thread: IVF without Drugs

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Apr 2005
    Hobart - Tassie
    51

    IVF without Drugs

    Has anyone heard of doing IVF without the drugs? I know they do this in USA to cut costs down as the fertility drugs are expensive. Basically, its the same procedure but less egg retrieval.

    Would anyone be interested in going thru that? I know I would be as my DH doesn't want me to take the ivf drugs as my body doesn't react well.

    Just interested.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Dec 2006
    In my own private paradise
    15,272

    i guess it would be possible if your problems are male factor, as you'd have a regular cycle, but could be very difficult if you don't have a regular cycle...

    also, i guess it might be a little cheaper for the initial cycle, but if you're only getting a minimum number of eggs, you'd have to be going through EPU every cycle rather than FET, so there might be additional costs for that part of the procedure...

    good luck with it all

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    138

    Yes, they do do it. It is called a 'natural' cycle, or else you can take something like clomid (if you don't O regularly) and then it is called a 'minimal stimulation' cycle, or something like that.

    My understanding is that some clinics don't like to do it that much because it can be more expensive and less successful - because they only have one egg to work from each cycle, rather than 10 or more that they often get when you have the drugs. If you are going to a clinic, ask them about it - the clinic I go to has an info booklet on it. It is good to read about it and discuss it with your FS to decide which option would be best for you and your DH.

  4. #4

    Feb 2007
    Brisbane
    75

    I wonder if some people do it for religious reasons too.

  5. #5
    Moderator

    Dec 2006
    Smidgen-ville
    3,736

    Yes, i have heard about this but only in relation to religious reasons. That way they don't have too many embies because some people are against freezing them.

    Jo

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Apr 2005
    Hobart - Tassie
    51

    Thanks for the response ladies. Its definitely not a religious reason for us its more the fact that my body doesn't react well to the man made drugs and were trying to find other ways of IVF & getting PG.

    Much appreciated.