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10 Common Myths About IVF

10 Common Myths About IVF

IVF (In vitro fertilization) is a fertility treatment method where the sperm and eggs are collected from the couple and fertilized in a laboratory. This is the most commonly used assisted reproductive technology that has a high success rate and has helped millions of couples become parents.

Though IVF has helped several women become pregnant, there are still some misconceptions surrounding the procedure. In this article, we have discussed some of the most common myths people believe about IVF and their truth. This will help you clear the misconceptions and understand the procedure more.

Common Myths About IVF

There are several myths regarding the IVF procedure, its benefits, and its risks. Below are the 10 most common myths that people have about the procedure.

Myth #1 - IVF will succeed every time

Fact

This is one of the most common misconceptions people have. Many people think that IVF is a simple procedure and will be successful every time they try. But that is not the case.

The average success rate of an IVF cycle is around 50–60%. This percentage increases as the number of cycles increases. IVF will never give you a 100% success rate. Your success rate depends on your health and fertility condition.

Myth #2 - IVF is never successful at the first attempt.

Fact

It is true that the chances of pregnancy during the second IVF cycle are better than during the first IVF cycle. But it doesn’t mean you can never succeed in your first attempt. On average, about 40% of women undergoing IVF have been able to get pregnant in their first cycle.

If you only have minor fertility issues and have high-quality embryos, you, too, can become successful in your first IVF cycle.

Myth #3 - IVF success rate is not based on your Age

Fact

Remember that when it comes to IVF treatments, the younger you are, the higher your chances of success. IVF is an effective fertility treatment for older women (over age 40) who have trouble getting pregnant naturally.

However, their success rate won’t be higher than women who undergo IVF when they are in their 20s or 30s. Your fertility decreases as you get older. So, if you wish to undergo an IVF procedure, ensure you do it before you reach 35 years old.

Myth #4 - Ovarian stimulation causes cancer

Fact

This is one of the main reasons why many women refuse to undergo IVF treatments. They believe that the fertility medications taken during ovulation stimulation increase the risk of cancer and other complications.

However, there is very little evidence to prove this fact. Yes, ovulation induction can cause some side effects. But they are minor and will disappear in a few days. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and understand the whole process before starting it.

Myth #5 - Babies born through IVF have health and developmental problems.

Facts

This myth is absolutely not true. IVF babies are exactly the same as any natural-born babies and and IVF mothers also experience safe pregnancies. Only the method of conception is different. Other than that, IVF babies have the same physical and mental attributes as that of a normal baby.

The health of your baby depends on the quality of your embryo. Doctors need to be careful and choose the highest quality embryo for a healthy

Myth #6 - IVF is too costly for most people.

Facts

Yes, IVF is an expensive procedure. But it is not as costly as one might think. Its cost is still lower than other major medical surgeries like heart or spinal surgeries.

If you wish to undergo IVF, check for insurance policies that will cover the IVF costs. You can also start saving money for your treatments so that you can concentrate fully in the process without worrying about the money.

Myth #7 - IVF is only for women with blocked tubes.

Facts

Most people believe that IVF is only for women with blocked fallopian tubes and do not choose IVF if they have other fertility issues. This is another misconception people have about the procedure. 

IVF is an effective fertility treatment not only for blocked fallopian tubes but also for cases involving one functioning fallopian tube. It can be an option for any couple facing difficulties in conceiving naturally. Additionally, IVF is also suitable for same-sex couples or those who wish to select the gender of their child through legal and ethical means.

Myth #8 - Stress causes IVF failure

Facts

Whether it is natural or IVF pregnancy, people believe that stress will cause pregnancy failure. That is why people advise pregnant women to always stay happy during pregnancy.

While it is true that high levels of stress can cause hormonal imbalance and affect pregnancy rate, it does not cause IVF failures. However, they can cause hormonal imbalances in the body, so try to maintain a positive mindset during pregnancy.

Myth #9 - IVF is more likely to result in a girl.

Facts

Contrary to this popular myth, women who get pregnant through IVF are more likely to have a boy than a girl. A recent study has proven that female embryos have very low survival rates compared to male embryos.

If you wish to increase your chances of having a female baby, you can go for ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where a single, high-quality sperm is injected into the egg’s cytoplasm.

Myth #10 - If IVF fails once, it will never work

Facts

It is normal for you to believe that if one IVF cycle fails, it won’t work again. Most people quit their IVF treatments if they don’t get pregnant in the first cycle.

But know that IVF failure is normal, and only 40% of women get pregnant in their first cycle. Your IVF success rates increase as the number of cycles increases. So, don’t lose hope if your first cycle fails. Rest for some months and try again.

Conclusion

IVF has some risk factors, but the myths surrounding it are more prevalent. IVF is an effective fertility treatment that has helped several couples have their own baby. If you are unable to get pregnant naturally, you can consider undergoing IVF.

Don’t lose the chance of having your own baby just because you don’t understand the procedure well. Do your research, learn everything about IVF, and consult an expert fertility doctor to get pregnant successfully.

FAQs

What is the biggest risk of IVF?

IVF is an effective fertility treatment to get pregnant. However, it does have its own risks, both short-term and long-term. Some of the biggest risks associated with IVF are
OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) and\
Multiple pregnancies.

Is IVF painful?

The overall IVF procedure is not painful. However, some women might feel pain during the ovulation stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer procedures. The level of pain varies for each woman based on their tolerance level.

Do IVF kids look different?

No, they do not. IVF babies are exactly the same as any natural-born babies. Only the method of conception is different. Other than that, IVF babies have the same physical and mental attributes as that of a normal baby.

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Dr Niveditha

Dr. Niveditha is the co-founder of The Hive Fertility and Research Centre. She is a young and passionate fertility expert who aims to provide high-quality fertility treatments to her patients. During her 10+ years of service as a fertility expert, she has helped several hundreds of patients overcome their infertility and become parents. She also specializes in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology

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