What is Mini Stim IVF?
Mini Stim IVF is a form of in-vitro fertilization that uses lower doses of injectable medications combined with oral medications to stimulate the ovaries.
The goal is to produce fewer, but higher-quality eggs while reducing medication side effects and treatment costs.
It is especially helpful for patients who have a limited antral follicle count (AFC).
You will benefit more from mini IVF if you have low ovarian reserve.
Who May Benefit from Mini Stim IVF
- Women with low ovarian reserve (low AFC or AMH)
- Women of advanced reproductive age
- Patients who want to reduce medication costs
- Patients who have poor response to high-dose stimulation in previous IVF cycles
- Those wishing to avoid high hormone exposure and related side effects
Types of Mini Stim IVF
- Natural Cycle IVF
- No stimulation medications, only monitoring the natural cycle and retrieving the egg that develops naturally.
- Minimal Stimulation IVF
- Combination of oral medications (e.g., clomiphene, letrozole) and low-dose injectable gonadotropins to encourage the growth of a small number of eggs.
Treatment Process
- Ovarian Stimulation – Low-dose injections + oral medications to promote egg growth.
- Monitoring – Ultrasound and/or blood tests to check follicle development.
- Trigger Shot – hCG injection to mature the eggs.
- Egg Retrieval – Collection of eggs under light sedation.
- Fertilization & Embryo Culture – Eggs are fertilized and monitored in the lab.
- Embryo Transfer or Freezing – Best-quality embryo(s) are transferred to the uterus or frozen for future use.