| In past years, in-vitro fertilization with ovarian | | | | - An option for those who are not able to take |
| stimulation has largely replaced Natural Cycle in-vitro | | | | fertility drugs, such as cancer patients or those at |
| fertilization in most fertility treatment centers. It has | | | | risk of developing ovarian hyper-stimulation (OHSS). |
| become the new norm. The treatment developed | | | | - A simple process that requires fewer office visits |
| out of the initial need to obtain many eggs and | | | | and fewer days missed work. |
| embryos to attain better success rates. | | | | - Pregnancy rates comparable to IVF when adjusted |
| Major advances in technology have vastly improved | | | | for multiple embryo placement. |
| IVF Success rates, negating the need for as many | | | | - Eliminates the risk of ovarian hyper-stimulation |
| embryos, and theoretically, the need for ovarian | | | | (OHSS) |
| stimulation. Yet, the protocol remains the same. | | | | - Reduced risk of multiple embryos, and eliminates |
| However, a new study has renewed interest and | | | | likelihood of high order multiples in pregnancy. |
| feasibility of the NC-IVF process in patients that had | | | | What are the Disadvantages of Natural Cycle In-Vitro |
| responded poorly to a previous IVF cycle. | | | | Fertilization? |
| How Natural Cycle In-Vitro Fertilization Works | | | | One of the main disadvantages of NC-IVF is |
| During a woman's natural cycle, her body self selects | | | | premature surges in hormones and ovulation. This can |
| the optimum egg to be released in that cycle. The | | | | occur in up to half of all menstrual cycles. |
| development of the follicle containing the egg is | | | | The second main disadvantage is that pregnancy |
| monitored by the fertility treatment center. They use | | | | rates are seemingly lower than with conventional IVF, |
| ultrasound and blood levels of estradiol to do the | | | | where multiple are placed in the uterus. However, due |
| monitoring. When the egg has matured, it is retrieved | | | | to the simplicity of the procedure, it can be |
| and then fertilized in the lab. The woman returns to | | | | performed consecutively. When this adjustment is |
| the treatment center 3 days later when the single | | | | made, many fertility treatment centers show a |
| embryo produced is placed inside the woman's uterus. | | | | cumulative pregnancy rate of about 50% with |
| What are the Advantages of Natural Cycle In-Vitro | | | | patients 35 years old and younger. |
| Fertilization | | | | Who are the Best Candidates for Natural Cycle IVF? |
| NC-IVF has many advantages, one of the main ones | | | | The best patients for natural cycle IVF treatments |
| is affordability. Traditional IVF treatments cost | | | | have regular menstrual cycles and are 35 years old an |
| between $10,000 and $20,000, and fertility drugs, | | | | younger. Another qualification that increases success |
| which may or may not be included in that amount | | | | is a normal day 3 FSH and estradiol levels. Those |
| cost on average $4,000 per cycle. NC-IVF generally | | | | patients with diminished ovarian reserve or abnormal |
| cost 25% less. The many other advantages include: | | | | day 3 hormone levels are not considered good |
| - For those with religious, or personal concerns about | | | | candidates by many reproductive endocrinologists and |
| surplus eggs or embryos being either stored or | | | | fertility treatment centers. |
| destroyed, NC-IVF offers a positive options. | | | | |