Indian couples are grappling with one of the most challenging issues in family planning: infertility. More than 20 million couples in the country are affected by infertility, with rates of male infertility rising significantly.

Although there are many ways to combat infertility, IVF (in vitro fertilization) has become a major scientific advancement that can help couples plan their family.

IVF (in vitro fertilization) involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving these eggs, and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory.

The resulting embryos are monitored and one or more of them are transferred to the uterus. This procedure increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.

However, despite the growing number of clinics in many parts of the country and its success, there are many myths and misconceptions about IVF. Doctors say the method is effective and helps couples conceive.

Dr. Aastha Dayal, Director, Obstetrics & Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, and Dr. Sandhya Rani, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aster Women & Children’s Hospital, Whitefield, Bengaluru, reveal 10 most common myths about IVF that couples opting for the procedure should be aware of.

IVF always results in twins

One of the most prevalent myths about IVF is that it always results in multiple babies (twins, triplets or more).

While it is true that IVF can increase the chances of multiple pregnancies, with advancements in IVF technology, we can reduce this risk substantially by successfully transferring a single embryo, thereby reducing the chances of twins or triplets and increasing the safety of the pregnancy.

IVF is only for young women

Over the years, couples have been delaying having children for social, financial or professional reasons. While age can affect fertility, women in their late 30s and 40s can also benefit from IVF.

With the use of techniques such as egg freezing and donated eggs, older women or those with fewer eggs in their ovaries can also have a successful pregnancy through IVF.

IVF is a last resort

Many people believe that IVF should only be considered when all other fertility treatments have failed. However, in some cases IVF may be the primary treatment, such as severe male infertility, blocked fallopian tubes, low ovarian reserve or genetic disorders.

In such cases, early intervention with IVF is more effective and efficient than trying other methods over a longer period of time which have lower success rates and will further deplete the egg reserve.

IVF is unsafe

Some consider IVF to be an artificial process that poses great risks to both the mother and the baby. While IVF involves scientific and medical intervention, the procedures used in IVF have been extensively researched and improved over the decades, making them safe and reliable.

The risk of complications is generally low, and many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies.

IVF is guaranteed to work

Despite its high success rates, IVF is not a guaranteed solution to infertility. Success depends on various factors, including age, the underlying cause of infertility, and the quality of the embryos.

It is important for patients to have realistic expectations and understand that multiple cycles may be necessary.

IVF causes cancer

There is a myth that hormonal treatments used in IVF can increase the risk of cancer, particularly ovarian and breast cancer. However, extensive research has shown no significant link between IVF treatment and an increased risk of these cancers. The medications used in IVF are carefully monitored and adjusted to each patient’s needs, ensuring safety throughout the process.

IVF babies are not as healthy

Studies have shown that IVF babies are just as healthy as naturally conceived babies. Although there is a slightly higher risk of certain conditions, this is often related to the underlying causes of infertility rather than the IVF procedure itself.

IVF is painful and can take a long time

Although IVF and smaller procedures may cause some discomfort, they are generally well tolerated and require a short recovery time. Most women can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

Age is not a factor in IVF success

Age is an important factor. Although IVF may still be an option for women of varying ages, success rates are higher in younger patients.

IVF fights many underlying problems of infertility

Dr Rani said it helps bypass blocked tubes through ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), thereby helping men overcome infertility.

IVF can be a great option for women suffering from ovulation problems such as PCOS, endometriosis, etc. “It can also benefit those with genetic problems such as Down syndrome, helping to achieve a healthy pregnancy,” said Dr Rani.

Dr Dayal said, “It is important for couples to understand IVF correctly and clear their fears and misconceptions so that they can avail of it in a timely and stress-free manner.”