Medicosnext
Words by Dr. Rangina Laikangbam
She is an accomplished Endoscopic Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist. She holds an MBBS and MD in Gynaecology from College of Medical Sciences, Chitwan (Kathmandu University). She earned advanced credentials in Minimal Invasive Surgery (Kiel University, Germany), Artificial Reproductive Technology (MIRA IVF, Mumbai), a Postgraduate Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health (South Wales University, UK), and completed an ART course at NUS, Singapore.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized the journey to parenthood for countless individuals and couples struggling with infertility. However, despite its widespread success and advancements, misconceptions and myths about IVF still persist, often deterring people from considering it as a viable option. From doubts about its effectiveness to concerns over safety and lifestyle impacts, these myths can create unnecessary fear and confusion. In this article, we aim to demystify IVF by addressing common misconceptions with factual insights, empowering readers with accurate information to make informed decisions about their fertility journey.
1. Myth IVF isn’t effective
Fact IVF can be successful. IVF involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory dish and then transferring the resulting embryo to the uterus to initiate a pregnancy. Since its inception in the late 1970s, IVF success rates have significantly improved. Nearly 9 million babies have been conceived through IVF, and about one in every 50 infants born in the U.S. each year is conceived using this procedure.
2. Myth: IVF is only for female infertility
Fact IVF addresses both male and female infertility. While IVF involves fertilizing the woman’s egg in a laboratory, it is often used in conjunction with male infertility treatments such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA), and Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA). For instance, ICSI-IVF is commonly used for severe male infertility, where a single healthy sperm is injected directly into the egg to achieve fertilization. Thus, IVF complements infertility treatments for both partners.
3. Myth: Age doesn’t matter.
Fact Age is a critical factor in fertility. Research shows that 50% of IVF cycles in women aged 35 and younger result in a live birth, whereas only 3.9% of IVF cycles succeed in women aged 42 and older. Regardless of lifestyle or overall health, ovarian aging significantly impacts fertility.
4. Myth: Stress causes infertility.
Fact Stress does not directly cause infertility. While undergoing IVF can be stressful, stress itself is not a direct cause of infertility. However, managing stress through mindfulness and therapy can improve mental well-being and increase the likelihood of undergoing multiple treatment cycles, which can enhance overall success rates. A study found that couples participating in talk therapy and mindfulness were more than twice as likely to conceive.
5. Myth: IVF causes cancer
Fact IVF does not increase cancer risk. Studies have shown that IVF does not heighten the risk of cervical, endometrial, ovarian, or breast cancer. Although IVF typically involves hormone treatments, research indicates that the short-term use of these hormones does not elevate cancer risk.
6. Myth: IVF causes multiple pregnancies
Fact Modern IVF has a low risk of multiple pregnancies. Advances in IVF techniques now allow for the transfer of a single embryo, significantly reducing the likelihood of twins or triplets. The chance of having twins through IVF is now similar to the natural pregnancy rate of approximately 2%.
7. Myth: IVF isn’t safe
Fact IVF is generally a safe procedure. While there are risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and minor complications like infections or bleeding, these are rare. In reality, the risks associated with pregnancy itself are typically higher than those of undergoing IVF.
8. Myth: IVF success is a matter of sheer chance.
Fact IVF success is influenced by science and medical expertise. Modern IVF procedures are carefully monitored using advanced tools such as ultrasounds and blood tests. Patients can improve outcomes by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and alcohol, managing stress, and achieving a healthy weight.
9. Myth: IVF causes early menopause.
Fact IVF does not lead to early menopause. The hormonal changes from fertility medications may mimic menopause symptoms temporarily, but they do not deplete ovarian reserves faster than natural aging.
10. Myth: A failed IVF cycle means the next one will fail too
Fact A failed IVF cycle does not predict future failures. Several factors influence IVF outcomes, and doctors can adjust protocols to improve success rates in subsequent cycles.
11. Myth: IVF outcomes are not impacted by lifestyle
Fact Lifestyle plays a significant role in IVF success. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and chronic stress can negatively affect fertility. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for optimizing IVF outcomes.
12. Myth: IVF is the last desperate solution; we should wait
Fact Delaying treatment can reduce success rates. Time is crucial in infertility treatments. While younger couples may try conceiving naturally for a year, couples over 30 should consult a specialist after six months of trying.
13. Myth: IVF requires hospitalization
Fact IVF is an outpatient procedure. Most IVF steps, including egg retrieval, require only a few hours at the clinic and do not involve overnight hospitalization.
14. Myth: IVF depletes ovarian reserve
Fact IVF retrieves eggs that would otherwise be naturally lost. The procedure does not accelerate ovarian aging or reduce the ovarian reserve beyond what occurs naturally.
15. Myth: IVF is painful
Fact IVF is generally well-tolerated. Fertility clinics use advanced pain management techniques to ensure patient comfort throughout the process.
16. Myth: IVF requires strict bed rest
Fact Bed rest is not necessary after IVF. Light activities like walking and household chores are generally safe during the post-transfer period.
17. Myth: Ovarian stimulation causes cancer
Fact No evidence links ovarian stimulation to cancer. Current research does not support a direct correlation between IVF treatments and increased ovarian cancer risk.
18. Myth: Emotional stress affects IVF success.
Fact Stress does not reduce IVF success rates. Studies show that pre-treatment stress does not negatively impact IVF outcomes.
19. Myth: IVF pregnancies always require cesarean delivery
Fact Most IVF pregnancies result in vaginal deliveries. Cesarean delivery is determined by factors such as maternal health, fetal health, and complications during labor—not the IVF procedure itself.
20. Myth: IVF is only for women of a certain age
Fact IVF is suitable for couples of various ages. While younger women often have higher success rates, IVF can help couples with infertility issues regardless of age.
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.
