Mild Stimulation IVF Therapy
Mild Stimulation IVF is a gentler, patient-friendly approach to in vitro fertilization that uses lower doses of fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries.
What is Mild Stimulation IVF?
Mild Stimulation IVF involves using reduced doses of ovarian stimulation drugs to encourage the development of fewer, but higher-quality eggs in a woman’s natural menstrual cycle. Unlike conventional IVF, which aims to produce a large number of eggs through high-dose medications, mild IVF focuses on quality over quantity. This approach reduces the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and lessens the physical and emotional burden on the patient while maintaining comparable success rates to traditional IVF.
Purpose of Mild Stimulation IVF
The primary goal is to work harmoniously with the body’s natural cycle to retrieve fewer but better-quality eggs, thereby improving embryo quality and implantation rates. Mild stimulation also aims to minimize medication side effects, shorten treatment duration to about two weeks, and reduce overall treatment costs. It is especially beneficial for women who want to avoid the risks and discomforts associated with high-dose fertility drugs.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Consultation & Evaluation
A detailed assessment including medical history, ovarian reserve testing, and fertility evaluation is conducted to determine if mild stimulation IVF is appropriate.
2. Cycle Initiation
The treatment typically begins early in the menstrual cycle without hormone suppression (no down regulation), using lower doses of injectable FSH or oral medications like Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid).
3. Ovarian Stimulation
Lower doses of fertility drugs are administered for about 5–9 days to stimulate follicle growth, aiming for development of fewer but high-quality follicles.
4. Monitoring
Regular ultrasounds and blood tests monitor follicle growth and hormone levels to optimize timing and dosage while preventing overstimulation.
5. Ovulation Trigger
When follicles reach maturity, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a GnRH agonist is given to trigger ovulation.
6. Egg Retrieval
Eggs are collected through a minimally invasive procedure under sedation or local anesthesia.
7. Fertilization & Embryo Transfer
Retrieved eggs are fertilized in the lab, and embryos are cultured before one or more are transferred to the uterus.
8. Post-Procedure Care & Follow-Up
Patients are monitored for pregnancy and any side effects, with follow-up visits to assess cycle outcomes and plan further treatment if needed.
Ideal Candidates
- Women with normal or diminished ovarian reserve seeking fewer medications
- Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Women wishing to minimize medication side effects and reduce treatment burden
- Those at risk of OHSS or with previous poor responses to high-dose stimulation
- Couples with male-factor infertility or unexplained infertility
- Women under 35 or those preferring a gentler, more natural IVF approach.
Success Rate
Studies show that mild stimulation IVF achieves pregnancy rates comparable to conventional IVF, with clinical pregnancy rates around 15–20% per cycle depending on patient factors. While fewer eggs are retrieved, the quality tends to be higher, and implantation rates may improve due to a more favorable uterine environment. Mild IVF also significantly reduces the risk of OHSS and treatment-related complications.
Conclusion
Mild Stimulation IVF offers a balanced, patient-centered alternative to conventional IVF, combining effectiveness with fewer side effects and lower medication use. At advanced fertility centers, this approach is gaining popularity for its safety, comfort, and promising outcomes. It is particularly beneficial for women seeking a gentler treatment or those with specific fertility challenges.
Book your consultation with our fertility specialists to explore if Mild Stimulation IVF is the right choice for your fertility journey.