InVitro Fertilization (IVF)
The science of InVitro Fertilization (IVF) is constantly advancing. As a result, now is a great time to revisit any previous thoughts you’ve had about egg retrieval for either your own IVF cycle or that of someone else.
For decades, traditional IVF cycles have manipulated the monthly cycles of women who have undergone the process. Hormonal stimulations have been necessary for the process but they have also caused a great deal of hardship for women seeking alternate methods of pregnancy.
These stimulations refer to different forms of medication that are given in order to create more viable eggs for the retrieval process. Any form of hormonal therapy or frequent injections can have an adverse effect on the patient, either mentally or physically. As medical science advances, doctors have sought new means of stimulating the body to achieve similar results through less invasive means.
Mild Stimulation
Mild stimulation is emerging as a more common and practical means of gaining viable eggs. Studies have shown that birth rates (gathered at 12 months post-birth) are quite similar to more invasive stimulation procedures and resulted in a 70% success rate after three (or fewer) transfers.
Despite the apparent benefits of fewer medications and similar birthrates, mild stimulation cycles still come with some drawbacks. A lower stimulation protocol may result in fewer follicles and the potential need to cancel the procedure. As a result, a patient may need to undergo more mild stimulation cycles overall. For this reason, this method is not widely used on young, fertile women with otherwise high expectations.
Mild stimulation is currently recommended only for patients who are likely to have a low response to stimulation in the first place, such as older candidates. Offering a less invasive treatment option may make it easier to commit to many cycles for some patients with this difficulty. In this way, an intended mother using her own eggs or, in certain cases, known egg donors may be candidates for this protocol. However, most typical egg donors will not qualify.
If you have any questions about mild stimulation or your options for egg retrieval or donation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you are interested in becoming an egg donor with GSHC Surrogacy Agency, please complete our Egg Donor Intake Form.
If you are interested in becoming an intended parent with GSHC Surrogacy Agency, please complete our Intended Parent Intake Form.