Mini IVF

While in vitro fertilization (IVF) is effective, some patients do not respond well to the drugs used for ovarian stimulation.

This is why Drs. Nurit Winkler and Marc Kalan offer mini IVF, an effective alternative to the popular infertility treatment.

Learn how this IVF technique has helped patients in Encino, Los Angeles, and Bakersfield, CA, build their families.

What Is Mini IVF? Key Differences Between IVF and Mini IVF

Also known as minimal or low stimulation IVF, mini IVF shares the same basic principles as traditional IVF. In both procedures, fertility drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries so that they produce eggs to be used in an IVF cycle.

During mini IVF protocols, fewer fertility drugs are used during ovarian stimulation. This leads to fewer eggs to use during the IVF procedure.

Mini IVF protocols can vary based on the needs of the patient. In addition to fewer fertility drugs, the dosage may be reduced, or the drugs could be weaker than conventional medications. 

Some individuals believe that mini IVF protocols are safer for theoretical reasons. However, there is no evidence to support this. Our fertility doctors can help you consider the facts and weigh your fertility treatment options.

Is Mini IVF the Same as Natural IVF?

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No. While a mini IVF cycle uses some fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries, natural IVF uses no ovarian stimulation medications at all.





















 

Potential Drawbacks of Mini IVF

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Despite the benefits of mini IVF for certain patients, the procedure does have some downsides worth considering. For one, the success rates for minimal stimulation IVF are lower than traditional IVF since fewer eggs are produced. In addition, if a cycle fails, another mini IVF cycle may need to be performed to retrieve additional eggs. This can drive up the cost in the case of multiple failed cycles.

Explore Mini IVF With Our Fertility Experts Schedule a consultation today

We understand that the world of fertility treatments can be a bit daunting. We are here to guide you every step of the way. From conventional IVF to IUI, surrogacy, and more, our fertility doctors, Dr. Nurit Winkler and Dr. Marc Kalan, can help you decide which treatment will give you the best possible chance of success.

Dr. Winkler and Dr. Kalan are double board-certified doctors with extensive experience and are widely recognized in the field of reproductive medicine. Get started on your journey by requesting a consultation at our Los Angeles–area fertility clinics. We have fertility offices in Encino, CA, and Bakersfield, CA, to best serve you. Fill out our online form or call us at:

Doctors

Our Fertility Doctors Are Here for You 5-Star Reviews for the Los Angeles Reproductive Center

1

Andrew Hewett

Encino, CA

2023

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Both doctors we saw and all the staff were very professional, lovely to interact with and we felt like they cared for us during the who le process. We were luckily to find such a wonderful clinic and blessed with two beautiful children. Thank you so much

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1

Robyn Elizabeth

Encino, CA

2023

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I’m so grateful that I found this place and that after my second IUI, I became pregnant. Thank you to Dr. Kalan, Dr. Winkler, and Nurse Kimberly for your expertise, care, and kindness. I’m blessed to be expecting a baby boy next year in 2024. Thanks again for all that you do

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The Mini IVF Process

The mini IVF procedure follows the same path as the standard IVF process. During a consultation at our Encino, CA, or Bakersfield, CA, offices, we will walk you through exactly what to expect:

Ovarian Stimulation

Approximately two to four days into the patient's cycle, they are given fertility drugs that encourage the ovaries to produce high-quality eggs.

Monitoring Medication Response

In the days following ovarian stimulation, fertility specialists monitor the patient's condition, noting their uterine lining, follicle development, and hormone levels as the IVF procedure unfolds. When the time is right, medication is used to help induce ovulation.

Egg Retrieval

Egg retrieval is a crucial part of the IVF procedure. During egg retrieval, a tiny hollow needle is used to carefully harvest viable eggs. Sperm that will be used for the cycle is collected or thawed at the same time as egg retrieval.

Egg Fertilization

The eggs and sperm are combined in a controlled lab setting. The embryos are allowed to develop for the next three to five days.

Embryo Transfer

When the embryos are ready, one or two of the embryos are transferred to the patient's uterus in order to implant and continue developing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini IVF

What are the success rates of mini IVF? 

Just like traditional IVF, the success rates for mini IVF will vary based on a number of factors, such as the patient's age, quality of the egg, quality of the sperm, the reason for infertility, health issues the patient may have, and more. However, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics concluded that mini IVF using only clomiphene citrate and no gonadotropins could achieve acceptable success rates, with multiple benefits to the patient over traditional IVF. During your consultation at our Encino, CA, clinic, you and your doctor can discuss what you may expect in your unique situation. 

Is mini IVF really cheaper than IVF?

Again, this varies. If you require multiple egg retrievals and IVF cycles, this could make the cost of mini IVF comparable to traditional IVF. If you were to have success on the first round of egg retrieval and embryo transfer, however, it could possibly save you money, since fewer medications are needed for mini IVF than for conventional IVF. However, there are no guarantees you will have a successful cycle on your first try. The specific cost will also vary based on other factors, such as if you wish to have your embryos genetically screened. 

Will I need to take shots during a mini IVF cycle?

This depends on your course of treatment. If you use Clomid only, you may only need a trigger shot. However, each cycle and patient is different. Our reproductive experts customize each and every cycle based on your unique needs. 

Have more questions? 

Helping Los Angeles Families Grow

"Dr. Kalan is the best doctor we have ever met. He’s a professional, ability, knowledgeable, friendly, patience and responsible doctor.
We are so lucky to find him. We have a twins now.  Our IVF was a tough journey.  We went and worked with serval IVF clinics before we found Dr. Kalan."
Selina Pi
Los Angeles Reproductive Center office

Los Angeles Reproductive Center

Los Angeles Reproductive Center is a state-of-the-art fertility center offering the latest fertility testing and treatment options. Our fertility specialists, Dr. Nurit Winkler and Dr. Marc Kalan, are double board-certified doctors who have been widely recognized for their contributions to reproductive medicine. 

To help all patients achieve their dreams of parenthood, our doctors offer:

  • Compassionate care
  • Flexible payment options
  • Two conveniently located offices

Schedule a consultation online or call us at (818) 946-8051 to learn more about our fertility treatments.

Reach Out To Us Today

Los Angeles Reproductive Center is a unique fertility clinic focused on treating patients like family and built upon the principles of communication, compassion, warmth, openness, and service that accompanies an exceptional pregnancy rate. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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