While in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is becoming increasingly popular as an effective infertility treatment, there are still some myths associated with it.
Thanks to advancements in medical science, couples with physical or fertility issues can now become parents through IVF technology. It is well known that IVF has a high success rate, but many people are scared or hesitant about becoming parents through it. Most people lack awareness, affordability, and access to health care. A lot of people are also afraid to try embryo transfer. The following are some myths and facts about IVF.
Myth: IVF always leads to multiple babies
Even though multiples are possible with IVF, the procedure itself only increases your chance of becoming pregnant with a viable embryo. single embryo transfers boost your chances of success. We strongly support single embryo transfers. For that, we have the best Team of IVF lead by Dr. Prakash Patel.
The risk of miscarriage, labor complications, and premature birth increases when multiple embryos are transferred. It is a common misconception among prospective parents that transferring multiple embryos will increase their chances of a successful outcome. In fact, the opposite is true. A single embryo transfer is preferred for the health of the mother and baby.
Myth: IVF won’t work for older people
The main cause of infertility is age, but couples have got pregnant well into their advanced years, and IVF has been successful for older and younger women who may need it. It must be noted, however, that chances of pregnancy decline dramatically with age, even with IVF.
Myth: IVF babies are born abnormal
The myth that IVF will cause problems later in life is one of the most unfounded. Over the last three decades, millions of babies have been born through Assisted Reproduction. There is no scientific evidence to support this myth. Recent advancements in ART, such as PDG/PGS, have enabled parents with a history of genetic disorders to have normal children through IVF and ART. There is no difference between IVF and naturally conceived children.
It is possible for children to be born with birth defects even if they are conceived normally. Birth defects are less likely to occur in babies born via IVF. For this reason, good-quality oocytes and sperm are selected for fertilization during the oocyte and sperm selection process. ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is also used if the partner’s sperm appears abnormal or if the partner’s sperm count is low. During this process, the specialists select one healthy sperm for fertilization. As a result, birth defects and other abnormalities are greatly reduced. In addition, the specialists fertilize multiple embryos and transfer only the healthy one to the uterus.
Myth: IVF is a painful process.
There is no additional pain or trouble associated with the IVF process itself. Although there may be some discomfort during pickup and implantation, you will not feel extreme pain. Pain tolerance varies from person to person. As a result, you might experience different levels of pain during the procedure than someone else.
These injections are usually given after the transfer. If taking any regular injection on your arms is scary or painful to you, you should be prepared for the same pain during IVF. Nevertheless, newer concepts such as the natural cycle eliminate the need for painful injections.
Myth: IVF is a costly treatment
It’s false. The reality is quite different from what many people believe. Since they consider IVF treatment to be expensive, they don’t even go to an IVF center for consultation. While IVF is certainly expensive, it is less expensive than many other existing surgical treatments for infertility. Despite being expensive, IVF costs have not increased much in recent years. It is less expensive than some major procedures, such as heart surgery or joint replacement.
Myth: IVF is Always Successful
One of the biggest myths surrounding IVF is that it is always successful. It is true that IVF can increase your chances of becoming pregnant with a viable embryo, but it is not a guarantee. The success rate of IVF varies depending on several factors, including the age of the woman, the reason for infertility, the number of embryos transferred, and the quality of the embryos. IVF is typically more successful for younger women and less successful for older women. In addition, multiple embryo transfers do not necessarily increase success rates and can result in complications like multiple pregnancies. Patients should be aware that IVF is not a guaranteed solution for infertility and should manage their expectations accordingly. It is important for patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow their doctor’s recommendations, and seek emotional support during the IVF process in order to improve their odds of success.
Myth: IVF is the only solution for infertility.
A couple may consider IVF if they have exhausted all other methods of treatment or if they are of the same sex. If you want to improve your fertility health, there are several types of treatments you can try. Having been treated, you can try for a natural conception, and IVF isn’t necessary for success.
The use of IVF is one option among many others. It is however helpful in understanding the cause and treatment of infertility.
Myth: IVF requires complete bed rest
This question is asked almost every time a couple comes in for treatment. Some of our patients are working women who come to pick up their ovaries and then go right back to work. Three days after the transfer, the women resumed normal activities and continued to work. IVF pregnancy is no different from a natural pregnancy. After the embryo transfer, you do not have to confine yourself to bed. It is actually possible to lower your success rate with IVF if you spend too much time resting. The reason for this is that too much bed rest will prevent your heart rate and blood flow from fluctuating as they should. After the embryo transfer, you should get enough rest and return to normal activities.
However, in a normal pregnancy, some caution is advised and should be followed. Make sure you don’t lift heavy objects, avoid sudden movements, and avoid public transport / two-wheelers. Take a cab or private transport. Avoid overexertion. As you prepare for delivery, you can strengthen your body by taking up pregnancy yoga.
