'Mini-IVF' provides fertility alternative

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In vitro fertilization can be hard on a woman's body. Now fertility experts say a "mini" version of the procedure might be the solution for some women.

The number of babies born using in vitro fertilization (IVF) has reached an all-time high, and experts say the technology for helping couples become parents through this procedure is always improving.

Now some doctors are offering patients an alternative to traditional IVF: less medication at a lower cost. Does so-called "mini-IVF" maximize results?

When Neeburbunn Lewis used IVF to get pregnant with her daughter, the fertility medications caused physical complications that landed her in the hospital.

"Traditional IVF wasn't an option for me personally because I did not want to risk going through overstimulation again," said Lewis about wanting to try for a second child.

Freddi Baranoff also tried IVF but found it difficult emotionally and physically.

"I absolutely did not want to do injectable fertility meds," said Baranoff when it came to try again.

So both women opted for a newer procedure: minimal stimulation IVF, or mini-IVF. The idea is to use less medication to stimulate the production of eggs for fertilization.

"What mini-IVF is talking about is using less medicine, a more mild stimulation in hopes of getting good eggs, but a lower number," said Dr. Kurt Barnhart, a fertility specialist.

Experts say less medicine can significantly lower the price and can mean fewer side effects.

"The mini-IVF was more gentle on my body, for sure. And not a huge financial burden compared to before," said Lewis.

"Mini-IVF is about half to a quarter of the cost," fertility specialist Dr. Lyndon Chang.

But with fewer eggs to work with, some experts are concerned minimal stimulation might not be as effective. Dr. Barnhart, president of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, isn't convinced it's a better alternative to conventional in vitro fertilization.

"If you're working with fewer eggs you might actually result in a lower chance of getting pregnant. Right now the concern is it might be less expensive and less effective," said Barnhart.

Studies comparing both procedures are limited, but experts say if you're considering mini IVF, it's important to choose skilled doctors since they'll have fewer eggs to fertilize.

As for Neeburbun Lewis, after one round of mini-IVF she is expecting her second baby. Freddi Baranoff had success on her third try and now has identical twin girls.

"I think it is extremely important for women to know that there is another option out there for them," said Baranoff.

Dr. Chang recommends mini-IVF for younger patients who are good candidates to produce high-quality eggs, and also older women who may not produce many eggs even with high stimulation.