Many patients choose mini-IVF for its lower cost, but there are a number of other benefits as well:
Mini-IVF is an option for many women considering the IVF form of infertility treatment. But it is not advisable for all such women. Mini-IVF is especially beneficial for patients who meet the following criteria.
During a standard IVF cycle, ovaries are stimulated with the goal of producing a maximum number of eggs (usually 10-15). When a woman has diminished ovarian reserve her ovaries contain few eggs and/or eggs of poor quality. So even with fertility medication, she will not produce the high number of eggs needed for standard IVF. Mini-IVF uses fewer eggs, which is more attainable for women with diminished ovarian reserve.
Because mini-IVF uses a lower dose of medication, it reduces the risk of developing drug reactions. Certain reactions, including ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS), can slow down the fertility treatment process or interfere with it completely. Many women and couples have a general desire to use fewer medications when possible, and often a specific desire to use fewer drugs in conception.
Since mini-IVF uses less medication and requires fewer office visits than standard IVF, it is significantly less expensive. The lower cost of mini-IVF can be especially beneficial if the first round is unsuccessful, because it gives couples the option to try again without having to pay for another full cycle of standard IVF.
Mini-IVF is a great option for infertile couples needing IVF who have particularly busy schedules. It requires fewer clinic visits, blood work and ultrasounds than standard IVF.