What is self IVF

Self  IVF, also known as natural or mild IVF, is a fertility treatment that involves minimal medical intervention. Unlike conventional IVF, which relies on high doses of fertility medications to stimulate egg production, self  IVF focuses on retrieving naturally matured eggs or using mild stimulation. This approach is ideal for women who prefer a less invasive, more natural fertility treatment with fewer side effects.

How Does Self  IVF Work?

The self  IVF process follows a similar structure to traditional IVF but with fewer medications and interventions:

1. Minimal Stimulation or Natural Cycle: In a natural cycle, no fertility drugs are used, while in mild stimulation IVF, small doses of medications are administered to encourage egg development.
2. Monitoring: Ultrasounds and hormone tests track egg growth and ovulation.
3. Egg Retrieval: When the egg is mature, it is retrieved using a minor procedure.
4. Fertilization: The egg is fertilized with sperm in a lab.
5. Embryo Transfer: The best-quality embryo is transferred to the uterus for implantation.

Benefits of Self IVF

• Reduced Medication Use: Lower doses or no fertility drugs minimize the risk of side effects.
• Lower Costs: Since fewer medications are required, self  IVF is often more affordable than conventional IVF.
• Less Stress on the Body: Avoids the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and other complications linked to high-dose hormone treatments.
• More Natural Approach: Works with the body’s natural cycle, making it an appealing option for women who prefer minimal medical intervention.
• Suitable for Certain Conditions: Women with low ovarian reserve, hormone sensitivities, or those wanting to avoid high-dose stimulation may benefit from self  IVF.

Who Can Consider Self IVF?

Self  IVF is a good option for:

• Women under 35 with regular menstrual cycles
• Individuals with ethical or religious concerns about excess embryo creation
• Those with a history of poor response to fertility drugs
• Women with low ovarian reserve who still produce quality eggs

Limitations of Self IVF

• Lower Success Rates: Since fewer eggs are retrieved, the chances of fertilization and implantation may be lower compared to conventional IVF.
• More Cycles May Be Needed: Some patients may require multiple cycles to achieve pregnancy.
• Not Suitable for Severe Infertility Cases: Women with severe ovulation disorders or male infertility factors may need conventional IVF with advanced techniques like ICSI treatment.

Conclusion:

Self IVF offers a natural and less invasive alternative to conventional IVF. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it can be a beneficial choice for women looking for a gentler approach to fertility treatment. Consulting an infertility specialist is essential to determine whether self  IVF is the right option based on individual fertility health and treatment goals.