"Natural Cycle IVF" at West Coast Fertility Centers

An exciting NEW development that mimics a natural pregnancy is now available at West Coast Fertility Centers. It enhances the way nature selects the best egg for ovulation in a natural cycle. Let's examine how a natural spontaneous pregnancy compares to our NEW "Natural IVF" (NIVF) treatment.

How Does a Natural Pregnancy Occur?

When a woman becomes pregnant naturally in a spontaneous cycle, her ovaries release just one or two mature eggs which then pass into the Fallopian tubes. In the environment of the tube, the male's sperm reaches the egg and fertilizes it. If all goes well, this starts the transformation of the eggs to become an embryo while still gliding through the fallopian tube for about five days. On arrival into the internal canal of the uterus, the embryo begins the implantation process.

During this phase, the embryo releases chemical signals which are received by the uterine wall, indicating it is ready to attach. The uterine tissue, in turn, also produces chemical signaling to the embryo. This is called uterine receptivity, and indicates all is in readiness for the embryo to nest itself in the uterine wall.

During the next few days, the attachment process continues and the new interface between embryo and uterus, called the implantation site, begins producing the pregnancy hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), resulting in a positive pregnancy test. If pregnancy continues normally, the embryo grows and the rate of hCG production increases rapidly. Ultrasound confirms the growing gestational sac about 4 weeks after the pregnancy starts.

What is "Natural IVF" and How Does it Work?

"Natural IVF" (NIVF) is an exciting and affordable NEW FERTILIY TREATMENT offered at West Coast Fertility Centers to selected patients who have mild forms of infertility but still need help becoming pregnant. NIVF mimics the natural process by helping the woman's ovaries produce the natural healthy egg she would produce in her own cycle.

Usually one, but occasionally two eggs are released in natural cycles. With NIVF, we help the ovaries select and grow the naturally selected one or two follicles and eggs. The follicles are aspirated under IV sedation and the harvested eggs are replaced to the uterus 3 days later. The woman takes progesterone capsules to help support the uterine lining. A pregnancy is confirmed two weeks after the transfer.

Who is a Candidate for Natural IVF?

Patient selection is critical for someone to have a reasonable chance for success. Therefore, we have developed specific guidelines which must be met before recommending NIVF:

1. Low BMI <32 (body mass index): Patients struggling with obesity are unlikely to respond due to the metabolic activity of adipose tissue. A BMI <32 is required to qualify for NIVF.

2. Age <33 years old: It is known that patients in their early 30's have good ovarian reserve and therefore are likely to produce favorable egg quality, essential for embryo development.

3. FSH <8miu/ml and Estradiol <60pg/ml: These hormones are laboratory indicators of ovarian reserve and are good markers for predicting response during NIVF.

4. Regular Menstruation every 28-32 days: This pattern of regular cycles suggests normal hormonal signaling between ovaries and the pituitary gland.

5. Ovarian Ultrasound showing normal volume of 3-4 CM³ in each ovary.

6. Sperm Count >20 million/ml; Motility > 40%; Strict Criteria morphology >4%.

7. Absence of any medical condition that would place a patient at high risk for pregnancy.

8. Clomid patients who have undergone 3 or more cycles without success.

What are the Advantages of Natural IVF?

AFFORDABILITY - In NIVF cycles we are merely supporting the growth of the naturally selected one or two eggs for the treatment cycle. Medication cost is low because only a minimal of amount is used to encourage the naturally selected one or two eggs.

LESS MONITORING - Fewer ultrasound studies and fewer blood tests are needed because only one or two follicles are expected to develop.

LESS ANESTHESIA - Only mild i.v. sedation is needed for the egg harvest because only one or two follicles will be aspirated taking about 10 minutes.

LESS CHANCE OF MULTIPLE BIRTHS - Only one or two embryos are transferred.

To find out if you are a candidate for Natural IVF, our patient care coordinators Joan or Maria will help you undergo testing to determine if you are eligible. Please call 714-513-1399.