MINIMAL STIMULATION IVF
Mini-IVF Treatment at AFCT
At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas, we offer Minimal Stimulation IVF, often called Mini-IVF, for patients seeking a lower-hormone, more individualized approach to fertility treatment. This protocol uses reduced doses of medication to stimulate fewer eggs, with an emphasis on egg quality and patient comfort.
Mini-IVF is an excellent choice for women who want to avoid high doses of fertility medications, those with diminished ovarian reserve, or patients seeking a more natural and cost-effective approach to assisted reproduction.
WHAT IS MINI-IVF?
Who is it Best For?
Mini-IVF may be recommended for individuals or couples experiencing:
What is Mini-IVF?
Minimal Stimulation IVF uses low-dose medications or oral agents (like Clomid or Letrozole) instead of high-dose injectable gonadotropins. The goal is to retrieve high-quality eggs.
The process still includes:
- Monitoring with ultrasounds and bloodwork
- Egg retrieval under sedation
- Fertilization (ICSI as needed)
- Embryo culture
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Who is it Best For?
Mini-IVF may be recommended for:
- Patients with low ovarian reserve (AMH <1.0) or advanced maternal age
- Women who prefer to avoid high-dose hormone stimulation
- Individuals at risk for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
- Those who did not respond well to standard IVF protocols
MINI-IVF EVALUATION
Benefits & Considerations
Benefits
- Fewer medications = lower cost
- Less hormonal fluctuation and fewer side effects
- Lower risk of OHSS
- May improve egg quality in certain patients
- Gives the chance to use your own eggs vs Donor Eggs
Considerations
- Quality > Quantity
- May need to do multiply rounds.
- Success rates may vary depending on age and fertility profile.
TREATMENT COMPARISON
How It Differs From Standard IVF
| Considerations | Standard IVF | Mini-IVF |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Dose | Higher dosage per cycle | Low or Oral Only |
| Egg Count Target | 4-10 | >1 |
| Risk of OHSS | Moderate | Lower |
| Ideal For | Most IVF patients | Low AMH, Opportunity to use your own eggs |
EXPERT INSIGHTS
Real perspectives on Minimal Stimulation
Doctor's Note
Dr. Michael Allon
Mini-IVF is not just a 'lite' version of IVF — it's a strategic option we use to help low AMH patients build embryos over time. In the right hands, it can be both effective and empowering.
Patient Insight
AFCT
I was nervous about IVF because I react strongly to hormones. Mini-IVF gave me the chance to use my own eggs. We got three strong embryos, and I'm now 12 weeks pregnant!
