If you are considering fertility treatment in San Diego in 2026, one of the most important decisions you will face is choosing between conventional IVF and Mini IVF. Both approaches can lead to successful pregnancies, but they differ significantly in protocol, cost, and who they are best suited for. Hanabusa IVF specializes in gentle, patient-centered fertility care, making them a leading choice for women exploring low-stimulation options.
What Is Conventional IVF?
Conventional IVF uses high doses of hormone injections over 10–14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The goal is to retrieve as many eggs as possible in a single cycle, typically 10–20 eggs, to maximize the chances of obtaining viable embryos. It is the most widely practiced form of IVF globally and tends to produce the highest egg yields in women with normal ovarian reserve.
What Is Mini IVF?
Mini IVF, also called minimal stimulation IVF, uses significantly lower doses of medication — or in some cases oral medications only — to stimulate a smaller number of high-quality eggs, usually 2–5 per cycle. The emphasis shifts from quantity to quality. For women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), low AMH, or poor response to stimulation drugs, Mini IVF can be a more effective and tolerable option than conventional protocols.
Who Is Mini IVF Best For in 2026?
Mini IVF is particularly well-suited for women who have low ovarian reserve or who have had a poor response to high-dose stimulation in a previous IVF cycle. It is also a preferred option for women who want to minimize their exposure to synthetic hormones, those at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and patients who prefer a more natural approach to fertility treatment. The team at Hanabusa IVF Mini IVF evaluates each patient individually to determine which protocol offers the best chance of success.
Cost Comparison in San Diego
Conventional IVF in San Diego typically costs between $12,000 and $20,000 per cycle, including medications. Mini IVF is often more affordable, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, because it uses fewer medications and requires fewer monitoring appointments. For patients who need multiple cycles, the cumulative cost savings with Mini IVF can be substantial.
Next Steps
If you are in the San Diego area and want to explore whether Mini IVF or conventional IVF is right for your specific situation, schedule a consultation with the specialists at Hanabusa IVF. Their team has extensive experience treating complex fertility cases and will guide you through every step of the process.
Vilma Hahn is an Alaskan native who has been blogging about life in the most Northern state for over 10 years. As a freelance writer, Vilma has traveled extensively through Alaska, collecting stories and experiences to share on her blog. She shares stories about hiking and camping, visiting small towns, and outdoor adventures. Vilma loves to share her enthusiasm for life in Alaska and hopes to encourage people from all over the world to visit the 49th state.