Myth: Only infertile couples can opt for IVF
Myths about IVF stating that couples can only opt for it when they are infertile are false. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is certainly a fertility treatment that helps women who cannot conceive naturally, but it is not limited to infertile women. In cases where either partner has a genetic condition that can affect the baby’s health, couples can opt for IVF. It is possible to take a few cells for genetic testing using the laser and thus avoid termination of pregnancy due to genetic problems.
Myth: IVF is the first step in treatment for infertility
Infertility treatment does not always start with IVF. The appropriate treatment for infertility depends on several factors, including the underlying cause, the duration, and the age of the couple. Before considering IVF, less invasive treatments can be tried, such as fertility medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or surgical interventions. A fertility specialist will recommend the most appropriate treatment approach for each unique situation based on a comprehensive evaluation.
Myth: Single IVF failures spoil your chances of success forever
In the case of couples who are unable to conceive after an IVF cycle for some reason, this does not mean they will never be able to conceive. There have been many cases where patients have conceived after 4-5 IVF cycles, with recommended procedures such as laser-assisted hatching, microfluidics, preimplantation genetic testing, injecting platelet-rich plasma into the uterine cavity, or supplementing the diet with antioxidants depending on the situation.
Myth: IVF increases the risk of developing cancer in women.
No clinical evidence exists that IVF or other infertility treatments raise breast or ovarian cancer risks. Progesterone and estrogen levels fluctuate when medications are used to produce multiple mature eggs, perpetuating the IVF myth. A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that IVF patients have the same risk of breast cancer as the general population. The same is true for ovarian cancer. Female factor infertility is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer regardless of whether you receive infertility treatment.
Myth: The medications given during IVF treatment have many side effects.
IVF treatment with hormones for egg release may cause specific side effects, such as mood swings or feelings of depression. However, these effects will last until the eggs are released or the embryo is transferred. As soon as the woman becomes pregnant, these effects will disappear. Additionally, pregnancy may cause hormonal changes. Depending on a woman’s health condition, it can also happen during normal pregnancy.
Myth: Overweight women can’t go for IVF
It is possible for a woman without an ideal weight to become pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. Sometimes, losing a few kilos can help with unexplained infertility, and women are able to conceive easily after losing a few pounds. Weight only becomes an issue if you have Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), which can affect the quality of your eggs. Before starting IVF treatment for such patients, doctors recommend weight loss. A woman who is overweight can still undergo IVF and conceive.
Myth: Following specific diets increases the chances of a successful IVF treatment.
There is no scientific evidence that certain kinds of special diets increase the success rate of IVF. Generally, a healthy diet containing vitamins, minerals, and proteins is recommended for a healthy pregnancy, but special diets after IVF do not increase success rates.
Myth: IVF is for women only
IVF involves creating a fertile embryo in a laboratory using the female egg and the male sperm. IVF is increasingly being used alongside ICSI, TESA, and PESA in the treatment of male infertility. A combination of ICSI-IVF may be used in cases of severe male infertility. In vitro fertilization involves selecting a healthy sperm and injecting it directly into the female egg.
Despite the fact that IVF is technically a fertility treatment for women, it is often used to complement a male partner’s infertility treatment.
Many of the myths mentioned above may be familiar to you since you were told them by your friends or family members. Therefore, it is best to gather your information only from reliable sources. Rather than believing hearsay, consult experts in the field. Shukan Hospital and IVF Center is one of the finest IVF centers in Ahmedabad, with a state-of-the-art laboratory and a knowledgeable Team of expert doctors lead by Dr. Prakash Patel in the field of fertility and medicine. Visit our clinic to learn more about how IVF works and what to expect. You can get the best fertility diagnosis and advice at Shukan Hospital and IVF Center.
Author Bio
Dr. Prakash Patel
He is a highly respected Infertility and IVF Specialist with an extensive medical career spanning over two decades. As the Director of Shukan Hospital & IVF Centre, he has dedicated his life to helping couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. He is renowned for his expertise in advanced laparoscopic surgeries and has successfully managed numerous complex cases involving recurrent miscarriages and recurrent IVF failures. His proficiency in high-risk pregnancy management and advanced IVF treatments makes him a trusted name in the field of reproductive medicine.
His approach to patient care is deeply compassionate, combining his vast clinical knowledge with a commitment to personalized treatment. He holds prestigious certifications from leading medical institutions in France and Croatia, reflecting his dedication to staying at the forefront of medical advancements. With memberships in notable organizations like FOGSI and ISAR, He is recognized both nationally and internationally for his contributions to gynecology and reproductive health.
Under his leadership, Shukan Hospital & IVF Centre has become one of the premier fertility centers in Gujarat, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centered care. His outstanding work has earned him several accolades, including the My FM Achiever Award, further cementing his reputation as a leading specialist in his field.
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