With all the buzz around “all-natural” products these days, it’s understandable to wonder if there’s a more organic method for in vitro fertilization (IVF) as well. However, at our clinic, we steer clear of offering a completely “natural” IVF protocol, which is often referred to as natural cycle IVF, because it simply isn’t the best choice for our patients.
Natural cycle IVF is akin to traditional IVF but skips the medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. For those who are averse to medication, this may sound like a dream come true. The catch, however, is that natural cycles still involve the same costly and demanding elements found in traditional IVF: frequent appointments, injections to trigger ovulation, surgical egg retrievals, and lab-based embryo development.
Research shows that natural cycle IVF has a significantly lower pregnancy success rate compared to stimulated IVF. The team here believes it’s difficult to justify putting patients through a natural cycle when success rates are so low. If you’re contemplating this route, we encourage you to fully understand what natural cycle IVF entails and weigh it against other treatment options that matter most.
How Natural Cycle IVF Differs from Traditional IVF
In a typical menstrual cycle, one egg matures within an ovarian follicle. When hormonal levels rise, the egg is released for potential fertilization. In stimulated IVF, women take medications for about 9 to 12 days to induce the growth of multiple follicles. During this stimulation, doctors monitor the patient through ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure the follicles reach the right size.
An egg retrieval procedure is then performed under anesthesia to collect the eggs, which are subsequently fertilized in the lab. The embryos are nurtured until the best ones are selected for transfer back into the uterus. Any viable embryos that aren’t used can be frozen for later use.
Conversely, natural cycle IVF only produces a single mature egg since it eliminates hormonal stimulation. Patients are still monitored to prevent premature ovulation, and if successful, the egg is retrieved and fertilized just like in stimulated IVF.
The timelines and procedures may look similar between the two methods, but the absence of medication in natural cycles means the likelihood of success is dramatically reduced.
Comparing Success Rates
When evaluating treatment options, it’s vital to look at success rates, especially when centers present their statistics. At our clinic, we emphasize understanding the data and comparing it accurately. Natural cycle IVF often requires three to four cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy, while a single stimulated IVF cycle typically yields better results.
Many cycles of natural IVF can be canceled due to premature ovulation or unsuccessful fertilization, leading to a low delivery rate, especially for women over 40. The chances of pregnancy in natural IVF are similar to those of intrauterine insemination (IUI), a less invasive and costly option. For women under 37, IUI success rates hover around 15%, but drop to 5-10% for those over 40.
The Freeze Factor
One major downside of natural cycle IVF is the inability to freeze embryos, which is an option for nearly half of the patients undergoing traditional IVF. Frozen embryos can be used in future cycles, offering additional chances at pregnancy without the need for a new cycle of ovarian stimulation. This is particularly important for women in their 30s, as it helps combat the effects of aging on fertility.
Cost Considerations
While natural cycle IVF may initially seem less expensive due to reduced medication use, it’s important to consider the overall value. The higher success rates of traditional IVF mean you’re more likely to achieve a pregnancy with fewer cycles, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
The most significant expenses in any IVF cycle come from monitoring, egg retrieval, and laboratory services, regardless of whether you’re using medications. Our clinic offers financial programs to assist patients without insurance coverage, including a Self-Pay Medication Discount Program.
Understanding Risks
It’s worth noting that ovarian stimulation does carry risks not typically seen in natural cycles, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This occurs when the body overreacts to stimulation medications, leading to fluid retention and potential complications. However, severe cases are rare, affecting only about 1% of patients due to careful monitoring.
If you’d like to learn more about these processes, check out this article on Jane Doe’s expert insights. Additionally, for information on home insemination and fertility methods, visit Healthline’s resource on IUI. You may also find useful fertility supplements at Make A Mom.
In summary, while natural cycle IVF may seem appealing, its lower success rates and limitations make it less favorable compared to stimulated IVF. Evaluating your options carefully and considering factors like success rates, cost, and the ability to freeze embryos can guide you towards a more informed decision.