Mini-IVF
Mini-IVF is a gentle protocol that uses much lower doses of stimulation than conventional IVF. Stimulation usually lasts 5–8 days and yields 3–7 oocytes. The low dose virtually eliminates the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), minimises side effects and reduces cost. At Doğuş IVF Center, mini-IVF is offered especially to patients with diminished ovarian reserve, women aged 38+, poor responders to conventional protocols and patients at high OHSS risk.
How It Differs from Conventional IVF
Conventional IVF uses high-dose gonadotropins targeting 10–15 oocytes. Mini-IVF uses oral clomiphene or letrozole and very low-dose gonadotropins, aiming for a smaller number of high-quality oocytes. Fewer injections, half the medication cost and almost no OHSS risk—at the cost of a slightly lower per-cycle pregnancy rate.
Who Is It For?
Patients with diminished ovarian reserve (AMH < 1, AFC < 5), poor responders to conventional protocols, women aged 38+, polycystic ovary syndrome with high OHSS risk and women planning egg freezing who prefer a gentle stimulation are good candidates.
The Cycle
Treatment starts on day 2–3 of menstruation. Oral clomiphene or letrozole plus low-dose FSH stimulate the ovaries for 5–8 days. After follicle monitoring and the trigger injection, OPU is performed 35–36 hours later. Fertilization is by ICSI; embryos are transferred on day 3–5. The total cost is roughly 50–65% of conventional IVF.
Success and Strategy
Per-cycle pregnancy rates depend on age: 25–35% under 35, 15–25% between 35 and 40. Because the goal is quality not quantity, embryo accumulation across 2–3 cycles followed by a single transfer is a common strategy.
Treatment Steps
- 1Low-Dose Medication
- 2Stimulation (5-8 days)
- 3Egg Retrieval (OPU)
- 4ICSI Fertilization
- 5Embryo Transfer
Who Is It For?
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Poor responders to conventional protocols
- PCOS with high OHSS risk
- Women aged 38+
- Egg-freezing candidates wanting mild stimulation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mini-IVF suitable for everyone?
No. It benefits patients with diminished reserve, advanced age and OHSS risk most.
Doesn’t a smaller number of eggs reduce success?
Per-cycle rates are slightly lower; with high-quality embryos, cumulative outcomes approach conventional IVF.
How long do I stay in Cyprus?
7–9 days is enough due to the shorter stimulation.
Will I develop OHSS?
Low-dose protocols have virtually no OHSS risk.