In vitro fertilization, or IVF has transformed the lives of many couples, offering hope to those who had been trying to get pregnant but in vain. Using this method, a couple unable to conceive naturally can expect to get pregnant and start a family. IVF has become a popular treatment globally. However, despite its success and accessibility, people are ill-informed about this procedure. As a result, many myths and misconceptions continue to revolve around it.
We are here to debunk the most common myths and state the facts about IVF.
IVF Guarantees Pregnancy
While IVF is a sought-after treatment to get pregnant, the results do not always guarantee pregnancy. Many factors come into play to decide the success rate of IVF, such as the age of the female, the quality of sperm and the egg, the experience of the clinic, and the overall health of the couple.
Before you opt for this treatment, the doctor will ask you to run some tests to determine whether the results of IVF will work in your favor or not. These tests include an overall health check-up, blood tests, and more.
IVF is Only for Women Who Cannot Conceive Naturally
The primary objective of IVF is to increase the chances of pregnancy in women who cannot conceive naturally. However, this treatment is not just for them. In-vitro fertilization is a sought-after solution for others too.
- Couples who experience unexplained infertility can opt for this treatment.
- Individuals with genetic disorders may think of IVF to start a family.
- Women with blocked fallopian tubes can consider IVF treatment.
- IVF is an option for men with low sperm count or motility.
- Same-sex couples can opt for this treatment to get pregnant.
Age Doesn’t Matter
While many people say that age doesn’t matter and IVF can be opted for women of all ages, they are wrong. Age is an important factor in determining if the results of IVF treatment will work in your favor or not.
As per research, around 50% of procedures in women aged 35 and under have resulted in birth. But women who are 42 or older haven’t responded well to this treatment and the success rate in this case has only been 3.9%. No matter how healthy your lifestyle is, age is still a vital factor in influencing the result of this treatment. You may be healthy but your ovaries may have started aging.
Stress Leads to Infertility
IVF is not an easy treatment. Going through each stage of this treatment may be highly stressful. While stress is not a direct cause of infertility, there is no way you can treat the anxiety and help patients through each step of this procedure.
By treating stress, you and your partner can try more than one treatment cycle of IVF, which can eventually improve your overall chance of getting pregnant.
IVF is an Unaffordable Treatment Option
Another common myth around IVF is that it is an unaffordable treatment option that can cost a fortune and empty all your bank balance. While compared to other treatments, IVF may be expensive but not unaffordable.
Many couples hesitate to opt for this treatment due to several financial concerns. Today, many clinics have made it possible for couples to opt for the treatment without breaking the bank. These clinics offer affordable yet high-quality IVF treatment options, making it possible for you to get pregnant without disrupting your finances.
IVF Babies are not Healthy Babies
It is one of the most common myths around IVF treatment. Many couples do not opt for IVF treatment only because they think that their babies will be weak and deformed. However, this is not true. As per many scientific studies, IVF babies are just as healthy and normal as babies conceived through natural pregnancy.
All you need to do is to look for the best IVF center in your city and reach out to an expert professional who will help you through each stage of the treatment, ensuring the results are positive and don’t affect your and the baby’s health.
IVF Medication may Increase your Risk of Cancer
It is another myth around IVF treatment, making couples fearful about the procedure. According to the majority of studies, there is no significant increase in cancers in individuals who opt for IVF. While it is true that women with infertility may have a baseline increased risk of cancer, it is more related to genetic factors than IVF.
Before starting the treatment, the doctor requires the patient to complete a thorough medical history assessment, while being up-to-date with all the routine health screenings.
IVF Results in Twins or Triplets
Opting for IVF may indeed increase your risk of multiple births like twins and triplets. However, this is not always the case. Modern IVF techniques, such as single embryo transfer or SET, focus on implanting one healthy embryo to reduce the chances of multiple pregnancies.
The best clinics offering top IVF treatments prioritize patient safety and follow all international protocols to minimize the risk and maximize the success of the treatment.