What is Natural IVF?

Natural IVF refers to the stimulation of ovaries via natural methods and not using any medication. The patient is monitored closely with ultrasounds and bloodwork – and eggs are allowed to develop in the natural course without any outside assistance. The follicles will grow naturally and doctors will continue to observe the same and will proceed with the IVF cycle when they have reached the appropriate size and maturity.

Who is it for?

Natural IVF is an option for those who seek to avoid multiple births or may be suffering from any kind of ovarian hyperstimulation. Also, those who are very keen to avoid the usage of excessive medications and/or interventions can also opt for this form of IVF. The decreased usage of medication means lesser costs and side effects of hormonal changes but it might also mean that if naturally, you are unable to maintain adequate levels of hormones, it might be difficult either to conceive or sustain the pregnancy.

What are the Benefits of Natural IVF?

In addition to cost benefits, natural IVF ensures that there is a lesser impact of medications and hormonal changes on the body. By opting for a natural process, the possibility of multiple births is also reduced and there will be no need to go for freezing of the embryos when you opt for a natural IVF process.

What are the Natural IVF Success Rates?

Natural IVF success rates are slightly lower than the standard IVF, given that lack of clinical intervention by means of medication means that there is a possibility of failure either with the embryo transfer, embedding, or the actual pregnancy. Provided all the conditions are met, and there are no complications – natural IVF is a viable option. However, given that ideal conditions are a rarity, the success rates are also slightly lower.

What to Expect from a FET?

For frozen transfers, the time frame once again differs from patient to patient. This is dependent on the parent’s cycle, the lining development, and response to medications being used. As the amount of time spent on estrogen therapy prior to the introduction of progesterone is highly varied and is determined with the help of ultrasound and blood work monitoring, the actual day of the embryo transfer is variable.

In a frozen embryo transfer, the transfer can be customized to the individual’s cycle and be based on the response to the medications.