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IVF Misconceptions: Myths vs Reality

Jul 14, 2024

IVF and Fertility

ivf misconceptions

Infertility is an often misunderstood and profoundly personal issue that affects many couples around the world. In many cultures, infertility is solely attributed to the female partner. But that is not true. There are many myths and misconceptions about the IVF treatment process, and this blog aims to debunk them.

What is IVF?

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation. It is a type of fertility treatment process in which surgical procedures and medicines are used to combine eggs with sperm outside of your body in a lab. This treatment has many steps, generally taking many months to complete. Here’s an overview of the process:

  1. The patient takes medication that prepares the eggs for fertilisation. 
  2. A doctor takes eggs out of the body and mixes them with the sperm in a lab to help them fertilise.
  3. One or more fertilised eggs (embryos) are placed directly in the uterus. 

Pregnancy can only occur if one or more of these embryos are implanted in the uterine lining. You must understand that, in most cases, pregnancy does not happen on the first try through IVF. More than one round of IVF may be needed to get pregnant. And even though IVF increases the chances of fertility, there’s no guarantee.

Common IVF Myths and Facts

Debunking the myths and understanding the facts about IVF is necessary for making informed decisions when dealing with infertility. Below are some common myths and facts related to IVF treatments:

Myth- IVF Causes Multiple Pregnancies

Facts- One of the most common misconceptions is that IVF treatment usually leads to multiple pregnancies. While it may be true that various embryos can be transferred to increase the chances of pregnancy, the main goal is typically a healthy singleton. So tone a days we transfer only one embryo .Also, thanks to the use of preimplantation genetic testing and other advancements in IVF techniques, the likelihood of multiple pregnancies has been reduced.less than 5-7% of pregnancies are twins 

Myth- IVF Is Only for Women of a Certain Age

Facts- IVF can be a possible option for couples of all ages who struggle with infertility due to various factors like endometriosis and blocked fallopian tubes.those with severe male factor infertility can also be one of the causes. Husbands with zero sperms also need ivf - icsi , in fact younger the woman better are the results 

Myth- IVF Requires Hospitalisation

Facts- The entire IVF treatment takes only a few hours during the egg collection procedures for which a person need not be admitted to the hospital for more than 5-6 hours .It is an extremely patient friendly process now which is done on an Opd basis ! No hospitalisation required for a longer time ! 6-8 hours required at the hospital - day care procedure. 

Myth- IVF Treatment is Costly

Facts- While IVF can be a significant financial investment, some clinics offer options to make it more manageable. These might include instalment plans (EMIs) or promotional discounts. Budget ivf is performed and offered by some Center’s . It's important to remember that choosing a clinic with a proven track record of success can ultimately be more cost-effective. Higher success rates translate to a lower number of IVF cycles typically required to achieve pregnancy, reducing the overall financial burden.

Myth- IVF Pregnancy Only Delivers by Cesarean

Facts- Like naturally conceived pregnancies, most pregnancies result in vaginal delivery. Cesarean delivery is not just determined by IVF treatment but by other factors such as maternal health, fetal health, previous birth history, placental complications, labour complications, and maternal preference.

Myth- IVF Depletes Your Ovarian Reserve

Facts- Ovarian stimulation retrieves those eggs which would have perished in the natural cycle. Hence IVF doesn’t deplete ovarian reserve any more than natural conception.

Myth- IVF is Unnatural

Facts- The notion that babies born through IVF are unnatural and, therefore, will have developmental delays or other birth defects is false. Babies born through the IVF process are just as normal and healthy as babies conceived through spontaneous conception.

Myth- IVF is Painful

Facts- The misconception about IVF being painful and dangerous is not entirely true. IVF is a well-established and safe fertility treatment with a high success rate. There are strict safety protocols in place at fertility clinics to prevent complications during the procedure. Moreover, pain management techniques are also used to ensure patient comfort during and after the procedure.

Myth- IVF Needs Bed Rest

Facts- It is a very common misconception that proper bed rest is strictly required during the post-transfer period. According to present medical recommendations, extended bed rest and IVF are neither compulsory nor recommended. Instead of bed rest, activities that are generally recommended include moderate walking and light household jobs.

Myth- Ovarian Stimulation Causes Cancer

Facts- Current studies do not support a direct link between the increased risk of ovarian cancer and ovarian stimulation for IVF.

Myth- Emotional Stress Affects IVF Achievements

Facts- One of the many common myths about IVF is that stress can decrease the chances of pregnancy through IVF. Recent studies about infertility and emotional stress show that the stress that women usually feel before IVF treatment doesn’t have any negative impact on the chances of them conceiving through IVF.

Wrapping Up

It is always better to remember that every person’s fertility journey is different. You should never assume that “one size fits all” when it comes to treatment planning. Moreover, understanding myths, misconceptions, and facts about IVF and infertility is essential for couples and individuals facing fertility issues. With the proper support, information, and treatment, many people can overcome infertility issues and achieve their dream of having children.

Consider Dr.Nandita Palshetkar for the Best Treatment for Infertility!

Are you thinking about IVF to address infertility? Dispelling common myths is essential to gain a clear understanding of the process and make informed choices. With Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, you can be assured that your dream of becoming a parent won’t simply be a dream anymore but a reality. As the founder and medical director of the famous Bloom IVF Group, she is also one of the pioneers of IVF treatment in Mumbai and all over India. Schedule an appointment with her today for more personalised information about your parenthood.

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