Is mild ovarian stimulation equally effective as conventional IVF?

This study investigated if mild ovarian stimulation is as effective as conventional stimulation in vitro fertilization (IVF).

They found that mild ovarian stimulation provides greater safety and lower cost, in addition to comparable success rates.

A part of the IVF process, women undergo a procedure to harvest oocytes (eggs). This involves taking medications called gonadotrophins that stimulate oocyte release. This is called ovarian stimulation. Conventional IVF involves administering high levels of gonadotrophins to increase the amount of oocytes harvested.

Recent evidence suggests that mild ovarian stimulation may be more beneficial. Mild stimulation involves administering lower doses of gonadotrophins resulting in lower oocyte yield. Mild stimulation may cause the release of oocytes that are more responsive. These responsive oocytes may be more likely to develop in a successful pregnancy.

This study reviewed the findings of published studies comparing conventional and mild ovarian stimulation in IVF. The parameters examined included pregnancy rates and live births, safety and cost.

Mild ovarian stimulation appears to be equally as effective as conventional IVF in terms of pregnancy rates, birth rate and infant outcomes. Mild ovarian stimulation is more favorable for the woman and is safer and better tolerated than conventional stimulation. Mild stimulation was less likely to result in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (painful, swollen ovaries, which can lead to a serious increase in fluid in the abdomen or chest).

This study concluded that mild ovarian stimulation provides greater safety and lower cost, in addition to comparable success rates.

This study reviewed published clinical studies. The effectiveness of mild stimulation in terms of fertility success has yet to be definitively proven.

If you have any concerns regarding fertility treatments, please discuss with your doctor.