Minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of IVF in which only small doses of fertility drugs are used. It can be appropriate for patients who are younger and who have a high risk of developing complications from higher doses of fertility drugs. For patients who are good candidates for this IVF protocol, one of its biggest advantages is the fact that the minimal stimulation IVF cost is much lower than the cost of a traditional IVF cycle, as we will explore below.

‍How Minimal Stimulation IVF Works

‍During a traditional IVF cycle, the woman receives high doses of injectable gonadotropin hormones to stimulate her ovaries to produce more egg follicles than usual. This can stimulate the development of multiple egg follicles, and can cause follicle development in women who do not ovulate on a regular basis. However, gonadotropins are expensive, and there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a painful complication that has the potential to cause serious side effects.During a minimal stimulation IVF cycle, only small doses of gonadotropins are used, sometimes in conjunction with other fertility medications. For most women, this type of cycle would not have the ability to produce adequate effects, but for certain patients it is appropriate.

‍Who is a Candidate for Minimal Stimulation IVF?

‍Only a doctor can tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for a minimal stimulation IVF cycle. Most women who are good candidates for minimal stimulation cycles are younger. Younger women are more likely to have high-quality eggs, which makes it less necessary to produce a large number of eggs in the hopes that a few will be high-quality. They are also more likely to respond to fertility medication.You may also be a candidate if you have a history of OHSS, or have been identified as being at risk for OHSS. In such cases, preventing the complication from developing again in the future is important.

Minimal Stimulation IVF Cost

The minimal stimulation IVF cost tends to be significantly lower than the cost of a cycle that uses more gonadotropin medication. Because this type of fertility medication must mimic the hormones that the body naturally produces, it is very expensive to manufacture, and often represents one of the highest costs associated with IVF.For both types of IVF, your insurance should cover the majority of the cost of treatment if you live in Illinois. However, your copay is likely to be lower when the overall cost of treatment is lower, as is the case with minimal stimulation cycles. Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about whether or not minimal stimulation IVF is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540.