Natural IVF Cycle is a type of fertility treatment that follows a woman’s natural body process. It doesn’t use strong hormone medicines like regular IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). This method is a good option for those women who want a more natural and simple way to become parents.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist) has helped many couples through the Natural IVF Cycle. She has 35 years of experience and understands what each couple needs. In this blog, we will explain everything in a clear and simple way. We will include how it works, who it can help, and what steps are involved.
What is Natural IVF Cycle?
Natural IVF Cycle is a type of fertility treatment that works with your body’s natural menstrual cycle. Unlike traditional IVF, it doesn’t use high doses of hormone injections to produce multiple eggs. Instead, it focuses on collecting the one egg your body naturally releases every month.
This method is simple, safe, and less stressful for many women. It’s especially helpful for those who don’t respond well to fertility drugs or want a more natural and gentle approach to become parents.
How is it Different from Regular IVF?
The main difference between Natural IVF and Regular IVF is how the eggs are collected. In regular IVF, doctors use hormone injections to make the ovaries produce many eggs. However, in Natural IVF, no or very little medication is used. In this, only the one egg is collected that your body naturally releases.
Because of this, Natural IVF has fewer side effects and is usually cheaper. It also avoids the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. This can happen with high-dose hormones that are used in regular IVF. It’s a softer and more natural way to try for a baby.
Who Can Benefit from Natural IVF?
Natural IVF can be a great option for those women who have a regular menstrual cycle. This is also a good option for those who are looking for a more natural procedure to fertility treatment. It’s especially helpful for those who:
- Have a low response to fertility medications in regular IVF.
- Who wants to avoid the risks and side effects of hormone injections.
- Are older but still have a good egg quality and a healthy reproductive system.
- Who have a history of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and want a simple treatment.
It’s also perfect for women who prefer a more natural way to become parents, without the excessive use of medications. However, it’s best to consult with a fertility specialist to see if Natural IVF is right for you.
Step-by-Step Process of Natural IVF Cycle
The Natural IVF Cycle is a simpler and more natural process to fertility treatment. It focuses on using your body’s natural process with less medication. It has fewer side effects and offers a simple experience. Here’s a breakdown of the entire procedure:
Initial Consultation
Your treatment will start with a consultation where your doctor will examine your health and fertility. This will help the doctors to decide if Natural IVF is right for you.
Monitoring Your Cycle
Your doctor will monitor your menstrual cycle through blood tests and ultrasounds to track the development of your egg.
Egg Retrieval
Once your body is ready then the doctor retrieves the one mature egg from your ovaries. This process will typically happen without the need for hormone injections.
Fertilization
The egg is then fertilized in the lab using sperm from your partner or a donor.
Embryo Culture
The fertilized egg is cultured and observed for a few days. This will allow it to develop into an embryo.
Embryo Transfer
Once the embryo is ready then it’s transferred into your uterus in a simple and painless procedure.
Pregnancy Test
About 10-12 days after the transfer, a blood test is done to confirm if pregnancy has occurred.
Advantages of Natural IVF
Natural IVF has many benefits, especially for women who prefer a less invasive fertility treatment. It focuses on quality over quantity and supports the body’s natural process. Here are some major advantages:
No or Minimal Medication
There are fewer side effects because little to no hormone injections are used. It offers a more comfortable and safe experience.
Lower Risk of OHSS
The risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is very low. OHSS is a side effect of fertility drugs.
More Affordable
Natural IVF is often more budget-friendly than traditional IVF because it has fewer medications and has less procedures.
Gentler on the Body
The treatment is less physically demanding which makes it ideal for women with low ovarian reserve or those who don’t respond well to hormones.
Can Be Repeated Easily
Natural IVF can be safely repeated across cycles if needed because it’s simple and less stressful .
Better for Some Medical Conditions
It’s a safer option for women with conditions like PCOS or those at higher risk from hormonal stimulation.
Is Natural IVF Right for You?
Natural IVF is not for everyone, but it can be a good option for some women who depend on their health, age, and fertility needs. If you have regular periods and your body naturally produces at least one good-quality egg each month then Natural IVF can work well for you.
It’s often recommended for women who want to avoid strong hormone medicines, especially those who have had bad reactions to them before. Women with low egg reserve, older age, or medical conditions that make traditional IVF risky may also benefit from this. Couples who are looking for a more affordable and less stressful fertility journey may prefer Natural IVF too.
However, every person’s situation and health is different. It’s important to talk with your fertility doctor to see if Natural IVF matches your body’s needs and your chances of success.
Natural IVF vs Stimulated IVF
Both Natural IVF and Stimulated IVF help couples to conceive. However, both of these follow different approaches. Natural IVF uses your body’s natural cycle and the procedure has little or no medication. On the other hand, Stimulated IVF uses hormone injections to produce multiple eggs. Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand the major differences between these two:
| Feature | Natural IVF | Stimulated IVF |
| Medication Use | Minimal or none | High-dose hormone injections |
| Number of Eggs Collected | Usually one | Multiple eggs |
| Cycle Type | Follows natural menstrual cycle | Controlled with medication |
| Side Effects | Very few | Can include bloating, mood swings, OHSS |
| Cost | Lower | Higher due to medication and lab work |
| Best For | Women with low egg reserve or sensitive to hormones | Women with good egg reserve looking for higher success rate |
| Risk of OHSS | Very low | Higher |
| Repeatability | Easier to repeat | More physically demanding |
Closing Words
If you’re thinking about starting your fertility journey then understanding the Natural IVF cycle can be a good step. In this blog, we’ve shared what Natural IVF is, how it works, who it can help. We have also shared what are the differences between natural IVF and Stimulated IVF.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi has guided many couples on their journey to become parents. Our team is always ready to support you with the right information and treatment plan that suits your needs. For more details or to get started, feel free to reach out to us. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at doctor@risaaivf.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Natural IVF painful?
No, Natural IVF is generally not painful. Since there are no heavy hormone injections, most women find it more comfortable than traditional IVF. Egg retrieval may cause mild discomfort but is usually quick and safe.
How successful is Natural IVF?
Success depends on age, egg quality, and overall health. While the success rate per cycle is lower than Stimulated IVF, Natural IVF can be repeated more often and is still effective for many women.
Do I need to take injections in Natural IVF?
In most cases, no injections are given. Sometimes, a mild trigger injection may be used to help with ovulation, but the overall medication use is very low.
Who should not choose Natural IVF?
Women with irregular periods, poor egg quality, or those who need more embryos for genetic testing may be better suited for Stimulated IVF. Your doctor can help decide the best option.
How long does one Natural IVF cycle take?
A Natural IVF cycle usually follows your natural menstrual cycle and takes around 2 to 3 weeks from start to finish.
Is Natural IVF cheaper than regular IVF?
Yes, Natural IVF is often more affordable because fewer medicines and lab procedures are involved.
Can Natural IVF be done more than once?
Yes, it can be safely repeated in future cycles, especially since it is gentle on the body.