Types of IVF Treatments

IVF Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: Exploring the Many Paths to Parenthood

With advancements in technology, fertility treatment is also picking up pace by providing more than a single form of IVF. Here is a list of the primary forms of IVF—each individually suited to particular needs and conditions :

Conventional IVF :

This is the classic approach of IVF treatment, which includes stimulating the ovaries to release multiple eggs, which are subsequently fertilised in the laboratory. After viable embryos are formed, one or more are implanted in the uterus during the same or subsequent cycle. The method is best for :

• General infertility patients
• First-timers for IVF
• Individuals with sufficient ovarian reserve

Natural Cycle IVF :

The method of natural cycle IVF depends on the natural menstrual cycle. This means a single egg naturally released with a menstrual cycle is harvested and fertilised in a lab setting. Ideal for :

• Hormone-sensitive patients
• Patients with poor ovarian reserve
• Drug-free treatment preference

The benefits of this method are that it does not require any hormone stimulation or extensive intervention in the body.

Fresh Cycle IVF :

In this method, embryos are directly transferred to the uterus in the same cycle as egg collection is done. Frozen embryos are not used. Major features of a fresh IVF cycle are :

• Longer procedure
• Embryo transfer when it is best for the uterus
• Can be employed for initial attempts

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) :

As the name suggests, this method utilises the frozen embryos from a previous IVF cycle in the ongoing one. This technique is helpful :

• If a new transfer isn't perfect
• For spacing pregnancy dates
• To save embryos for later

Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) :

This method is particularly used to avoid multiple pregnancies at once. In this, only one high-quality embryo is transferred to the uterus. This type is best for :

• Younger patients
• Those with good-quality embryos
• Anyone looking to reduce pregnancy risks related to multiple pregnancies.

Double Embryo Transfer (DET) :

In this, two embryos are implanted rather than one, which can raise the possibility of pregnancy. However, the method has a high potential of resulting in the fertilisation of twins or multiple pregnancies. Considering the risk, this approach is not widely used, but can be ideal for :

• Older adults
• Previous IVF failure cases
• When the quality of embryos is subpar

IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) :

This is a highly advanced type of IVF, where a sperm cell is injected directly into an egg to aid fertilisation, especially in the case of male infertility. The method is specifically useful when there is a :

• Low count of sperm or low motility of sperm
• Unexplained fertilisation failure in previous IVF cycles

IVF with PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) :

PGT enables screening embryos for genetic defects before transfer to avoid the risk of any chronic disorder in the child. There are three forms of PGT :

• PGT-A : Screens for chromosomal imbalances
• PGT-M : Screens for single-gene disorders
• PGT-SR : Screens for chromosomal rearrangements

This method of IVF is generally recommended to patients with:

• Genetic disorders
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Older maternal age

IVF with Laser-Assisted Hatching :

This method helps the sperm to penetrate the egg with ease by gently applying laser thinning or making an opening in the embryo's shell to facilitate implantation. The technique is particularly beneficial for :

• Multiple failed IVF attempts
• Age-related fertility situations
• Thickly shelled embryos

Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) :

It is not a proper IVF type, but rather a diagnostic tool used to identify the optimum time for embryo transfer as per the receptivity of the uterus naturally. This tool is ideal for :

• Those who have had multiple embryo transfer failures
• Those in situations where the timing has some impact on implantation
• Those who want tailored embryo transfer timing

Ovarian Rejuvenation with PRP :

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy consists of injecting a patient's own plasma into the ovaries in order to aid in the regeneration of eggs, eventually helping to assist IVF. Although still experimental, this method may be offered in cases like :

• Low ovarian reserve
• Early menopause
• Repeat IVF failure