Table of Contents

• Why there are different types of IVF
• How IVF treatment is individualised
• Key variables that determine IVF type
• Trends in modern IVF treatment
• Natural cycle IVF
• Modified natural cycle IVF
• Low cost IVF
• Mild IVF
• Hyper stimulated IVF
• IVF with ICSI
• Which type of IVF is right for you
• Frequently asked questions
• Why specialist guidance matters
• Your next step with Medfem Fertility Clinic

 

Why there are different types of IVF

In the simplest terms, IVF treatment is a process of assisted reproduction where the egg and sperm are fertilised outside of the body to form an embryo, which is then transferred to the uterus to hopefully implant and become a pregnancy. Many people assume IVF is a single treatment process.

In reality, IVF refers to a range of treatment processes, each tailored to suit a couple’s unique clinical situation.

During an IVF cycle, decisions must be made about:

• The type of medication used
• The dosage of medication
• How eggs are fertilised
• How many eggs and embryos are targeted

These decisions directly affect outcomes, risks, cost, and patient experience. For this reason, fertility clinic treatments must be carefully matched to the individual rather than applied uniformly.

 

How IVF treatment is individualised

IVF treatment at a specialist fertility clinic such as Medfem Fertility Clinic is guided by patient specific algorithms. These take into account:

• Age
• Egg reserve, often measured through AMH levels
• Cause of infertility
• Previous IVF or fertility treatment outcomes

This approach ensures that treatment is tailored to the patient’s biology and medical history.

 

Key variables that determine IVF type

There are three main variables that influence which type of IVF treatment is selected.

Medication type and dosage

Medication dosage may range from:

• No medication at all
• Mild stimulation
• Full stimulation with higher doses

The goal is not to use more medication than necessary, but to achieve the best possible embryo quality for the individual patient.

Fertilisation method

Another important variable is whether fertilisation is performed using:

• Conventional IVF
• IVF with ICSI

This decision is based on sperm quality, previous fertilisation outcomes, and whether eggs have been frozen and thawed.

Embryo quality over quantity

Modern fertility treatment increasingly favours approaches that aim to produce fewer but better quality embryos, rather than maximising egg numbers.

 

Trends in modern IVF treatment

Recent trends in fertility care favour:

• Reduced medication where appropriate
• Lower physical burden on patients
• Fewer eggs but higher embryo quality
• More personalised treatment planning

These trends reflect a deeper understanding of how egg and embryo quality influence success and patient wellbeing.

 

Natural cycle IVF

Natural cycle IVF involves no ovarian stimulation. No oral or injectable medications are used.

Instead, treatment follows the patient’s natural menstrual cycle. The egg that is naturally selected by the body is monitored, and egg collection is timed to coincide with natural ovulation.

Key characteristics

• No stimulation medication
• Egg collection aligned with natural ovulation
• Typically yields 1 to 2 eggs
• Usually results in one embryo

Natural cycle IVF is often used for

• Patients with poor outcomes from other IVF approaches
• Women who do not respond well to stimulation medication

This approach reduces medication exposure and can be suitable where conventional stimulation has not produced good results.

 

Modified natural cycle IVF

Modified natural cycle IVF is similar to natural cycle IVF but includes a short course of medication.

This medication is used for three to four days to:

1. Prevent spontaneous ovulation
2. Support egg retrieval timing

Low dose hormones may also be used. This approach still involves less medication than conventional IVF and usually takes less time.

 

Low cost IVF

Low cost IVF uses oral medication only and aims to retrieve a small number of eggs.

Key features include

• Oral medication instead of injectable hormones
• Target of two to three eggs
• One to two embryos created
• Embryos cultured for two to three days, rather than five

Because medication use and laboratory time are reduced, this approach can lower costs. It may be suitable for selected patients depending on their clinical profile.

 

Mild IVF

Mild IVF uses lower doses of stimulation medication than full IVF protocols.

The objective is to

• Retrieve a small number of good quality eggs
• Create one good quality embryo for transfer

Mild IVF may be suitable for patients who

• Have reduced ovarian reserve
• Have low egg reserve
• Have a low number of follicles
• Have polycystic ovaries

By using less medication, mild IVF can help retrieve eggs that are of better quality in certain clinical scenarios.

 

Hyper stimulated IVF

Hyper stimulated IVF is the standard or conventional IVF approach for patients with a normal egg reserve.

During this treatment:

• Full medication dosage is used
• Higher doses of gonadotropins stimulate the ovaries
• The aim is to collect between 10 and 20 eggs

Because many eggs are fertilised, several embryos may be created. The strongest embryo is selected for transfer, and remaining embryos can be frozen for future use.

This approach is often used

• When egg reserve is normal
• After previous IVF cycles with poor embryo quality

 

IVF with ICSI

IVF with ICSI differs from conventional IVF in how fertilisation occurs.

In standard IVF

• Tens of thousands of sperm are placed with a single egg
• Fertilisation occurs naturally if a sperm penetrates the egg

In IVF with ICSI

• A single sperm is injected directly into the egg
• Early fertilisation barriers are bypassed

ICSI is used for

• Severe male factor infertility
• Fertilisation of frozen and thawed eggs

This technique maximises the chance of fertilisation where sperm quality or function is compromised.

 

Which type of IVF is right for you?

The only reliable way to determine the most suitable IVF treatment is through a consultation with a fertility specialist.

At Medfem Fertility Clinic, IVF protocols are customised using multiple clinical and personal factors, including:

• Infertility diagnosis
• Age
• Previous treatment history
• Reproductive history

This individualised approach ensures treatment decisions are based on evidence and experience rather than assumptions.

 

Frequently asked questions

Can all fertility patients be treated with the same type of IVF?

No. IVF treatment must be individualised based on medical and personal factors.

Is more medication always better in IVF?

Not necessarily. In many cases, fewer medications and better quality embryos are preferred.

How do I know which IVF treatment I need?

A fertility specialist consultation is essential to assess suitability and recommend the most appropriate protocol.

Is IVF with ICSI always required?

No. ICSI is used in specific cases such as severe male factor infertility or when using frozen eggs.

 

Why specialist guidance matters

Medfem Fertility Clinic is based in Sandton, Johannesburg, and has been assisting couples struggling with infertility since the 1980s.

Since then, our team has helped bring more than 18,000 babies into the world through carefully individualised fertility care.

Our team is committed, experienced, and focused on providing each patient with the best possible chance of a successful outcome, supported by compassionate care and clinical expertise.

 

Your next step with Medfem Fertility Clinic

At Medfem Fertility Clinic we believe in helping you reach your family dream through world class fertility care, a positive fertility journey, and treatment delivered with empathy and understanding.

If you would like to meet one of our fertility specialists, simply click here or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.

Our fertility specialists can also meet with you during a virtual consultation via Zoom or Skype. Book a virtual consultation here.

We look forward to meeting you at Medfem Fertility Clinic.