What is Mini IVF?

Mini IVF is the reduced use of protocols to govern in vitro fertilization, while there is no standardized nomenclature or even a set of standardized protocols governing mini IVF, it typically involves the usage of fewer medications, to produce a fewer quantity of high-quality eggs. While the procedure may not have enough back-up options in contingency, for several couples a mini IVF works just as fine and they are able to attain conception and pregnancy.

Top Reasons to Do Mini IVF

There are several reasons for opting for a Mini IVF as opposed to a conventional one. One of the most important reasons is a low or diminished ovarian reserve that makes it difficult for women to respond well to higher dosages of medication. That there is no possibility of increasing the ovarian reserve, it makes no sense to opt for them. On the other end of the spectrum, there could be those who may be suffering from the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. Fewer medications mean a reduced risk of hyperstimulation.
Cost is another important consideration, as fewer medications result in reduced costs. Also, fewer medications is consistent with the growing belief that is better to go natural than stimulate hormonal changes via medications.

Mini IVF Protocol

As stated earlier, there is no specific protocol governing the Mini IVF procedure. The usage of fewer oral and injected medications is used in Mini IVF, while a more conventional version uses only injected medications. Also, the dosages involved in Mini IVF are smaller than a conventional one.

Mini IVF Process

Despite the reduced usage and dosage of medication in a Mini IVF, the process governing the IVF itself remains consistent with the conventional one. In total, there are four stages of the mini IVF process – ovarian stimulation, egg & sperm retrieval, fertilization & development of the embryo, and finally the embryo transfer stage.

The ovarian stimulation stage involves taking hormone-based medication which stimulates the development of small but good quality eggs. This begins 2-4 days after the commencement of the women’s natural menstrual cycle. Once the follicles reach an appropriate size – as evidenced in an ultrasound, additional medication may be given for final maturation and preparation for retrieval.

The egg retrieval procedure is carried out as a day-procedure wherein the doctor will retrieve the matured follicles while sperm can be collected via ejaculation into a sterile cup. Egg retrieval is a vital component of the Mini IVF cycle. Following the retrieval, the fertilization happens similar to a conventional IVF, while in some cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection may be preferred. The development will continue for the usual 3-5-day period before the embryo is transferred to the uterus for further development.