Minimal Stimulation IVF

A balanced approach to fertility treatment. Discover your options for successful IVF with fewer eggs.

Minimal Stimulation IVF

What is Minimal Stimulation IVF?

Minimal stimulation IVF uses some combination of medications to stimulate the ovaries. In this method, fewer eggs are retrieved than with standard IVF, and more eggs than with natural cycle IVF.

Why choose Minimal Stimulation IVF to build your family?

People often choose minimal stimulation IVF because it's less physically demanding, carries a lower risk of side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and is considered more affordable due to lower doses of fertility drugs. Shorter treatment cycles, reduced hormone levels, and the appeal of a more natural fertility process also make it an appealing option for those considering treatment.

It can be particularly suitable for older patients, those with diminished ovarian reserves, or those who have had adverse reactions to the intensive hormone treatments involved in standard IVF. Additionally, it aligns with the desires of those looking to avoid the ethical dilemmas of excess embryos.

How does Minimal Stimulation IVF compare to other types of in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Minimal stimulation IVF differs from other forms of IVF primarily in the intensity of ovarian stimulation. Unlike standard IVF, which employs a robust combination of medications to prevent premature ovulation and to stimulate the production of a large number of eggs, minimal stimulation IVF uses fewer and often milder drugs with the goal of collecting fewer eggs.

This is in contrast to natural cycle IVF, which does not use stimulation medication and relies on the natural selection of a single egg. While natural cycle IVF often has a higher cancellation rate due to the challenges of retrieving the single available egg, which may not always be mature or become fertilized, minimal stimulation IVF aims to strike a balance by retrieving more eggs than the natural cycle IVF method but fewer than the standard approach.

Minimal stimulation IVF can result in fewer embryos than standard IVF, but more than natural cycle IVF. This can offer a middle ground in terms of egg quantity and associated risks and side effects.

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Minimal stimulation IVF with Clomid is less effective than standard in vitro fertilization

Clomid is an oral medication that has been used for over 40 years in women with infertility. Clomid stimulates the pituitary gland to trigger stimulation of the ovaries. The result is the growth and development of a few eggs. When the ovaries are stimulated, at a certain point the pituitary gland will trigger ovulation. In order to perform IVF, this signal from the pituitary gland must be blocked or at least controlled. Otherwise, many IVF cycles would be cancelled. A group of medications known as GnRH antagonists may be used to prevent ovulation.

A few small studies have been published using clomiphene citrate for in vitro fertilization. One study, published in 2003, evaluated 33 infertile couples who used clomid and compared them to 156 couples who went through standard in vitro fertilization. The group that used clomiphene citrate ended up with fewer eggs, less embryos, less embryos transferred and less embryos that could be frozen. The pregnancy rate was less than one-half of the pregnancy rate of the standard in vitro fertilization group. This was due to a much lower implantation rate. In other words, the number of pregnancies produced per embryo transferred was much lower.

The authors suggested that the lower rate of implantation and pregnancy rate might have been due to adverse effects of the clomiphene citrate on the uterine lining rather than an effect of the embryos themselves.

Although each clomiphene citrate cycle was less expensive to perform, the couples would be predicted to spend more money overall because they would require a greater number of attempts to get the same number of pregnancies.

IVF1 Flower Pattern

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Patient Testimonials

He is a very professional and good doctor. the whole clinic is very nice. all the staff are amazing. The doctor operated on me for endometriosis and I got pregnant during the second IVF. we have a wonderful 1 year old son. thank you doctor we still have an embryo, I think I will definitely come back to you in a year or two.

Ziva Ru

Dr. Morris is by far the best fertility doctor! When I transferred to IVF1 from my previous fertility doctor, he read all my medical records in depth. Never once did I feel stressed or unsure of what was happening. The entire staff there is so nice and make you feel so comfortable. It was so easy to schedule appointments, get medications, or ask a nurse a question. My calls were always returned within 20 minutes. I highly recommend IVF1! Dr. Morris made it possible for us to get pregnant!

Lisa

I’m so grateful to have been referred to Dr. Morris and his team! I’ve spent the last month or so working with the team and they’ve made what is naturally a hard process both mentally and physically as comforting and easy as possible. Dr. Morris’s success rates speak for themselves, but what I want to let everyone know is that he is equally comforting. A special thank you to Jocelyne, Pam and Barbie, these three women on his staff from front desks to RNs really have made the experience an extremely positive one. PS. My cousin who referred me to Dr. Morris has a smart, healthy and beautiful baby boy who he helped bring into this world!

Alex Villa

The staff is amazing here. I’m in the middle of IVF and had an issue with a medication and they went above and beyond to make sure everything was done to continue our journey (on the weekend no less); truly above and beyond. The staff are very caring and professional. Definitely recommend Dr. Morris and this amazing practice.

Megan Buetikofer

Amazing staff. They made us feel like family. They cried when I called to tell them the birth of our daughter. Starting round two next month. Simply the best. They care!

BT Warner

I honestly can’t praise this company enough. Dr. Randy Morris bedside manner is absolutely amazing, his staff professionalism and customer service is also amazing. Your experience with this company will be nothing but perfect. From the initial call to the receptionist. To speaking with the nursing staff, billing, etc. everyone wants to help you with family planning. No matter what my outcome is, I know I’m with a co that will make sure I have the best chances. Thank you to Dr Randy Morris and Staff a bunch!

Misty Johnson

Dr. Morris and staff were very friendly. Dr. Morris was very informative and patient with answering all questions I had. We were uncertain on the options and next steps to take and Dr. Morris explained all the details and options we have. Excellent staff and a great doc.

Jenita Crawford

Thanks to Dr.Morris I am holding today my little dream girl. I don't have enough words to express how thankful I am to him and everyone working in IVF1 Naperville. Highly recomend Dr.Morris and his clinic to everyone looking for real professional help and attitude!

Petya Vasilev

I don't even know where to start...THANK YOU! Thank you for giving us our son. We went through a year of IVF. Although there may have been things I didn't want to hear (chances of pregnancy, factors out of our control, etc.) it was important to hear the truth and know what our chances were. The staff was always great with us and they were very patient. They really have everything figured out and what the best options out for outcomes. I never felt pressured to make certain decisions and always felt well informed. Again, I can't thank Dr. Morris and all his staff for everything!!!

Lauren Throm
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