Traditional IVF vs Nature’s IVF

Nature’s IVF™ treatment, utilizing INVOcell™, is more affordable and less demanding than traditional IVF. However, traditional IVF treatment may be necessary for hopeful parents affected by severe male factor infertility or an abnormal anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level. At our San Antonio, TX practice, our doctors provide both treatments and help our patients determine which is right for them. If you are considering traditional IVF versus Nature’s IVF, the team at the Fertility Center of San Antonio is here to provide an expert recommendation and technologically advanced treatment.

Similar Processes with Key Differences

To begin both traditional and Nature’s IVF treatment, a woman will increase her production of eggs using fertility drugs. During this phase of traditional IVF, multiple appointments with a fertility specialist are required so that the dosage can be monitored and adjusted if necessary. Visits to the doctor will likely include sonograms and blood work as well.

During Nature’s IVF, there will be no need to adjust fertility medication during treatment. Nature’s IVF requires only one sonogram, performed on the 10th day of the cycle. This is used to evaluate egg production and determine when the retrieval will occur.

The woman will take medication at precisely the right time to activate the eggs’ final maturation process. Timing is key, as the eggs must be collected just before ovulation begins. The eggs will be collected approximately 36 hours after taking the medication. Next, they will then be prepared for fertilization.

Often, patients who are candidates for traditional IVF are also eligible to undergo Nature’s IVF. However, traditional IVF may be the better choice for some couples.

The fertilization process in traditional IVF happens in an incubator in a laboratory. An embryologist will combine the eggs and sperm, and carefully monitor the developing embryos over a five-day period. When they are ready for transfer, one or two of the best quality embryos will be transferred to the uterus.

During Nature’s IVF, once the mature eggs are collected, they are allowed to naturally inseminate with sperm. The inseminated eggs will then be placed in the INVOcell device. This plastic cylindrical capsule will be inserted into the vagina as part of a natural incubation process. Using the woman’s natural pH levels and body temperature, the embryos will develop over the next five days. Next, the device will be removed and one or two of the best quality embryos will be transferred to the uterus.

Exploring Candidacy

Often, patients who are candidates for traditional IVF are also eligible to undergo Nature’s IVF. However, traditional IVF may be the better choice for couples affected by low sperm motility, low sperm count, or a high percentage of abnormal sperm. Also, patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and PCOS are not ideal candidates for Nature’s IVF. We will perform a careful analysis to determine which treatment is more likely to help you grow your family.

Benefits of Nature’s IVF

Nature’s IVF can provide many unique benefits for the right candidates:

  • Lower Cost: At $7,500 per attempt, Nature’s IVF is significantly more affordable.
  • Less Medication: When undergoing Nature’s IVF, less fertility medication is required.
  • Fewer Appointments: Nature’s IVF requires only one sonogram and, in general, fewer visits to our clinic.
  • Similar Success Rates: A study published in 2016 found that Nature’s IVF and traditional IVF have very similar success rates.

Schedule a Consultation with Us Today

At the Fertility Center of San Antonio, our doctors can recommend the right treatment for your needs. To schedule a consultation, you can contact us online, or call our office at (210) 692-0577.