Common myths about in vitro fertilization

In vitro fertilisation or IVF, is the most common form of assisted reproductive technology used in the management of patients who are having difficulty conceiving. It involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body.  In India, numerous Bollywood celebrities, authors, and journalists who are regarded influencers have chosen egg freezing and inspired many others to do the same, making IVF almost a household term.

There are numerous myths about this method of having a healthy baby. Dr Meenu Vashisht Ahuja, Consultant at Birla Fertility & IVF, revealed some of these myths in an interview with HT Lifestyle

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Myth: IVF always results in multiple births

If IVF is performed according to guidelines and international procedures, there is only a 20% possibility of multiple pregnancies because the number of embryos transferred should be limited. If the pregnancy is not single, the pregnant lady faces a larger risk of difficulties. 

However, if the woman’s age is advanced or there is a history of repeated failures, it is best to transfer more than one embryo. Doctors favour a single blastocyst transfer in such instances (human embryo reaches approximately five to six days after fertilisation).

Myth: IVF raises your chances of getting cancer

In any study or medical research, there is no confirmed link between cancer (particularly uterine and breast cancer) and IVF. Except for ovarian cancer, where the odds are 15 in 10,000, women can have a moderate amount of fertility procedures without increasing their risk of cancer. Even in adulthood, there is no danger of cancer for the unborn kid.

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Myth: IVF is a traumatic procedure

IVF has traditionally been associated with a great deal of pain and discomfort, particularly during the initial few days when the woman’s partner must undergo daily doses of hormone injections. However, as medicine has advanced and new recombinant medications have been released, the technique has become much less painful and more convenient. These injections are not usually intramuscular; subcutaneous injections are less uncomfortable.

Myth: An IVF baby is more likely to have birth abnormalities

IVF does not raise the risk of congenital birth problems. On the contrary, it enables preimplantation genetic testing of the embryo in high-risk cases to rule out the possibility of the kid having congenital malformations or chromosomal disorders. These include circumstances in which the woman is above the age of 35, the male is over the age of 50, or there is a family history of genetic problems.

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Myth: One IVF failure permanently eliminates your chances of success

If a couple’s IVF cycle fails for any reason, it does not rule out the possibility of having a child. To achieve success in future cycles, it is critical to understand why this occurred and to alter the treatment accordingly. Many patients have conceived after 4-5 IVF cycles when supplemented with recommended procedures such as laser-assisted hatching, microfluidics, preimplantation genetic testing, injecting platelet-rich plasma into the uterine cavity, or even supplementing the diet with antioxidants, as the case may require.

Myth: IVF pregnancies have a higher rate of complications

When a woman is under the age of 33, she has the best chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby. After the age of 37, this decreases fast, and the risk of pregnancy difficulties for both the mother and the baby increases. The IVF procedure does not contribute to these age-related issues. Patients suffering from infertility, on the other hand, must seek medical attention as soon as possible. The success rate of IVF is also substantially higher at a younger age.

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Myth: IVF has a 100% success rate and can address any infertility concerns

In couples under the age of 35, the success rate of IVF is around 40%. In addition, the success rate of IVF is affected by several factors, including age, the cause of infertility, and biological and hormonal disorders. Various assisted reproductive techniques can help couples conceive, such as ovulation induction (OI) with medicines, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and so on. One of them is in vitro fertilisation.

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Dr Vinieta Diwakar, the Consultant Gynaecologist at Gurugram’s Manipal Hospital, added to the list by debunking the following myths:

Myth: The baby born as a result of IVF is abnormal

If genetic tests show that the embryo is normal, it is implanted.

Myth: IVF causes hormonal issues later in life

All drugs are administered as prescribed, ensuring that no complications arise as a result of IVF.

Myth: IVF pregnancy means delivery by C Section

The delivery route is determined by your presentation; IVF is not an indication for C Section.

Myth: In comparison to natural pregnancy, IVF pregnancy necessitates additional care.

Medication throughout pregnancy is determined by your co-morbidities and development.