In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common fertility treatment that has helped millions of couples worldwide to conceive. However, despite its popularity and success, there are still several misconceptions and myths surrounding IVF. In this blog, we aim to differentiate fact from myth and provide accurate information on this topic.
Myth #1: IVF always results in multiple pregnancies
One of the most common myths about IVF is that it always results in multiple pregnancies. While it is true that IVF can increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancies, it is not always the case. In fact, most IVF pregnancies result in a single baby.
In order to comprehend why this misconception about IVF exists, it’s crucial to understand the process of how IVF works. IVF involves retrieving eggs from the woman’s ovaries, which are then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory dish. After fertilization, the resulting embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus.
In some cases, multiple embryos may be transferred for increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. However, many IVF clinics now use a technique called single embryo transfer (SET) to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. SET involves transferring only one embryo, which significantly reduces the likelihood of multiple pregnancies.
Statistics show that the rate of multiple pregnancies with IVF has been steadily decreasing over the years. In 2018, the multiple birth rate for IVF was 12.3%, down from 24.1% in 2007.
Myth #2: IVF is only for older couples
Another common myth about IVF is that it is only for older couples. While age can certainly affect fertility, IVF is not limited to older couples. In fact, younger couples may also need IVF to conceive.
As women age, their eggs’ quantity and quality decrease, making it more difficult to conceive naturally. However, younger women may also experience fertility issues due to medical conditions or other factors. In these cases, IVF may be the best option for achieving pregnancy.
It is essential to note that the success rates of IVF are generally higher for younger women, as they are more likely to produce high-quality eggs. However, this does not mean that IVF is not viable for older couples or those with fertility issues.
Myth #3: IVF is extremely painful and risky
One of the biggest myths about IVF is that it is an extremely painful and risky procedure. While it is true that IVF can be uncomfortable and there are some potential risks involved, the procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated.
Women may experience some discomfort during the egg retrieval procedure during the IVF process. However, this is typically managed with pain medication and only lasts for a short period of time.
Some potential risks are associated with IVF, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can occur when the ovaries are stimulated to produce more eggs than usual. However, the risk of OHSS can be minimized by carefully monitoring the woman’s hormone levels and adjusting the medication dosage as needed.
Other potential risks of IVF include infection, bleeding, and damage to the bladder or other nearby organs during the egg retrieval procedure. However, these risks are rare and can usually be avoided by choosing an experienced and qualified IVF clinic and the best IVF doctor in Noida.
Myth #4: IVF always results in a successful pregnancy
While IVF is a highly effective fertility treatment, it does not always result in a successful pregnancy. Success rates can depend on several factors, including the woman’s age, the number of embryos transferred and the quality of the eggs and sperm.
As per the report by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the success rate for IVF in women under 35 years old is around 40-50% per cycle. However, the success rate decreases as the woman’s age increases. For women over 40 years old, the success rate drops to around 4-5% per cycle.
There are several possible reasons why an IVF cycle may be unsuccessful, including chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos, implantation failure, and issues with the uterine lining. However, even if one IVF cycle is unsuccessful, it does not mean that future cycles will also be unsuccessful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to debunk the myths and misconceptions surrounding IVF in order to make informed decisions about fertility treatment. While IVF may not be the right choice for everyone, it can be a highly effective option for couples struggling to conceive.
If you are considering IVF, it is important to seek information from trusted sources such as an IVF clinic in Noida or the best IVF doctor in Noida. By understanding the facts about IVF and its potential risks and benefits, you can make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for you.
