What is Micro IVF?

Micro IVF, which East Coast Fertility has specialized in since 2008, is also known as MiniIVF or minimal stimulation. It is an IVF procedure whereby a patient’s ovaries are stimulated with oral medications (Clomid) in conjunction with a minimal amount of injectable gonadotropins. The process proceeds in identical fashion to conventional IVF with egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture and ultrasound-guided embryo transfer.

What are the benefits?

• Lower cost than most other IVF procedures
• Use of fewer or less amounts of fertility drugs
• Less risk of high order multiple pregnancies
• Often produces multiple high-quality embryos, some of which can be cryopreserved for potential additional transfers in the future
• Can be used in cases that intrauterine insemination (IUI) cannot
• When combined with the SET program, embryo cryopreservation is FREE, as is embryo storage for one year 

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) vs. Micro IVF

Patients can triple their success and lower their risks by using Micro IVF as an alternative to IUI. Young, healthy patients and patients with many follicles, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome, have the best response to the minimal stimulation with a pregnancy rate of greater than 40% at Long Island IVF's East Coast Fertility Micro IVF program. Additionally, those with pelvic adhesions/scarring, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis or severe male factor infertility, who have little to no chance of success with IUI, can significantly benefit from Micro IVF.

The risk of high order multiple pregnancies that one faces with IUI is eliminated with this procedure because they can control how many embryos are used. The risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (a condition associated with hormone injections, causing enlarged ovaries, breathing trouble, dehydration and stomach swelling) is a concern for those considering IUI, but is eliminated with Micro IVF.

In summary, Micro IVF, especially as an alternative to intrauterine insemination, offers a low cost, safer and more efficient means to build a family.
 

 Ask the Expert: Dr. Kreiner - What is Micro IVF?