it is not exposed to stimulation drugs
- No risk of multiple pregnancies, which are associated with higher rates of miscarriage or premature birth
- No risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Lower overall cost compared to conventional IVF
What Are the Disadvantages of Natural Cycle IVF?
The primary limitation of natural cycle IVF is its lower success rate, since only one egg is typically retrieved per cycle, which reduces the chances of fertilization and pregnancy. Additionally, the process requires precise and frequent monitoring to ensure the optimal timing for egg retrieval and embryo transfer.