It is an innovative programme that can be chosen as an alternative to conventional “Single-cycle IVF” and offers couples the chance of having three cycles involving minimal stimulation (using a fixed protocol and minimal doses of medicines) and a limited number of monitoring sessions. 3-6 oocytes are inseminated using IVF-ET or ICSI techniques, without cryopreserving any surplus oocytes.
For further information, consult our information leaflet
Treating infertility means each couple undergoing multiple cycles of “therapy” in order to get the best chances of success from the treatment procedure. Each treatment therefore involves, by definition, a minimum of three cycles, although six cycles may be required in certain cases.
The same applies to ovarian stimulation, intrauterine insemination and medical therapy in general, but it becomes more complex for MAP treatments (IVF-ET/ICSI) on account of the greater commitment this therapeutic procedure requires from various points of view: availability of time, psychological stress, invasive nature of the technique and financial costs.
Most couples, therefore, “deal with” one MAP cycle at a time, without considering from the outset that a treatment involves at least three cycles.
It is therefore essential for doctors to offer in “that single cycle” a treatment that is as individualised as possible, to apply all the technology available and to tailor each step of treatment to the specific couple.
The purpose of the IVF Lite programme is to make each cycle lighter, in order to favour the scheduling of three cycles from the beginning.
Compared to conventional treatment, IVF Lite has the advantage of:
The programme is not flexible and does not allow the use of other techniques (oocyte cryopreservation, polar body biopsy, blastocyst culture). Although this approach may have poorer efficacy per “single cycle”, the innovation lies in evaluating the efficacy of the treatment “overall” for the three cycles.
The Reproductive Medicines specialist will identify those couples who are suited to this treatment and suggest it to them; the couple will then be free to decide whether it is the best option for them.
IVF Lite involves fixed-protocol “low” stimulation, minimal doses of medicines and a streamlined monitoring schedule. 3-6 oocytes are inseminated using IVF-ET or ICSI techniques, without the cryopreservation of any surplus oocytes.