Also known as “mini ivf” or “low cost ivf”, ecoIVF is a fertility treatment with milder stimulation and as consequence a more inexpensive alternative.
The benefits of this treatment plan include:
Natural cycle IVF is similar to conventional IVF, with the only difference being that no drugs are administered to stimulate the ovaries (in some cases, a small dose of drugs may be administered to gain full control of ovulation). The patient is monitored with ultrasound scans and blood tests so as to track the development of the follicle.
When the dominant follicle reaches a suitable size, egg collection takes place. The oocyte is then fertilized in the laboratory in the same manner as in a typical IVF cycle.
If a viable embryo is produced, which is developing normally, it will be transferred to the uterus.
Natural cycle IVF has recently become popular as an alternative to conventional IVF.
This method has many benefits compared to standard IVF, including eliminating the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), no (or very few) gonadotropin injections and therefore lower cost, avoiding both the production of super numerous embryos and multiple pregnancies. The primary drawback is the reduced pregnancy rate in comparison to IVF with ovarian stimulation.
However, in some cases, such as poor ovarian response or advanced age, this technique may produce results comparable to those of ovarian stimulation cycles.
Under certain circumstances (eg young woman, tubal or male factor infertility), a couple may choose to donate their surplus oocytes to another couple unable to produce its own eggs.
The woman who will “share” her eggs will undergo a conventional IVF cycle, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval and embryo transfer. The surplus eggs will be given to the recipient, whose uterus will be prepared for embryo implantation with hormone therapy. This process results in a significant reduction of treatment costs.
Both parties are protected by Law 3305/2005.
