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:
Our Fertility Doctors Are Here for You 5-Star Reviews for the Los Angeles Reproductive Center
Andrew Hewett
Encino, CA
2023
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
View on GoogleRobyn Elizabeth
Encino, CA
2023
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
View on GoogleThe 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:
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
