Natural Cycle

What is the natural cycle?

Natural Cycle IVF is a method of assisted reproduction, which does not require the administration of drugs. It is chosen by women and their doctor as an alternative to the classic IVF procedure. It is a safe method, without pickups.

When is the natural cycle indicated?

Natural cycle IVF is indicated in cases of women who:

-They do not wish to take medication
-They are not allowed for medical reasons to take hormones
-Their ovaries did not respond to previous attempts with hormonal manipulations
-Have premature ovarian failure
-They are of advanced reproductive age

Is there a possibility to make many attempts?

Because in this case of IVF, an egg is taken for fertilization, the woman can make repeated attempts. Thus, in subsequent cycles, it is possible to repeat the process, so that more embryos can be collected and stored. This greatly increases success rates.

How is IVF performed in a natural cycle?

Natural cycle IVF is performed only by a Gynecologist Specialist in Reproduction. The procedure involves ultrasound monitoring of the course of the follicle that is going to ovulate in that cycle. At the right time, the egg is collected and the laboratory process of IVF follows. If the resulting embryo is of good quality, then it is transferred into the woman's endometrium through the process of embryo transfer.

In natural cycle IVF, the woman does not use injectable hormones (gonadotropins) to stimulate her ovaries and thus follows the course of one follicle.

What are the advantages of the natural cycle?

The main advantages of the method are:
-Low cost
-Without the administration of hormones
-No side effects
-The chances of multiple pregnancies are reduced
-Ability to repeat attempts in consecutive cycles

What are the disadvantages of the natural cycle?

Because the method is based on the natural ovulation process, it is possible that an egg cannot be retrieved the first time you visit the doctor's office. For this, the process can be time-consuming.

Alternative Banking Method

In cases where the embryo transfer cannot be made, either because the woman does not want it or because the endometrial is not ready, the Banking or the Freeze method is applied. This is an alternative method in which the eggs are collected with a natural cycle and frozen. Cryopreservation of embryos allows for future transportation to the endometrium. In fact, this method also increases the chances of success, since there can be an embryo transfer of 2 or 3 fertilized eggs at the same time.

What's the difference between the Cycle of IVF  and the Natural Cycle?

 These two methods make a significant difference. In conventional IVF stimulation, stimulation of the ovaries with the use of injectable hormones (gonadotropins). The aim is to collect as many eggs as possible during the autopsy. On the contrary, in the IVF, the woman does not make use of injectable hormones (gonadotropins) for stimulation of the ovaries and thus follow the course of a follicle. One cannot say that one method is better than the other.

These two methods are used in different cases of women, as appropriate and their particular needs.

Dr. Athanasios  Papanikolaou is a Gynecologist expert on reproduction. He has participated in a number of scientific conferences as a speaker and has developed a special scientific interest in Assisted Reproduction.

The doctor applies the most modern methods of assisted reproduction, with respect to the particular needs of each woman. Schedule your own appointment with the doctor and discover the proper method for you.