Natural Cycle IVF, also known as natural cycle in vitro fertilisation, is a fertility treatment that works with your body’s natural menstrual cycle. Unlike conventional IVF, which involves ovulation induction through hormone stimulation, this approach collects and fertilises the single egg your body naturally releases each month.
How Does Natural Cycle IVF Work?
The natural IVF process follows your body’s natural ovulation cycle with minimal or no medication. The steps include:
- Monitoring your cycle – Tracking your natural ovulation through ultrasounds and hormone tests.
- Egg retrieval – Collecting the naturally mature egg under sedation.
- Fertilisation – The retrieved egg is fertilised with sperm in the lab as part of the in vitro fertilisation process.
- Embryo transfer procedure – The resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus on day 3 or 5 of embryo development.
Who is Natural Cycle IVF Suitable For?
Natural cycle IVF is ideal for:
- Women who prefer a minimal-medication approach to fertility treatments.
- Those who cannot take fertility drugs due to medical conditions or ongoing cancer treatment.
- Individuals who do not wish to freeze extra embryos.
- Women who want to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Benefits of Natural Cycle IVF
- Lower medication exposure – Avoids the risks associated with ovarian hyperstimulation.
- Fewer side effects – Reduced risk of bloating, mood swings, and discomfort.
- More natural process – Works with your body’s biological rhythm rather than altering it.
- Cost-effective – The cost of natural IVF treatment in the UK is lower than traditional IVF due to minimal medication use.
Natural IVF Cycle Success Rates
Natural IVF cycle success rates vary depending on age, egg quality, and overall fertility health. While success rates may be lower than traditional IVF, younger women or those with good ovarian reserve have a higher likelihood of success.
How Does Natural Modified IVF Differ from Traditional IVF?
- Natural modified IVF involves mild stimulation to support the natural follicle, whereas traditional IVF uses high doses of hormones to stimulate multiple egg production.
- Natural cycle in vitro fertilisation produces one high-quality egg, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a common side effect of traditional IVF.
Risks and Limitations of Natural Cycle IVF
- Lower chance of fertilisation – Since only one egg is retrieved, there is no backup if fertilisation fails.
- No embryo freezing options – Unlike traditional IVF, surplus embryos are not available for future attempts.
- Success rates may vary – They are suitable for specific patient groups, but not all.
Cost of Natural IVF Treatment in the UK
The cost of natural cycle IVF in the UK varies by clinic but is generally lower than conventional IVF due to the absence of hormone stimulation drugs. However, multiple cycles may be needed for a higher chance of success.
Natural cycle IVF and natural modified IVF offer a promising alternative for those seeking a more natural, minimal-intervention approach to fertility treatment. Consult with a fertility expert to explore the best options for your journey to parenthood.
Embrace a Natural Path to Parenthood with IVF London
Experience fertility treatment that works in harmony with your body. With Natural Cycle IVF at IVF London, you can achieve pregnancy with minimal intervention. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a more natural conception!
FAQs
- What is natural cycle IVF?
Natural cycle IVF is a fertility treatment that works with a woman’s natural menstrual cycle to retrieve and fertilise the single egg released naturally each month. - How does natural cycle IVF work?
The process includes monitoring ovulation, retrieving the egg, fertilising it in the lab, and transferring the embryo back to the uterus. - What are the success rates of natural IVF cycles?
Natural IVF cycle success rates depend on factors like age, egg quality, and reproductive health. Younger women with good ovarian reserve have higher success rates. - How does naturally modified IVF differ from traditional IVF?
Natural modified IVF uses mild stimulation to support egg development, whereas traditional IVF involves high-dose hormonal stimulation to retrieve multiple eggs. - What are the benefits of choosing natural cycle IVF over conventional IVF?
Natural cycle IVF offers a more natural approach, fewer medications, reduced risk of side effects, and lower costs compared to conventional IVF. - Is natural IVF suitable for all women?
It is ideal for women with regular cycles and good egg quality but may not be suitable for those with low ovarian reserve or severe fertility issues. - What are the risks of natural cycle IVF?
Since only one egg is retrieved, there is a lower chance of fertilisation and no surplus embryos for future use. - What is the cost of natural IVF treatment in the UK?
The cost varies by clinic but is generally lower than traditional IVF due to reduced medication usage. Multiple cycles may be needed for better chances of success.