Received November 16, 2013
Accepted November 16, 2013

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate success of a recently started natural cycle IVF option at the IMI Center Guadalajara, Mexico. Patients were offered a choice between natural cycle IVF and conventional IVF therapy. The average cost of an IVF cycle in Mexico is 5000 USD and is not covered by any insurance carrier. We have offered the natural cycle for 1000 USD per successful retrieval followed by an embryo transfer. METHODS: In 2012, 78 patients were scheduled for NC-IVF, defined in this study as IVF/ICSI only using NSAIDs to control premature ovulation and induce ovulation with GnRH-agonists. The mean age was 33.7 (22-39) years. Included were patients less than 42 y.o., with regular menses 26-35 days. RESULTS: A total of 115 natural cycles were initiated. Overall cancellation rate due to premature ovulation was 17.4% (20/115). In 75.8% (72/95) of aspirations, oocytes were retrieved. 83.3% (60/72) of oocytes were mature and 80.0% (48/60) of oocytes were successfully fertilized by ICSI. In 83.3% (40/48) of the cases an embryo was transferred 2-4 days after aspiration. Transfer rate per aspiration was 42.1% (40/95). Clinical pregnancy rate/transfer was 30.0% (12/40). Due to the observation period of 6 months, no live birth data is available so far. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary success in a recently started Natural Cycle IVF (NC-IVF) program has proven to be a well-accepted cost-effective alternative to our conventional IVF program. Although controversial, this approach can be offered in certain cultural and legal environments.