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IVF Myths vs. Facts: What You Need to Know

Knowing the facts about IVF before starting treatment is essential for making informed decisions. Understanding the process helps you manage expectations and reduce anxiety. Let’s discuss these key facts one by one, so you can approach your IVF journey with confidence and clarity, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Myth 1: IVF Always Results in Twins or Triplets

Fact: Its not always twins or triplets. Number of babies depends on how many number of embryos we transfer. If we transfer one embryo then it results into pregnancy with one baby except in exceptional circumstances.  If we transfer two embryo then also chances of one baby is more, although twin pregnancy chances also increases. Similarly when we transfer three embryos, then chances of having pregnancy with three babies increases but mostly it results into pregnancy with single baby only.  More than one embryos are transfer in order to increase chances of pregnancy. So In many centre usually two embryos are transferred. But in most of the cases it results into single baby. Now because of advances in technology chances of implantation with one single embryo has increased. So in many centre after discussion with patient, one embryo is transferred in order to decrease chances of pregnancy with multiple babies.

Myth 2: IVF Guarantees a Pregnancy

Fact: IVF process increases chances of  pregnancy in many conditions related to eggs , fallopian tube, uterus , sperm , etc. but it cannot guarantee 100% success. Because all the factors which are responsible for infertility cannot be overcome by IVF. Also final process of implantation of embryo after transfer into uterus is not yet completely known to human being. So ultimately implantation is natural phenomenon, where we cannot interfere. But we should go for IVF treatment when it is needed because it increases chances of pregnancy many folds in cases like bilateral fallopian tube blockages, poor ovarian reserve, post menopausal women, cases with obstructive azoospermia, etc.  In all such cases chances of naturally pregnancy is very low.

Myth 3: IVF is Only for Women with Fertility Issues

Fact: IVF not only helpful in cases with women’s infertility causes but also helpful in male infertility problems like Azoospermia, less sperm count, if male or female undergoing treatment for cancer, fertility preservation, genetic disorders, recurrent implantation failure, etc.

Myth 4: IVF is Extremely Painful

Fact: IVF is not extremely painful procedure. Definitely hormonal injections women has to take for ovarian stimulation but pain is usually bearable. During stimulation mild discomfort in abdomen can be there but if you take appropriate precautions then incidence of extreme pain is very very rare. During egg retrieval anaesthesia is given in order to  make process painless. Also you will get recovered in 3 to 4 hours and can go back home on same day. Embryo transfer is also very easy procedure and no cut or stitches or bleeding happens. Its is also painless procedure. So I must say IVF is safe and effective procedure. Pain is usually tolerable throughout procedure.

Myth 5: IVF Causes Cancer

Fact: Hormonal stimulation during IVF is monitored very closely. As such most of the studies says that there no added risk of ovarian, uterine or breast cancer because of IVF.

Myth 6: Frozen Embryos Are Less Effective Than Fresh Embryos

Fact: Because of advances in filed of embryology, process of Freezing and thawing of embryo is so robust that it hardly damages any embryo. As a result of this, chances of pregnancy with Frozen embryo transfer is as good as fresh embryo transfer. In fact in many cases like PCOD frozen embryo transfer increases chances of pregnancy as compared to fresh embryo transfer. Also Frozen embryo transfer help to decrease chances of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. In many cases like endometriosis , adenomyosis , thin endometrium, fibroid, etc frozen embryo transfer can help to make endometrium healthy for pregnancy before embryo transfer.

Myth 7: IVF Increases the Risk of Birth Defects

Fact: Studies have shown that the risk of birth defects in babies through IVF is slightly higher than in naturally conceived pregnancies. The increase is mainly due to underlying genetic factors or health conditions in couple rather than the IVF procedure itself. Advances in embryo screening and genetic testing reduces this risk by helping to select healthy embryos for transfer.

Myth 8: IVF is Only for the Wealthy

Fact: IVF is costly procedure but fertility clinics offered many economic packages as well as financial options to patients in order to reduce financial burden on patients. IVF cost is fairly decrease now and because of this couple from all financial background can go for IVF.

Conclusion

IVF is complex but highly effective treatment. It can increase your chances of pregnancy many fold as compared to natural try or IUI. It is effective in many reasons of infertility like obstructive azoospermia, post-menopausal women, unexplained cause of pregnancy, blockage of fallopian tube, low AMH where chances of pregnancy with natural process or IUI is very minimal . If you’re considering IVF, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ankush Raut to discuss your options and start your journey towards parenthood.