Understanding Myths Associated With IVF: What’s the Actual Truth?
These common misconceptions bring to mind the question: do Dr. Shreya Iyengar Patel and her colleagues at Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital understand IVF treatments? From what has been gathered, IVF or In-Vitro fertilization has been widely practiced as one of the most advanced procedures in women with infertility problems. Unfortunately, like many other medical practices out there, IVF also comes with its set of issues or, as said, myths. This increases the worry of stress for those couples that plan for or are already under IV treatment. To nip this problem in the bud, in this post, we will explore the more prevalent IVF fallacies and strive to set the record straight for making better choices while embarking on the fertility journey.
Myth 1: IVF can only be used as a solution in extreme cases of infertility
It is a shared understanding and said without backing that IVF should be the last step after all other remedies have been exhausted. IVF can be suggested sooner than that, based on the issue. Conditions like low sperm count, polycystic ovarian syndrome, unexplained infertility, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, etc., are all perfect scenarios in which IVF is appropriate. Simply put, IVF is for moderate cases of infertility, and, as always, the best way to find out is from your fertility specialist.
Myth 2 - IVF always results in Multiple Pregnancies
IVF, or In Vitro Fertilization, is the process of manually fertilizing an egg with sperm and later implanting it into the uterus. The embryo can then grow into a baby. It is a common misconception that IVF always results in a multiple pregnancy. While multiple embryo transfer does boost the chances of success, IVF aims to obtain a healthy single fetus pregnancy. Using techniques like preimplantation genetic diagnosis and better embryo selection have significantly reduced the chances of multifetal pregnancies. As with all medical procedures, fertility treatment plans are uniquely constructed by specialists to maximize the chance of success and minimize the risk for each individual.
Myth 3 - IVF is the Holy Grail of Infertility Treatment
Another common belief is that IVF guarantees a singular positive result, but the truth is more nuanced. Success rates of this procedure rely on various aspects, such as the age and health of the female patient, the quality of the embryos, the cause of infertility, and her test results over the previously done IV attempts. It is undeniably true that IVF drastically improved the hopes of countless individuals aspiring to become parents, but it is not a cure for infertility. Realistic expectations, along with the help of a fertility expert, can strengthen the chances of being successful.
Myth 4: IVF leads to congenital disabilities
People generally feel concerned about the safety of IVF treatments, especially about potential defects. Studies and science track the correlation of congenital disabilities with IVF procedures, and no sufficient evidence is present. As in all other cases, IVF pregnancies carry some risk, and the amount of risk does not exceed that of naturally conceived pregnancies. If you feel worried, it is best to air your concerns with your fertility doctor, who can provide appropriate answers.
Myth 5: IVF is for women of a specific age only
IVF treatment is mainly thought of in conjunction with older women wanting to get pregnant. However, it can aid many women of different ages. While both women’s age and success rates are inversely proportional due to egg quality offered by older women, IVF can be a realistic solution for younger women with fertility issues. Age is only one factor affecting the chance of success of IVF, but it does not render you unsuitable for the procedure. A fertility specialist will determine suitability irrespective of age so long as there are medical needs.
Conclusion
Separating fact from fiction is essential for IVF. Common IVF myths need to be debunked so that individuals can make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Here at Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital, we help you with reliable information, sophisticated treatments, and continuous assistance to ensure every aspect of your fertility journey is full of confidence.
Patients from the Mehsana district and its neighboring regions are also encouraged to visit our center in Ahmedabad, where we provide exceptional services, which is what we are known for. If you have any queries or concerns regarding IVF, please get in touch with us. We are happy to guide you towards the most beneficial decisions for your fertility health and support your journey into parenthood.