Mini IVF (Mild Stimulation IVF)
Mini IVF, also known as Mild Stimulation IVF, is an advanced form of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) designed to reduce the amount of hormonal medication while maintaining excellent treatment outcomes.
At Gaia Fertility Clinic, we believe in a more patient-friendly approach to fertility care. Our Mini IVF protocols are designed to offer a more comfortable, less invasive, and better-tolerated experience, without compromising the high standards of our embryology laboratory.
What Is Mini IVF?
Mini IVF is a type of IVF treatment that uses lower doses of fertility medication, carefully tailored to each patient’s medical profile and reproductive needs.
The laboratory process is very similar to that of conventional IVF. Eggs collected during egg retrieval are fertilised using the ICSI technique, cultured to the blastocyst stage (day 5), and then transferred to the uterus.
The key difference lies in the ovarian stimulation protocol, which is significantly gentler and involves a lower hormonal load.
For many women, this means a more manageable fertility journey with fewer side effects and a treatment experience that feels more aligned with their body.
Benefits of Mini IVF
For selected patients, Mini IVF offers several advantages compared to traditional IVF treatment:
- Lower Hormonal Medication: Mini IVF uses significantly fewer fertility drugs, and in many cases, part of the treatment can be taken orally.
- Shorter Treatment Duration: Because stimulation is milder, treatment often involves fewer days of medication and monitoring.
- Reduced Risk of Side Effects: One of the main benefits of Mini IVF is the lower risk of complications, particularly ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
- A More Comfortable Experience: Many patients find Mini IVF easier to tolerate, both physically and emotionally, due to the reduced hormonal impact.
- Potentially More Cost-Effective in Selected Cases: With lower medication requirements and fewer laboratory procedures in selected patients, Mini IVF may represent a more affordable fertility treatment option.
Who Is Mini IVF Suitable For?
At GAIA Fertility Clinic, every recommendation is based on a personalised fertility assessment. Our fertility specialists carefully evaluate each case to determine whether Mini IVF is the most suitable treatment option. Mini IVF may be recommended for:
Women under 35 with good ovarian reserve.
Patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation.
Women looking for a less aggressive fertility treatment.
Patients who prefer a lower hormonal impact.
How Does the Mini IVF Process Work?
Initial Fertility Consultation
Your fertility journey begins with a comprehensive medical assessment.
During your first consultation, we perform a transvaginal ultrasound scan to assess ovarian reserve, uterine anatomy, and the condition of the fallopian tubes. We also request comprehensive fertility blood tests and a semen analysis where appropriate.
This detailed assessment allows our fertility specialists to create a fully personalised treatment plan, tailored to your reproductive goals and medical needs.
Mild Ovarian Stimulation
Treatment typically begins on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle.
A personalised medication plan is prescribed using lower doses of hormonal stimulation compared to conventional IVF. Throughout the process, regular ultrasound monitoring helps us carefully adjust medication and optimise egg quality while minimising risks.
Egg Retrieval
Once the follicles reach the ideal size (usually around 17 mm), your egg retrieval procedure is scheduled.
Egg collection is a short, minimally invasive procedure performed under light sedation, ensuring maximum comfort. After the procedure, patients rest in a private recovery area before returning home the same day.
Fertilisation and Embryo Development
In our state-of-the-art laboratory, eggs are fertilised using sperm from a partner or donor through either conventional IVF or ICSI, depending on clinical indications.
We also use advanced sperm selection technologies such as MACS, IMSI, and FERTILE CHIP, helping embryologists select sperm with the highest reproductive potential.
Embryos are cultured for 5 to 6 days in specialised incubators, allowing continuous monitoring and optimal developmental conditions.
Blastocyst Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is a key milestone in the fertility journey and is performed in optimal laboratory conditions without anaesthesia or discomfort.
At Gaia Fertility Clinic, we commonly transfer blastocyst-stage embryos, as they offer a higher implantation potential.
Depending on the condition of the endometrium and treatment timing, embryo transfer may be performed:
- Fresh embryo transfer, a few days after egg retrieval.
- Frozen embryo transfer (FET) in a natural or medicated cycle when endometrial conditions are ideal.
Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)
Good-quality remaining embryos can be vitrified for future treatment attempts, avoiding the need to repeat ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval procedures.
Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up
Approximately 10 days after embryo transfer, a blood pregnancy test (beta hCG) is performed.
If the result is positive, follow-up ultrasound scans are scheduled to confirm a healthy and progressing pregnancy.
How Much Does Mini IVF Cost?
Mini IVF involves a gentler ovarian stimulation protocol, and treatment costs vary depending on each patient’s medical circumstances and reproductive needs.
Although Mini IVF is generally considered a less intensive fertility treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all price. Factors such as medication requirements, pre-treatment testing, and the recommended clinical protocol may influence the final cost.
At GAIA Fertility Clinic, our fertility specialists carefully assess whether Mini IVF is the right option for you, ensuring treatment is both safe and effective.
Following your initial fertility assessment, we provide a clear, personalised treatment plan with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. We also offer flexible financing options to help make fertility care more accessible.
What’s Included in the Mini IVF Treatment?
Your Mini IVF programme at GAIA Fertility includes:
- Initial fertility consultation and results appointment
- Ultrasound monitoring throughout the cycle
- Semen preparation and sperm capacitation
- Egg retrieval procedure
- IVF or ICSI fertilisation technique
- Embryo culture up to Day 5 (blastocyst stage)
- First embryo transfer
- Pregnancy blood test (β-hCG)
- Two follow-up ultrasound scans after a positive pregnancy result
Flexible Financing for Your Fertility Treatment
Spread the cost of your fertility treatment over up to 12 months interest-free, with the option to include medication and no need to switch banks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini IVF
The answers to these frequently asked questions have been prepared by the editorial team at GAIA Fertility Clinic and medically reviewed by Dr. Grether Pérez to ensure the information is accurate, up to date, and based on scientific evidence.
A Mini IVF cycle typically lasts between 3 and 4 weeks, from the start of ovarian stimulation through to the pregnancy test.
However, timing may vary depending on each patient’s response to treatment and individual medical circumstances.
No. Mini IVF is generally considered a well-tolerated fertility treatment.
Because ovarian stimulation is milder, many patients experience fewer side effects than with conventional IVF. In addition, egg retrieval is performed under light sedation, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Most women describe Mini IVF as a significantly easier and less physically demanding treatment process.
Yes. One of the major advantages of Mini IVF is its ability to significantly reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
By using lower doses of fertility medication, the ovaries are stimulated in a more controlled and balanced way.
In a way, yes. Mini IVF is often considered a more body-friendly and less invasive approach to IVF, as it works more closely with your natural cycle rather than aggressively stimulating the ovaries.
The goal is to support your body’s natural reproductive potential with a gentler hormonal approach.
REAL PATIENT STORIES
Stories That Inspire Us Every Day
Behind every fertility treatment is a unique story. These are just some of the families whose dreams have become a reality thanks to GAIA.
Thanks to Clínica GAIA, we were able to build our family. From the moment we walked through the door, we felt completely at ease. We received exceptional care throughout, and the team made us feel right at home. They are highly professional and genuinely caring.
Cristina & Belinda
ROPA Method
After several unsuccessful treatment cycles at other clinics, I contacted Clínica GAIA. In my case, I needed egg donation treatment. From the very beginning, we felt supported, well informed and genuinely cared for. Every step of the process was explained clearly, and we always felt we were in safe and experienced hands.
Georgina
Egg Donation
We had always dreamed of becoming mothers and were looking for a clinic with a warm, family-centred approach. Our experience has been wonderful from the very first moment we walked through the doors. Even from our first phone call, we felt the warmth and kindness we had been searching for.
Marta & Adriana
Artificial Insemination
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The experience of our patients is reflected in the reviews published on Doctoralia.
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At GAIA Fertility Clinic, Mini IVF represents a more balanced way to approach assisted reproduction: less medication, greater respect for your body, and personalised fertility care every step of the way.
At GAIA Fertility Clinic, Mini IVF represents a more balanced way to approach assisted reproduction: less medication, greater respect for your body, and personalised fertility care every step of the way.
