IVF in the natural cycle

The significant difference between IVF, performed in the natural cycle, from other methods is that there is no need for taking medications. And they, as you know, can cause various side effects.

In this situation, the first stage of IVF is missed, which consists in stimulating the ovaries with hormonal drugs. During the IVF program, the natural cycle is waiting until the egg matures on its own. Control over the maturation of the egg allows monitoring by ultrasound and determination of the level of hormones. After this, puncture the follicle and get an egg. The next steps are the fertilization of the egg, the cultivation of the embryo and its implantation into the uterine cavity. After the procedure, there is no need for additional medication.

Fertilization in the natural cycle - positive aspects

The use of IVF in the natural cycle in combination with ICSI significantly increases the likelihood of pregnancy. Since the most healthy and viable spermatozoon is selected and introduced directly into the cytoplasm of the egg cell. ICSI is usually used in the presence of any impairment of motility and quality of spermatozoa.

ECO in the natural cycle avoids the artificial hormonal load of the body. And, thus, prevents the development of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. There are also several advantages of this method:

1. The risk of developing multiple pregnancies decreases. Since one egg ripens in a single cycle (rarely two), then one embryo is planted into the uterus.
2. The risk of complications such as bleeding and inflammation decreases.
3. Suitable for infertility caused by pathology or lack of fallopian tubes.
4. Without hormonal stimulation, the embryo gets better on the endometrium.
5. Significantly reduced financial costs in comparison with fertilization, requiring pre-stimulation of the ovaries.
6. There are no contraindications.
7. To take an egg, only one puncture is done, so manipulation is possible without anesthesia. And in this connection there are no complications caused by anesthesia.
8. Possibility of carrying out the procedure in several consecutive menstrual cycles.

Stimulation of the ovaries can not be used with the following conditions:

• tumor-like formations in the pituitary and hypothalamus system;
• liver disease, pancreas;
• transferred oncological diseases and thromboembolism.

It is under these conditions that fertilization can be applied in the natural cycle.

Disadvantages of the method

There are some disadvantages to the method, and in some situations, IVF in a natural cycle is simply impossible and not effective. Since only one ovum ripens, there is no guarantee that the resulting embryo will be viable. It is meaningless to use this method with an unstable menstrual cycle and with the presence of premature ovulation. In this situation, the ovum may be absent in the follicle or a high risk of getting an immature germ cell. In addition, according to the statistics of IVF in the natural cycle leads to a less likely development of pregnancy than with a stimulated procedure.

Currently, drugs are becoming more popular, which prevent the premature onset of ovulation and drugs that cause egg ripening. With the use of these drugs increases the likelihood of pregnancy.

It is also noted that every subsequent attempt of IVF, carried out in the natural cycle, increases the chances of becoming pregnant.