A Guide to Natural Cycle In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
Natural cycle IVF is suitable for all women who ovulate naturally. Young women who want to avoid stimulating hormone injections can try natural cycle IVF first. It has been particularly effective in older women and in those who have responded poorly to stimulating drugs. It can also be suitable for women who want to avoid ovarian stimulation or fertility drugs as a matter of choice, and indeed for those for whom there may be no other choice, such as women at risk of hormone-related cancers. It is also safer and healthier for women than a fully stimulated cycle. The total cost is significantly less than for stimulated IVF. There is no suppression of the ovaries and associated menopausal symptoms and the treatment cycle is completed within a woman’s own menstrual cycle. The consultants at Create Health Clinic have published extensively in this field and have contributed in making Natural cycle IVF more successful. The centre puts women’s health and safety at the top of the agenda when it comes to assisted conception, physically, emotionally and financially.
WHAT IS NATURAL CYCLE IVF?
Put simply it is IVF without the use of stimulating drugs. In stimulated IVF/ICSI cycles the patient takes drugs to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. With natural cycle IVF the treatment cycle relies on the spontaneous development of one follicle only and therefore the aspiration of only one egg from the follicle (it is possible however that the cycle can have more than one egg or no eggs). There is nothing new about natural cycle IVF, in fact Louise Brown, the world’s first ‘test-tube’ baby was conceived using this method 25 years ago.
DOES THIS MEAN NO STIMULATING DRUGS ARE TAKEN WITH NATURAL CYCLE IVF?
Yes. But drugs may be given to prevent spontaneous ovulation. This is called a Controlled Natural Cycle. In addition the patient will need to take hCG (as with other less invasive treatments such as Ovulation Monitoring and Intra-Uterine Insemination) to time egg collection as well as progesterone pessaries to supplement the body’s progesterone levels. Progesterone aids implantation and supports pregnancy in its early stages.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NATURAL CYCLE IVF?
There are no side-effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), bloating, mood changes or other concerns relating to ovarian stimulation. Due to the effect of ovarian stimulation drugs on the body, patients undergoing stimulation cannot pursue consecutive cycles of treatment and need to take 2-3 months break between treatment cycles. In contrast, natural cycle patients can repeat their treatment in consecutive cycles. As only one embryo is transferred in a natural cycle, there is virtually no risk of a multiple pregnancy. Furthermore, ovarian stimulation drugs are expensive and this means that the cost of natural cycles is significantly less compared to the cost of stimulated cycles reducing costs by up to £1500 per cycle.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF NATURAL CYCLE IVF?
The success rate per cycle is low compared to stimulated IVF. There is also a small risk of spontaneous ovulation before egg collection.
WHO CAN HAVE NATURAL CYCLE IVF?
Women under the age of 45 who ovulate regularly can be considered for natural cycle IVF. Natural cycle ICSI is also offered, although patients should be informed that natural cycle ICSI success rates are lower than natural cycle IVF.
WHO CAN’T HAVE NATURAL CYCLE IVF?
Natural cycle IVF is not suitable for those who do not ovulate spontaneously. Instead they will need a Mild Stimulation option.
WHAT IS MILD IVF?
It is aimed at producing 2-7 eggs. It does not involve shutting down the hormones for 2 weeks. It is conducted in the woman’s natural menstrual cycle. Smaller dosages of stimulating drugs are given for a shorter period to help ripen the 2-7 eggs. Spontaneous ovulation is blocked with injections so that eggs could be collected. This approach is also called Soft IVF. It is safer, less expensive and avoids side-effects associated with suppression of hormones in a conventional IVF cycle. It also reduces the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
Definitions |
||
|---|---|---|
Terminology |
Aim |
Methodology |
Natural cycle IVF |
Single oocyte |
No medication |
Modified Natural cycle IVF |
Single oocyte |
hCG only Antagonist & FSH add-back |
Mild stimulation IVF |
2-7 oocytes |
Low dose FSH, oral compounds & antagonist/agonist |
Conventional IVF |
≥8 oocytes |
Downregulation weak agonist |
Please contact us today to find out more.
About the CREATE Health IVF Clinic
The Centre for Reproduction & Advanced Technology (CREATE) provides a new vision for women's health combining a holistic, evidence based approach to gynaecology, infertility, assisted conception, pregnancy-care, menopause and female endocrine problems with the most up-to-date technology such as Doppler (blood flow measurement) and 3D/4D ultrasound scanning.
The CREATE clinic offers 3 unique fertility services:
-
Natural & mild (soft) In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) CREATE is a pioneering, world-leading centre for Natural and Mild (Soft) IVF. The consultants in our clinic are world leaders in scientific publications and in providing successful Natural (without stimulating drugs) and Mild (Soft- low dose stimulation in Natural cycle) IVF. contact us today for further information.
-
One-stop fertility tests (or 'Fertility MOT's) CREATE offers one-stop fertility MOTs with a report provided immediately after the test. Each fertility test is completed within only one hour. We even offer same-day appointments. One-Stop Fertility MOT is offered to Single Women, Men and Couples. contact us today for further information.
-
Free In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) CREATE offers free IVF for women under 36 years if they are willing to share their eggs to help women who cannot produce eggs. We adhere to mild, safer stimulation protocols for all our patients to ensure the well-being of each woman and minimise the risk of Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome. The egg reserve must be normal for egg-sharers. Criteria apply. Please attend our free Saturday open days or contact us today for further information.
Located in Harley Street and West Wimbledon, London, the clinics offer a unique ‘one-stop’ diagnostic and therapeutic service, which provides each woman (or couple) rapid and easy access to a range of specialities covering every aspect of gynaecology, male and female reproductive health and care during pregnancy. Advice and care will be tailored to each individual's needs and will be sympathetic and interactive. Both clinics have a reception and consulting rooms, and our West Wimbledon clinic houses our state of the art laboratory and theatre. With a welcoming, relaxed, yet sophisticated environment and safe, holistic, treatment by pioneers, the most successful outcomes possible are ensured. Our team can now take care of patients every step of the way, assuring them of continuity of care and all the support and advice they need.
If you are interested in any of the services we provide please contact us today.