Natural Cycle IVF
Natural Cycle is an option for women who do not respond well to fertility medication or who have poor ovarian reserve. Such women do not produce more than one natural egg per month, regardless of stimulation medication. During a Natural Cycle, the single natural egg created by the body is retrieved, injected with sperm and, if fertilized, the embryo is transferred to the uterus. No stimulation medication is prescribed during a Natural Cycle.
Other treatment options available at Fakih IVF include IVF-ICSI, IUI, Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS), Screening for hereditary diseases through PGD, Male Infertility and much more.
What are the steps and duration of Natural Cycle IVF?
During a Natural Cycle, the single natural egg created by your body each month is monitored through ultrasound and blood test as it grows. In most cases, no medication is used except for the hCG trigger shot that is utilized to ensure ovulation takes place within the scheduled timeframe of the Egg Retrieval. The following steps take place over a period of 15 to 20 days.
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Ovarian Monitoring:On Day 3 or 4 of the Menstrual Cycle, an assessment is made through ultrasound and blood tests. Over the next 6 to 9 days, follicular growth is monitored as the follicle develops into an egg. 36 to 40 hours before the scheduled Egg Retrieval (OPU), an hCG “trigger” shot is given to induce maturation of the egg within a scheduled timeframe. |
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Egg Retrieval (OPU):The egg is retrieved using a thin ultrasound-guided needle during a short procedure under sedation. |
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Sperm Collection And ICSI:On the day of Egg Retrieval, a semen sample is taken to fertilize the retrieved egg. To increase chances of fertilization, a single sperm is injected to the egg using a precision needle in a method called ICSI. If the egg is successfully fertilized, Embryo Transfer will take place 3 to 5 days later. |
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Embryo Transfer (ET):The Embryo Transfer is a minor procedure that does not require sedation. Following the procedure, hormone levels are tracked through blood test to confirm pregnancy. |
*The above dates are an approximation of an average cycle.
Is it possible to complete a Natural Cycle with Genetic Testing?
If Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS) is requested for chromosomal screening (with the possibility of Gender Selection) or Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PDG) will be completed to prevent passing on a hereditary disease, it is possible to complete several cycles with Egg Freezing and then do CCS or PGD one time. If you are interested in completing Genetic Testing with Natural Cycle IVF, contact Fakih IVF today to discuss your treatment plan with your physician.
Candidates for Natural Cycle IVF include:
- Women who do not respond well to stimulation medications
- Women with a poor ovarian reserve
- Women who do not want to take hormonal medication
Advantages:
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Disadvantages:
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Should I be considering Natural Cycle IVF? Do I have any other options?
Each couple is unique and it is important to discuss your full medical history with one of our IVF Specialists before making a decision. We are aware that experiencing difficulty in conceiving can be stressful, emotionally and financially, and we will do our part to help you and your spouse fulfill your dreams of parenthood. We have many other treatment options available to you. Contact Fakih IVF today to schedule your appointment and begin your IVF Journey.
