Mini IVF (Minimal Stimulation IVF)

Mini IVF uses lower doses of gonadotropins (often combined with oral agents like clomiphene or letrozole) to recruit fewer follicles — typically 2–5 eggs rather than the 10–15 of conventional IVF. The goal is to reduce medication costs, minimize OHSS risk, and decrease the physical burden of a cycle.

Proponents argue that in some patient populations (particularly poor responders or older women who produce few eggs regardless of dose), mini IVF results are comparable to conventional IVF at lower cost. Critics note that fewer eggs per retrieval means more cycles may be needed to accumulate enough embryos, potentially negating cost savings. Mini IVF is not widely recommended as a first-line approach by major societies for most patients.