A leading fertility expert is calling for greater awareness of mild-stimulation IVF following new research which reveals that extremely high oestrogen levels, brought about by over-response to stimulation in IVF, may be the underlying cause of complications in IVF pregnancies.
Professor Geeta Nargund, Medical Director at CREATE and President of The International Scientific Society for Mild Approaches in Assisted Reproduction (ISMAAR) says: ‘Mild stimulation IVF uses a lower stimulation for a shorter period in a woman’s natural cycle and is aimed at producing fewer but better quality eggs for collection. Fewer eggs means lower oestrogen levels, which, in turn, means safer treatment and fewer side effects. It also has the benefit of lower cost.’
The research, conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital and published in Fertility and Sterility journal, shows that women with extremely high levels of oestrogen – caused by the growth and maturation of several eggs at one time – are more likely to have smaller newborns and suffer from life-threatening pre-eclampsia.
Dr. Nargund has been successfully treating women with mild stimulation IVF in London-based clinics for many years and believes every woman has a right to safer, successful and healthier options in IVF.
She said: ‘Lower drug dosage will have a positive impact not only on the health of the women but on the health of unborn children. This is important research which could pave the way for many women to benefit from fewer complications Safety and quality must be at the forefront of IVF treatment’.
Dr Geeta Nargund is an internationally renowned practitioner of Natural and Mild Cycle IVF.
