Natural Cycle IVF

What does the term 'natural cycle IVF' means?

IVF, as you may know, stands for in vitro fertilization. In other words, in IVF the fertilization occurs in the laboratory and not inside the female body. In a usual IVF cycle, the female is given ovulation induction drugs to ensure the production of more eggs during ovulation. A natural cycle IVF, on the other hand, is an IVF cycle in which the ovulation is not manipulated. That is, the ovulation occurs normally, resulting in production of only one egg. And it is this egg, produced through normal ovulation, which is fertilized in the laboratory, much like what happens in a usual IVF cycle, by bringing it in contact with sperm.

How can I know for sure if natural cycle IVF is for me?

A natural cycle IVF is a good option for you if you have regular menstruation cycles and ovulate normally and if any of the following holds true for you:

• You cannot take fertility drugs (for example: fertility drugs may not be suitable for cancer patients and women who have an increased risk of ovarian hyper-stimulation)
• You do not want to interfere with the natural ovulation process because of religious or personal beliefs

What are the different steps involved in a natural cycle IVF?

Apart from the ovulation induction step, a natural cycle IVF is identical to the usual IVF cycle. Shared ahead is a brief description of the steps you would go through if you opt for this fertility treatment:

Step 1 - Collection of your egg and sperm

Experts at your clinic will collect your egg during ovulation. At the same time, your male partner will asked to give a sperm sample.

Step 2 - Fertilization

Next, the experts will bring the egg and sperm together to initiate fertilization.

Step 3 - Observing the embryo

The fertilized egg, or embryo, will be observed for a day or two to ascertain everything is going alright.

Step 4 - Implantation of the embryo in your womb

Lastly, the doctors will implant the embryo in your uterus. 

Once the embryo is implanted, there is nothing to do but wait. After 10-15 days, you will have to undergo certain tests-probably a blood test and an ultrasound test-to check if the treatment is successful.

What are the risks associated with a natural cycle IVF?

A natural cycle IVF is safer than the usual IVF on two counts:

• It does not require administration of fertility drugs. Therefore you do not experience the side effects of these drugs; and
• Only one embryo is implanted, so the risk of multiple births is considerably less-almost as low as it is in natural pregnancy.

What are the success rates of natural IVF?

A lot of information is not available about how successful, or unsuccessful, this fertility treatment is. Whatever information is available point towards only one thing-the natural IVF is not as successful as the conventional IVF. This is because in a natural cycle IVF only one egg is used, whereas in a conventional cycle IVF multiple eggs are used.