Natural Cycle IVF

The rationale for natural cycle IVF is that it is more natural in that the body’s
own egg is selected for that cycle without the use of any hormones.

The cycle begins the first 3-4 days of the patient’s period where a blood test is performed (Estradiol, LH, Progesterone) and a vaginal ultrasound. Near the time of ovulation, a thin needle is guided through the vaginal wall into the ovaries. This is done under sedation. The egg is then removed and fertilized with the sperm. Once it is fertilized, the embryo is transferred into the uterus 5 days later. Transferring the embryos is a painless process and requires no anesthesia.

Patients undergoing Natural Cycle IVF are monitored carefully using blood testing and ultrasound to determine follicular diameter. When the egg is mature and ready for collection, hCG (also called “trigger shot”) is given to the patient in order to avoid ovulation before egg collection. Egg retrieval is done 32-36 hours after hCG.

Natural Cycle IVF is ideal for the following candidates:

Patients who prefer a natural approach as it is closer to natural conception
Patients who are afraid of needles
Patients who are over 35
Patients who do not respond well to stimulation
Patients who have a history of breast or ovarian cancer
Patients who had many failed IVF cycles
Patients who cannot afford the high cost of IVF medications
Patients who are unable to come for daily monitoring needed for conventional IVF

Advantages:

Natural Cycle IVF utilizes the body's normal ovulation process
Natural Cycle IVF may be repeated month after month, if necessary
Less discomfort for the patient
No risk of multiple births
No risk of hyper-stimulation
The cumulative pregnancy rate from three months of natural cycle IVF is over 50%
There are no expensive hormone injections with natural cycle IVF

Disadvantages:

Only 1 egg is retrieved and therefore you will have a maximum of one embryo if the egg fertilizes
The success rate per cycle is less than that of conventional IVF