Natural IVF and Stimulated IVF are two types of IVF treatments. In Natural IVF, no strong medicines are used. The doctor takes out one egg that the woman’s body makes naturally every month. This method is soft on the body and uses very few medicines. In Stimulated IVF, the woman takes special injections to make more eggs. This helps the doctor collect more eggs in one cycle. Both methods are helpful but still there are many things that one needs to know before choosing.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi has helped many couples to become parents. She understands that every woman is different and needs care. In this blog, we will talk more about Natural IVF and Stimulated IVF. We will help you understand both and choose what’s best for you.
What is Natural IVF?
Natural IVF is a simple form of IVF treatment that follows the woman’s natural menstrual cycle. In this method, the doctor collects the one egg that the body naturally produces each month. It is often called IVF without injections, because it uses little to no fertility medication. After collecting the egg, it is fertilized with sperm in the lab. If it grows into a healthy embryo then it is placed back into the uterus.
This method is a good option for women who have a low egg count. Women who are sensitive to medicines or prefer a more natural approach can also go for this method. Natural IVF has fewer side effects because it involves fewer medicines. It is easier on the body and is more affordable compared to traditional IVF.
What is Stimulated IVF?
Stimulated IVF is the most common type of IVF treatment. In this process, the woman takes hormone injections for a few days. It helps her ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of just one. These eggs are then collected by the doctor and fertilized with sperm in the lab. Once healthy embryos are formed, one or more are placed back into the uterus.
Stimulated IVF is helpful for women who want to increase their chances of pregnancy in one cycle. It’s helpful for especially those with fertility issues or who are trying IVF for the first time. The main benefit is that it gives more eggs to work with, which means more chances to create embryos. This method is often recommended for women with a good egg reserve and those who want to freeze extra embryos for future use.
Key Differences Between Natural and Stimulated IVF
Natural IVF and Stimulated IVF are both types of IVF. However, they differ mainly in the amount of medication used and the number of eggs collected. Natural IVF uses little to no medication and usually results in just one egg being collected. However, in Stimulated IVF, hormone injections produce multiple eggs. Below is a simple comparison of both methods:
Feature | Natural IVF | Stimulated IVF |
Medications Used | Very few or none | Hormone injections |
Number of Eggs Collected | One egg | Multiple eggs |
Side Effects | Few or none | Possible side effects from meds |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Best For | Women with low egg reserves or who prefer a natural approach | Women who need more eggs for better chances of success |
Which One Might Be Better for You?
The best IVF method for you depends on your individual health and fertility needs. Natural IVF is a gentler approach with fewer medications and Stimulated IVF offers a higher chance of success by producing more eggs. Below is a simple guide to help you understand which method might be a better fit for you:
Natural IVF:
- Best for women with low egg reserve or who prefer a natural approach.
- No or minimal medication (IVF without injections).
- Usually only one egg is retrieved, which may lower success chances.
- Fewer side effects from fewer medications.
- Lower cost compared to Stimulated IVF.
Stimulated IVF:
- Ideal for women who want to increase their chances by having multiple eggs.
- Involves hormone injections to produce more eggs.
- Higher chances of success due to multiple eggs being collected.
- Possible side effects from the medications.
- Higher cost because of the medications and more intensive procedures.
Important Note: It’s best to consult a fertility expert and discuss your health and medical history to find the right approach. You can also consult senior IVF specialist Dr. Rita Bakshi at RISAA IVF for the best advice and care.
Final Words
If you’re also planning for fertility treatment then choosing between Natural IVF and Stimulated IVF is an important decision. In this blog, we’ve explained both IVF methods, their benefits, and the differences between them. We’ve also shared a simple comparison to help you understand the options better. It’s best to talk to a fertility expert to decide which treatment works best for you, so your journey to become parents becomes easier.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi has helped many couples to fulfill their dream of having a baby. The RISAA IVF team is here to guide and support you through every step of your fertility treatment. For more information or to get a personalized plan, you can contact us at the phone numbers or email below. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is natural IVF better than regular IVF?
Natural IVF is a gentler approach with fewer medications, making it suitable for those seeking a less invasive option. However, traditional IVF often offers higher success rates due to the use of multiple eggs.
- Is a natural IVF cycle better than medicated?
A natural IVF cycle involves minimal medication and fewer side effects, but it typically results in only one egg being retrieved, which may lower success rates compared to medicated cycles that produce multiple eggs.
- Is it better to try naturally or IVF?
It’s generally advisable to attempt natural conception first, especially if you’re under 35 and have no known fertility issues. IVF is often considered when natural conception hasn’t been successful after a year of trying.
- What does it mean to be overstimulated in IVF?
Ovarian overstimulation in IVF refers to a condition where the ovaries become swollen and painful due to excessive response to fertility medications, potentially leading to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
- What is 14 days of stimulation IVF?
In IVF, ovarian stimulation typically lasts about 8 to 14 days, during which hormone injections are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs for retrieval.
- What is the success rate of natural IVF?
Natural IVF cycles generally have a success rate of about 10% to 15% per cycle, depending on factors like the woman’s age and overall fertility health.
- What is natural treatment for IVF?
Natural IVF treatment involves using the body’s natural menstrual cycle without the use of stimulating medications, aiming to retrieve one egg for fertilization.
- Who is a good candidate for natural IVF?
Ideal candidates for natural IVF are women with a low egg reserve or those who prefer a less invasive approach, and who have a regular menstrual cycle and are under 40 years old.
