In-Vitro fertilization or IVF is the most effective and successful out of all assisted reproductive techniques to date
To put it simply — IVF involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in the laboratory.
Once the embryo develops after fertilization then it is placed inside the uterus. The procedure could be done using the parents’ own egg or sperm or that of a donor.
Now, a commonly popular term and a widely used procedure; IVF has come a long way from being the mysterious procedure that created the test tube babies, and yet there are many myths and uninformed assumptions which are rampant around us about the IVF process. Most of which are either related to the safety, cost, or stigma attached to talking about women’s health.
In this article, we will bust some common myths about In-vitro fertilization.
Myth- IVF is the only assisted reproduction method and is a one-stop solution for all infertility problems.
Fact- Although it is the most popular, IVF is one of many assisted reproduction techniques which is used to help women with infertility issues. Different techniques and treatments are prescribed by the doctors depending on the uniqueness, severity and diagnosis of the patient’s condition. Some of the other popular techniques are intra-uterine insemination (IUI), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) etc.
Myth- IVF costs you an arm and a leg.
Fact- It is a little more expensive and time-consuming compared to other common assisted reproductive procedures, but, IVF is not the ‘treatment for celebrities’ as it is purported. With better availability of IVF hospitals, the costs of treatment are going down all over our country.
Myth- IVF possesses a 100% success rate.
Fact- There are many factors that are at play while undergoing it. Age factors, underlying ovarian reserve, semen parameters, etc. play a common role in the success of IVF treatment. In only about 50% of cases, the technique is successful for the first time.
Dr. Puneet Arora says that couples/mothers should not get disheartened by the failure of IVF. When one way is closed, science always finds another, and with a better understanding of reproductive science, advanced technologies help to answer implantation failures.
Myth- IVF is not safe.
Fact- Although IVF can be a little problematic for a really minuscule percentage of people; mostly due to age factors or underlying fertility problems like OHSS(Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), it is a completely safe and sound procedure.
Those who are at risk of danger are advised preventive methods to make it safe or not to pursue the treatment.
Myth- IVF children are born with malformations
Fact- The chance of an IVF baby being born with anomalies at birth is as much as the normal reproduction process. There is no clear information to suggest that IVF aggravates malformations in newborns.
Myth- IVF will always result in multiple pregnancies.
Fact- Earlier, during IVF multiple embryos were transferred to the host’s uterus so that the chance of pregnancy will increase. This would sometimes result in multiple pregnancies.
But, with the advancement of IVF technologies, it has become easier to increase the chance of just one healthy embryo fertilizing.
Dr. Puneet Arora firmly believes in the concept of a healthy mother-healthy child and encourages single embryo transfers.
Myth- Fertility clinics are just there for helping with assisted birth.
Fact- Apart from providing assisted reproduction treatments, the CIFAR fertility clinic which is helmed by Dr. Puneet Arora provides treatment and counseling to men and women for all kinds of fertility problems be it major or minor.
CIFAR boasts a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who are committed to Dr. Puneet’s pledge to make fertility treatments easy, accessible, affordable, technology-driven, and safe for all the people of our country.