In recent years, different terms have begun to be used regarding “IVF”; for example, “mini IVF,” “drug-free IVF,” “natural IVF,” or “modified natural IVF.” I wanted to write this article in order to share information with you about this topic, which we sometimes encounter in daily practice as being “confusing.”
First, let us look at these terms in a table:
| Term | Goal | Medication Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Cycle IVF | 1 egg | No medication |
| Modified Natural Cycle IVF | 1 egg | Only the trigger shot (sometimes also an injection to prevent spontaneous ovulation) |
| Conventional (Classic) IVF | ≥8 eggs | Various injections to stimulate the ovaries (for 10–12 days) |
| Mini IVF | A few eggs | Pills and a very small number of injections |
| Ultra-mini IVF | A few eggs | Pills |
The common point in all of these methods is that the egg is collected with a needle under ultrasound guidance, and then however many eggs are obtained, these egg(s) are fertilized after the sperm sample from the husband is prepared.
What is Natural Cycle IVF?
Natural Cycle IVF is IVF performed without using any medication to stimulate the ovaries. The world’s first “IVF baby,” Louise Joy Brown, was born through IVF performed in a natural cycle. However, as technology related to fertility medications developed, the idea emerged that obtaining more eggs could increase the chance of fertilization and embryo development, and therefore the use of ovarian stimulation medications came into practice.
The main advocate and pioneer of Natural Cycle IVF was Dr. Osamu Kato. The aim is to avoid increased medication costs, the psychological effects of multiple injections, and risks such as “ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome” that may occur with medication. Only one egg is obtained. An important disadvantage is that if uncontrolled, early ovulation occurs, that treatment month may be lost. In other words, the egg may be lost due to unexpected early ovulation. Another risk is that the egg may not be mature.
What is Modified Natural Cycle IVF?
In this method, no ovarian stimulation medication is given; however, a “trigger shot” is administered to support the maturation of the egg, and the goal is still one egg. Sometimes an injection to prevent ovulation may also be added. As mentioned above, its advantages are lower cost and the elimination of the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. Nevertheless, failure to obtain the egg due to early ovulation remains an important risk.
What is Conventional (Classic) IVF?
In this type of IVF, while multiple eggs are developed, different injections (agonist or antagonist injections) are also administered to prevent spontaneous ovulation. A trigger shot is given to ensure maturation, and the eggs are collected 34–36 hours after this injection.
What is Mini IVF?
Mini IVF is an IVF method performed with ovarian stimulation pills and support from a very small number of injections. The medication cost is much lower compared with conventional IVF. However, only a few (limited number of) eggs are obtained.
What is Ultra-mini IVF?
Ultra-mini IVF is performed by developing eggs with the support of pills only. It is open to different applications. Its major advantage is the low cost.
As İRENBE, we apply all IVF methods mentioned here or found in the medical literature by selecting them according to the characteristics of the couples who apply to us. However, the most important and decisive factor is “individual characteristics”: age, ovarian reserve, previous treatments, and the response to those treatments. Therefore, instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, determining the treatment according to the characteristics of the couple will be the most appropriate option.
There is something I sincerely tell our patients who apply because of infertility: Our goal is for all of them to meet their babies in good health.
Prof. Dr. Ümit İnceboz
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist