It is natural when we talk about IVF to imagine that everything is done intrusively. In this method your natural cycle can play an important role.  An admirable collaboration of science and nature to create a new life.

In vitro in a natural cycle

Another advanced method that is helping many women experience the gift of motherhood is natural cycle IVF, providing an additional alternative to conventional intrauterine insemination.

Which women concern

This method has a wide range of application. Let’s see in which cases it is suitable;

• When a woman’s ovarian or egg supply is low.
• Conventional IVF with high stimulation did not have the expected response, if for example the patient produced less than three eggs.
• Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are low and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are high.
• Women who do not want to undergo the procedure of highly stimulated IVF because of the fear of the risks and side effects that may occur.
• Older women who want to try their own eggs rather than donor eggs.
• When there is a contraindication to stimulant drugs.
• When there is a story hormone-dependent cancers.
• Women with a history of multiple failed IVF attempts or miscarriages.
• Women who have already had a child in the past and do not wish to create multiple
• embryos (secondary infertility).
• Ovaries did not respond well to previous IVF attempts after medication.
• When the patient has a history of developing poor quality embryos in previous attempts after multifollicular stimulation.

How natural cycle IVF works

Let’s see the procedure that will be followed which combines the cooperation of IVF treatment and your natural cycle;

Phase 1: Sperm processing  

In this case the quality of the sperm must be examined before the procedure begins, especially if it comes from your partner. If all conditions are met, the sperm will be collected and prepared in the laboratory, in the usual way indicated by the IVF procedure.

In case the sperm comes from a donor, it is ready for the specific procedure, since it has already been prepared before being frozen by the blood bank.

2nd phase: Ovulation control

Your doctor will pinpoint the exact time of your ovulation, as well as when you should retrieve your mature eggs. This check is done by ultrasound monitoring, hormone and blood testing, about 3 times during your cycle.

When the dominant follicle reaches the appropriate size, which is more than 17 mm, you will be given a dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) that replaces the natural surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) to mature the egg contained in the follicle.

3rd phase: Guided egg-retrieval

This is followed by an ultrasound-guided retrieval of the egg. The procedure is done under local anesthesia or sedation and takes place around the day ovulation would normally occur.

After the process, you can return to your activities without feeling the slightest discomfort.

4th phase: Fertilization of the egg

Fertilization can be done in two ways. The first is the more natural conventional IVF. The mature egg is fertilized when it comes into contact with the prepared sperm sample, through natural selection.

The second is more invasive and involves intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which a single sperm is selected by the embryologist based on its morphology and motility and injected into an egg. You and your doctor will decide which method is right for you.

5th phase: Embryo transfer

Once the egg is fertilized, the embryo is cultured in the laboratory (in vitro) and if its development is appropriate, which happens in about 60% of the cases, it is transferred and deposited in your uterus on the 2nd or 3rd day of culture. The egg is found in 80% of cases and its micro-fertilization (ICSI) with the partner’s sperm follows.

6th stage: Pregnancy

After 14 days from the embryo transfer, you will have a pregnancy test through a blood test.

What are the benefits of natural IVF?

• You take little to no stimulation medication, reducing by this way associated side effects that help you keep your natural cycle in prime condition for a successful embryo implantation and better egg quality.
• You won’t get injections, but even if you do need them, you’ll get very few.
• The risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) can be reduced or even eliminated.
• The risk of multiple pregnancies is reduced to a very low degree, since this method stimulates a maximum of 3 eggs, so there is complete control over the number of embryos that will be implanted. However, there is a chance that something can get out of hand if during transfer an embryo splits and twins result.
• This particular procedure does not require general anesthesia.
• Studies show that by avoiding hormone medication, your uterus is more receptive – and its lining is healthier – and your eggs are of higher quality, factors that increase your chances of successful implantation.
• No rest period is required as the natural cycle does not strain and stress the body, unlike traditional hormonal stimulation which puts a strain on your ovaries.
• It costs less than conventional IVF as it requires little to no medication and anesthesia to stimulate the follicles.
• There are higher success rates, especially if you and your partner are young and healthy, and even from the very first try.
• Natural cycle IVF is a great alternative if you are over 35, depending on your overall health, of course, you and your partner.

As a conclusion, one thing is for sure. The science will continue to constantly discover new ways in the field of infertility, so that you can safely, with higher levels of success and even higher levels of happiness, hold your baby in your arms.