Mild Stimulation IVF vs Conventional IVF:

Understanding the Two Approaches

What Is Mild Stimulation IVF?

Mild Stimulation IVF, often called Mini IVF or Low-dose IVF, uses lower doses of fertility medications to encourage the ovaries to produce a smaller number of high-quality eggs.
Key features include:

• Lower medication dosage
• Fewer injections
• Usually 4–10 eggs retrieved
• A gentler, shorter treatment cycle
• Reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
  

What Is Conventional IVF?

Conventional IVF uses higher doses of fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce a larger number of eggs in one cycle.
Key features include:

• Higher medication dosage
• Typically 10–20+ eggs retrieved
• Higher likelihood of multiple embryos
• Standard approach for many complex fertility situations
  
  

Both methods aim for the same goal: a healthy pregnancy. However, how they get you there differs significantly.

Advantages of Mild Stimulation IVF

1. Fewer Medications and Side Effects

Since the medication dose is lower, patients often experience fewer physical discomforts such as bloating, mood changes, or fatigue. This makes the process emotionally and physically easier for many women.

2. Lower Cost per Cycle

With fewer medications and clinic visits, Mild Stimulation IVF is usually more cost-effective, making it appealing for couples with budget constraints or those planning multiple IVF attempts.

3. Reduced Risk of OHSS

OHSS is a rare but serious reaction to fertility drugs. Mild Stimulation IVF dramatically lowers this risk, making it a safer approach for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or those sensitive to medications.

4. High-Quality Eggs

While the number of eggs is fewer, the quality is often good. For some women — especially older patients or those with low ovarian reserve — focusing on quality rather than quantity may be beneficial.

Advantages of Conventional IVF

1. Higher Number of Eggs and Embryos

A larger number of eggs increases the chances of successful fertilization and healthy embryos. This is especially advantageous for:

• Women with unexplained infertility
• Couples with severe male factor infertility
• Patients planning Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
  
  

2. More Embryos for Freezing

Having multiple embryos offers flexibility for future pregnancy attempts without repeating stimulation cycles, saving time, money, and emotional effort.

3. Better for Complex Fertility Cases

Conventional IVF remains the recommended approach for conditions like:

• Endometriosis
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Very low sperm count
• Repeated IVF failures
  

Which IVF Approach Is Better for You?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. The choice depends on individual fertility health, age, medical history, and personal priorities.

Mild Stimulation IVF May Be Better If:

• You prefer a gentler, less intense treatment
• You want to reduce medication-related risks
• You have PCOS or are at high risk of OHSS
• You have a limited budget
• Your ovarian reserve is low, making high stimulation unnecessary
  
  

Conventional IVF May Be Better If:

• You want more embryos for freezing or genetic testing
• You are facing severe infertility issues
• You have had repeated IVF failures
• You want a higher overall chance of success in a single cycle
  
  

The Importance of Personalized Care

Every couple’s fertility journey is unique. Dr. Pritam Prakash Sulakhe emphasizes that choosing between Mild Stimulation and Conventional IVF should always be based on:

• Hormone levels
• Ovarian reserve tests
• Age
• Medical history
• Fertility goals
  
  

A comprehensive evaluation allows your fertility specialist to tailor a treatment that maximizes success while keeping your comfort and well-being in focus.

Conclusion

Both Mild Stimulation IVF and Conventional IVF are effective approaches, but the best choice depends on the individual. Mild Stimulation IVF is ideal for those seeking a safer, cost-effective, and gentle option, while Conventional IVF remains the preferred choice for complex cases and those aiming for more embryos and higher success rates in one cycle.

With expert guidance from an experienced fertility specialist like Dr. Pritam Prakash Sulakhe, couples can confidently choose the treatment that aligns best with their goals and health.