In Fact Sheet: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Use Across the United States, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it was observed that IVF represented over 99% of all assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. Despite its popularity, IVF is still obscured by myths and misconceptions.
We realize that many of these myths stem from hope or fear associated with the procedure. Hence, we have tried debunking common IVF myths in the blog to provide correct information to confused couples and help them take the next step in their fertility journey.
What is IVF?
IVF expands into in vitro fertilization, one of the many fertility treatment methods in practice today. The treatment is a mix of medication and surgical procedures. IVF involves fertilizing an egg taken from the body of a woman with sperm in a laboratory and then putting the embryo back in the woman’s womb. There are several steps in IVF which could be summarised as follows:
- A doctor prescribes fertility hormone medicines to stimulate egg production in a woman’s ovary
- After taking the medicine, the woman’s ovary produces multiple eggs
- The doctor extracts the egg from the woman’s body and injects sperm into the egg in a laboratory
- The fertilized embryo or embryos are then placed in the woman’s uterus
Fertility increases with IVF. However, it might take multiple cycles of IVF before pregnancy happens.
Also read: IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) : Step By Step IVF Procedure
Debunking Common IVF Myths: IVF Myths and Facts
- Debunking Common IVF Myths: Myth 1: IVF is the primary treatment option for infertility
While debunking common IVF myths, it is necessary to remember that in vitro fertilization is not the primary treatment option in all cases of infertility. Different factors influence the decision to proceed with treatment procedures. The age of the individuals undergoing the treatment, the underlying cause for infertility, and the duration for which infertility has been observed are some.
A fertility specialist may evaluate these factors thoroughly before deciding on the treatment procedure, which can also include less invasive methods such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or fertility medications.
- Debunking Common IVF Myths: Myth 2: IVF usually leads to multiple pregnancies
Another myth that needs definite clarification while debunking common IVF myths is the one related to multiple pregnancies resulting from IVF. IVF often involves the transfer of numerous embryos for success. However, the goal of most of these procedures is one healthy pregnancy.
You can always discuss your concerns regarding IVF myths and facts, like multiple pregnancies from IVF, with your fertility specialist. Medical expertise and advanced techniques in IVF have reduced the chances of multiple pregnancies from the procedure considerably. Further, many young couples are choosing processes like single embryo transfer (SET) to avoid multiple pregnancies while still attaining a successful pregnancy.
- Debunking Common IVF Myths: Myth 3: The risk of Congenital disorder is high in IVF
Debunking common IVF myths should definitely include addressing the concern about congenital disorders in IVF babies. Such a myth stems from the common belief that IVF babies are unnatural. While discussing IVF myths and facts, it could be said that the risk of congenital anomalies in IVF procedures is almost the same as in natural pregnancy.
Some underlying factors that may contribute to such anomalies include parents’ pre-existing genetic conditions or parental age. Further, the risk for congenital disorders could be analyzed through genetic testing and other advanced technologies.
- Debunking Common IVF Myths: Myth 4: IVF method is only used to treat infertility
The limited knowledge about the scope of IVF treatment in conditions other than fertility makes debunking common IVF myths inevitable. Patients with health conditions such as cystic fibrosis or genetic disorders could resort to IVF treatment if they want to conceive. Further, IVF can also help women with uterine abnormalities and those who have had their fallopian tubes removed.
Medical procedures such as cancer treatment sometimes affect fertility. Hence, such patients can also consider undergoing IVF. In all these conditions, it is advisable to discuss with your fertility specialist to decide whether IVF can help you.
Also read: Infertility Explained: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
- Debunking Common IVF Myths: Myth 5: Only women in particular age groups can do IVF
While debunking common IVF myths, it is necessary to remind that women of various age groups can benefit from the treatment process. However, women over the age of 35 who already experience reduced fertility in natural circumstances will have a low success rate for IVF.
Further, young women with specific challenges in fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis, or those with their fallopian tubes removed can also choose to undergo IVF.
While debunking common IVF myths, it is also essential to add that the fertility treatment process is often chosen by women with a male partner with fertility issues. Further, young women can also resort to IVF to preserve their fertility for the future while they concentrate on their careers and other goals.
Debunking Common IVF Myths: Conclusion
While discussing IVF myths and facts, it is necessary to remember that you cannot generalize treatment planning for all patients. This is because the reason for infertility is different in different people. Hence, debunking common IVF myths and stating the facts is one of the most significant ways to help couples and individuals with fertility issues plan their treatment. We hope you can find proper information on many misbelieves about IVF in the blog and gain support for your dreams of becoming parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is IVF a very painful process?
Debunking common IVF myths, we would like to remind you that the IVF procedure is painless for most of its stages. The only part where you could experience some degree of pain is when the fertilized eggs are implanted back into the uterus. Though this might feel unpleasant, like a smear test, it need not necessarily stop you from choosing IVF.
- Is it common for women undergoing IVF to deliver through c-section?
No, it is not common for women undergoing IVF to deliver through c-section. Many of these pregnancies result in vaginal delivery. While discussing common IVF myths and facts, it is necessary to remember that delivery through c-section for an IVF patient is determined based on factors like fetal health, previous birth history, labor complications, placental complications, and maternal health and preferences.
- Is it necessary for a woman to be hospitalized and take complete bed rest while undergoing IVF treatment?
No, a woman doesn’t need to be hospitalized and take complete bed rest while undergoing IVF treatment. The two main procedures involved—collection and transfer of embryos—are outpatient procedures requiring a maximum of only 8 hours at the hospital. Further, expectant IVF mothers only need the same amount of rest as other women during their pregnancy.
