Studies show that using large amounts of fertility medication does not inherently increase pregnancy rates in IVF, especially for poor responders and women with a low ovarian reserve. This is particularly important for patients with endometriosis, who often respond unpredictably or poorly to high-dose stimulation.

Because high doses can overstimulate already sensitive ovaries, many patients report increased pelvic pain, bloating, and – in rare cases – Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet most patients spend years undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Painful periods are still falsely normalized, even though endometriosis is one of the top three causes of female infertility.

Endometriosis Awareness: Key Facts

  • Endometriosis affects an estimated 6.5 million women in the U.S. and more than 200 million worldwide.
  • Up to 60% of women with endometriosis have no symptoms besides difficulty conceiving.
  • Painful periods are not normal, and persistent pelvic pain should never be ignored.

Endometriosis can impair egg quality, disrupt ovulation, and cause inflammation that affects embryo development.

Why Mini IVF Is Especially Helpful for Endometriosis Patients

Women with endometriosis often have unique challenges during fertility treatment:

  • Their ovaries may be more sensitive to hormonal stimulation.
  • Pain and inflammation can increase with high-dose injectable medications.
  • They are statistically more likely to be poor responders to conventional IVF.
  • Endometriosis-related inflammation can influence egg quality and embryo development.

Mini IVF addresses these challenges directly:

  1. Lower Hormone Exposure Means Less Pain & Inflammation

Mini IVF uses much lower doses of stimulation medication, reducing pelvic bloating, ovarian pressure, and cycle-related pain- common issues for endometriosis patients.

  1. A Focus on Egg Quality, Not Quantity

Endometriosis can impair egg quality. Mini IVF’s gentler approach encourages more even follicle growth, which can lead to healthier, more mature eggs – a key predictor of strong embryos.

  1. Lower Risk of OHSS and Medication Sensitivity

High-dose cycles can trigger discomfort or ovarian overstimulation in some endometriosis patients. Mini IVF nearly eliminates the risk of OHSS.

  1. Easier, More Comfortable Cycles

Shorter protocols, fewer injections, fewer monitoring appointments, and a softer hormonal footprint make Mini IVF a more tolerable, sustainable option for patients who may already live with chronic pelvic symptoms.

  1. Excellent Success Rates for the Right Candidates

For many women with endometriosis, especially those with mild to moderate symptoms, Mini IVF offers pregnancy rates comparable to conventional IVF with a fraction of the medication and stress.

Mini IVF: Step by Step Process

Infographic showing seven steps of the Mini IVF process, from medication and monitoring to egg retrieval, fertilization, testing, and embryo transfer
  1. Customized Fertility Regimen designed to produce 4–8 high-quality eggs.
  2. Cycle Monitoring through ultrasound and bloodwork to track follicle development.
  3. Trigger + Egg Retrieval during a short outpatient procedure.
  4. ICSI Fertilization in New Hope’s specialized embryology lab.
  5. Embryo Growth monitored over 7 days using advanced embryoscopes.
  6. PGT-A Testing to identify chromosomally normal embryos.
  7. Single Embryo Transfer (SET) of the healthiest embryo.

What Medication Is Used for Mini IVF?

Although the exact protocol varies, most Mini IVF cycles include:

  • Clomid (1–2 pills per day for 9–13 days)
  • Minimal doses of Menopur or Follistim/Gonal-F (75–150 IU per injection, 3–5 days if needed)
  • A Lupron trigger 34–36 hours before retrieval

FAQs: Mini IVF for Endometriosis

Does Mini IVF work well for women with endometriosis?

Yes. Mini IVF is often a strong option for women with endometriosis because it uses gentler hormone stimulation, which reduces inflammation and discomfort. For many patients, this approach results in better egg quality and a more comfortable cycle compared to high-dose IVF. Success rates remain comparable when high-quality embryos are transferred.

Endometriosis can make the ovaries more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. High-dose medications may worsen pain or cause uneven follicle growth. Mini IVF uses lower, more consistent hormone levels, which supports steady follicle development and reduces pelvic pressure- two factors that can help improve egg maturity and embryo quality.

While it does not treat endometriosis itself, Mini IVF typically leads to fewer side effects, including less bloating, pelvic discomfort, and mood changes. Because the protocol is gentler, it’s often more manageable for women who already experience chronic pain or inflammation related to their condition.

Yes. Mini IVF generally uses fewer medications and requires fewer monitoring visits, making it 30–50% less expensive than a standard IVF cycle. For many women with endometriosis, who may need more than one cycle, this cost difference can be meaningful.

Endometriosis can affect egg quality and create inflammation in the pelvis, but many women still achieve successful pregnancies through IVF. Mini IVF’s emphasis on egg quality can be particularly useful for those with mild to moderate endometriosis, and success rates are comparable to standard IVF in appropriately selected patients.

A consultation with one of our fertility specialists is the best way to determine fit. Your doctor will review your symptoms, hormone levels, ovarian reserve, past treatments, and overall goals. Women who are sensitive to medication, have mild to moderate endometriosis, or prefer a lower-stress approach often find Mini IVF to be a good match.

Why New Hope?

At New Hope, we pioneered the development and advancement of Mini IVF. Our fertility specialists have years of experience tailoring this gentle protocol for women with endometriosis. Because endometriosis often requires a more thoughtful and balanced stimulation approach, Mini IVF allows us to protect comfort, prioritize egg quality, and support healthier embryo development.

If you are living with endometriosis and considering IVF, our fertility specialists can guide you through a treatment plan designed with your biology and long-term health in mind. To schedule your consultation, call us at (347) 970-8479 or book an appointment online.