Conventional IVF is a fertility treatment that helps couples who cannot conceive naturally. Many people choose this method for a successful pregnancy. However, the success of IVF depends on factors like age and health. It’s also important to know the entire procedure and risks with conventional In vitro fertilisation.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi has helped many couples conceive through conventional IVF. In this blog, we will give every information related to this topic. We will include its meaning, procedure, and more. We will also tell you the difference between the different IVF procedures. Continue reading to know more about this procedure.
Conventional IVF Meaning
Conventional IVF is a fertility treatment that helps couples conceive. Doctors perform this procedure when natural pregnancy is not possible. Conventional IVF and IVF are often used interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference between these two methods. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a broad term that includes different types of IVF treatments. Conventional In vitro fertilisation is the most common and widely used form of IVF.
In conventional IVF, hormone medications are given to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and the best embryo is transferred to the uterus. However, there are different types of IVF. Let’s see what those are.
Types of IVF
There are different types of IVF. Doctors choose a method based on a couple’s medical condition. Other than conventional IVF, here are the main types of IVF:
- Natural Cycle IVF: No hormone stimulation is used in this method. The process depends on the woman’s natural menstrual cycle and only one egg is retrieved. This option is perfect for women who cannot take fertility drugs.
- Mild Stimulation IVF: This is similar to conventional IVF but uses lower doses of medications. It reduces the risk of side effects. It is also a good option for women who cannot take high-dose stimulation.
- Mini IVF: This is a modified version of mild stimulation IVF. It uses less medications to produce a small number of eggs. It is less expensive and also requires fewer injections.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): This technique is used when male infertility is a problem. A single sperm is directly injected into the egg to increase the chances of fertilization.
- Donor Egg IVF: This is suitable for those women who cannot produce healthy eggs. In this process, donor eggs from another woman are used. The eggs are fertilized with sperm and then transferred to the recipient’s uterus.
Conventional IVF Procedure
The process of conventional In vitro fertilisation takes 2-4 weeks and includes simple steps. Doctors use medicines which help the ovaries to make more eggs. Let’s see what does the procedure look like:
- Ovarian Stimulation: The woman takes hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Regular ultrasounds and blood tests help to check the development of eggs.
- Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are collected through a minor surgical procedure using a thin needle. This is done under sedation to avoid any kind of discomfort.
- Sperm Collection & Fertilization: A sperm sample is taken from the male partner (or a donor). The best-quality sperm are selected and mixed with the eggs in a lab for fertilization.
- Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored for a few days (usually 3-5 days) to ensure proper growth.
- Embryo Transfer: The best-quality embryo is selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter. This is a simple and painless procedure.
- Pregnancy Test: After 10-14 days, a blood test is done to check if the embryo has implanted successfully. The blood test helps to confirm the IVF pregnancy.
Conventional IVF Side Effects
Conventional IVF is safe but there can be some side effects that can be experienced. These side effects are usually mild and not permanent. Every woman’s body reacts differently to the treatment. So, it’s best to know the side effects. Here are some of the common side effects, including the following:
- Bloating and Mild Pain: The hormone medicines can make the ovaries bigger. It can cause bloating and discomfort.
- Mood Swings: Women can experience hormone changes. These can affect their emotions, causing stress, anxiety, or mood changes.
- Headache and Nausea: There are some women who feel headaches or nausea after taking fertility injections.
- Mild Cramping and Spotting: Women may feel cramps or spotting. This usually happens after egg retrieval or embryo transfer.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): In rare cases, too many eggs develop which can lead to swelling, pain, and fluid buildup.
- Multiple Pregnancy: If more than one embryo is transferred, there is a chance of twins or triplets. In these cases, it can increase pregnancy risks.
- Failed IVF Cycle: In some cases, the embryo does not implant. It can lead to an unsuccessful cycle, which can be emotionally difficult.
Conventional IVF Success Rates
The success of conventional IVF depends on factors like age, health, and fertility conditions. Below is a table showing the average success rates per cycle:
| Age Group | Success Rate per Cycle |
| Under 35 | 40-50% |
| 35-37 | 30-40% |
| 38-40 | 20-30% |
| Over 40 | 10-20% |
Natural IVF vs Conventional IVF
Natural IVF and Conventional IVF are two different methods of fertility treatment. Below is a simple comparison:
| Feature | Natural IVF | Conventional IVF |
| Medication Use | No or very minimal medicines | High-dose fertility medicines |
| Eggs Collected | 1 (naturally produced) | Multiple eggs |
| Procedure Length | Shorter | Longer |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Success Rate | Lower (fewer eggs) | Higher (more embryos) |
| Best For | Women who don’t want hormone injections or have low ovarian reserve. | Women with fertility issues need more eggs for a higher chance of success. |
Conventional IVF vs ICSI
Conventional IVF and ICSI are both fertility treatments. However, they are different in how the fertilization happens. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Conventional IVF | ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) |
| Fertilization Method | Sperm and egg are mixed in a lab, and fertilization happens naturally | A single sperm is carefully placed inside the egg for fertilization. |
| Best For | Couples with normal sperm count and function | Couples with male infertility (low sperm count, weak sperm) |
| Eggs Needed | More eggs are preferred for better success | Fewer eggs can be used, as sperm injection helps fertilization |
| Success Rate | High if sperm quality is good | Higher for male infertility cases |
| Cost | Lower | Higher due to the additional procedure |
Conventional IVF vs Mild IVF
Conventional IVF and Mild IVF are similar. However, they differ in the amount of medication used and the number of eggs retrieved. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | Conventional IVF | Mild IVF |
| Medication Use | High-dose hormone injections | Low-dose hormone injections |
| Eggs Collected | More eggs (10-15) | Fewer eggs (3-7) |
| Success Rate | Higher (more embryos available) | Slightly lower (fewer embryos) |
| Side Effects | More chances of bloating and discomfort | Fewer side effects |
| Procedure Length | Longer (2-4 weeks) | Shorter (10-14 days) |
| Cost | Higher (more medication used) | Lower (less medication used) |
| Best For | Women who need more eggs for higher chances of success | Women who want a gentle approach with fewer hormones |
Final Words
In this blog, we have explained everything about Conventional IVF. We discussed its procedure, success rates, side effects, and how it works. We also compared Conventional In vitro fertilisation with ICSI, Mild IVF, and Natural IVF. Each method has its own benefits, and the best choice depends on a couple’s fertility condition.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist, has helped thousands of couples become parents. Our team ensures the highest success rates with personalized treatment plans. If you are looking for expert guidance, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What is the difference between Conventional IVF and Natural IVF?
Answer.1 Conventional IVF uses hormone injections to produce more eggs, while Natural IVF works with the eggs a woman naturally produces in her cycle.
Q.2 What are the three types of IVF?
Answer.2 The three main types are Conventional IVF, Mild IVF (low-dose hormones), and Natural IVF (no hormone stimulation).
Q.3 Is ICSI better than Conventional IVF?
Answer.3 ICSI is better for male infertility cases with low sperm count or poor sperm motility. Conventional IVF works well when sperm quality is normal. The best choice depends on the couple’s condition.
Q.4 Which type of IVF is best?
Answer.4 There is no single “best” IVF type. Conventional IVF is common, ICSI is best for male infertility, Mild IVF is good for women who want fewer hormones, and Natural IVF suits those who prefer a drug-free approach. The right option depends on individual needs.