In vitro fertilisation (IVF) plays a crucial role in assisting thousands of patients each year in their quest to conceive. In fact, the value of India’s IVF market stood at $750 million in 2020 and is projected to grow to $4 billion by 2030.
Despite its prevalence, numerous myths persist—particularly around the causes of failed IVF cycles. Here, we aim to dispel these myths and provide clarity on this type of fertility treatment.
Misconception 1: IVF guarantees success.
Many believe that IVF invariably leads to pregnancy. But the reality is that IVF—like any medical treatment—has no guaranteed outcome.
Factors contributing to a failed IVF cycle include genetic issues, hormonal imbalances, or issues with embryo implantation. Identifying the causes of failed IVF can be a complex process that requires thorough medical evaluation. Your fertility doctor can provide personalised advice based on your health profile.
The quality of the laboratory is also crucial in determining the success of IVF treatments. Since lab quality differs from one clinic to another, be sure to examine a clinic’s IVF success rates thoroughly before proceeding. The best ones—such as Advance Fertility in Delhi—offer preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for some patients based on their specific medical diagnoses. Consulting with a fertility expert is key to enhancing your prospects of successful IVF treatment.
Misconception 2: IVF is the sole solution for infertility.
While IVF is a popular and effective treatment for infertility, it’s not the only option. Many patients achieve success through less invasive methods such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or timed intercourse.These alternatives can be more suitable depending on the specific fertility issues encountered.
Ultimately, treatment choices should align with the patient’s unique circumstances, including age, fertility issues, and personal goals.Talk to your fertility specialist about the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
Misconception 3: IVF necessarily leads to caesarean deliveries.
Another common false impression is that pregnancies achieved through IVF always result in caesarean sections. This is not true. IVF pregnancies can lead to healthy vaginal deliveries.The choice of delivery method is determined by medical necessity and the health of the mother and baby, not the conception method.
Misconception 4: IVF often results in multiple births.
Contrary to popular belief, IVF does not inherently increase the likelihood of twins or multiples. This risk only escalates when multiple embryos are transferred. With advancements in IVF technology, transferring a single embryo is becoming the norm, enhancing safety for both mother and child and reducing the likelihood of multiple pregnancies.
Misconception 5: IVF reduces ovarian reserve
IVF typically uses eggs that the body naturally recruits in a given cycle. While only one might mature naturally, IVF stimulates the maturation of multiple eggs without affecting future cycles. The rest of the ovarian reserve remains unaffected, preserving a woman’s fertility potential for the future.
Misconception 6: IVF increases cancer risk.
Numerous rigorously conducted studies in scientific research find no evidence that ovarian stimulation using injectable gonadotropins leads to cancer. While there are occasional suggestions of a potential link with borderline ovarian tumours, these tumours are typically non-aggressive (causing minimal or no pain) and have a very favourable prognosis (expected outcome), often allowing fertility to be preserved.
Concerns that IVF treatment raises the risk of cancer are therefore unfounded. Any elevated risk is more likely due to underlying genetic factors rather than the IVF process itself.
Misconception 7: IVF is only for young couples.
Age is indeed a factor in fertility, but IVF can be effective across a range of ages. For older women, the use of donor eggs from younger donors can be an option, though it’s important to acknowledge that success rates may vary with age. Your fertility doctor can assess your individual situation and advise on the best approach, considering your age and fertility profile.
Misconception 8: IVF is a one-size-fits-all treatment
Every patient’s fertility journey is unique, and IVF is not a universal solution. Tailoring the treatment to individual needs is key, and consultation with a fertility specialist is essential to determine the best approach. A customised treatment plan based on your specific fertility challenges and overall health can greatly increase the chances of a successful outcome and prevent a failed IVF cycle.
Misconception9: IVF is expensive andexclusively for the wealthy.
Another common misconception is that IVF is a luxury only accessible to the wealthy. However, the reality is that it has become more accessible and affordable, making it a viable option for a broader demographic.
The cost of an IVF cycle at Advance Fertility, for instance, ranges from Rs 1.20 lakh to Rs 2.80 lakh, which varies depending on various factors. These factors include the dosage and duration of injections, the age and weight of the woman, and whether the cycle is fresh or frozen or if there have been previous failed attempts.
The IVF package at Advance Fertility is comprehensive. It covers hormonal injections for stimulation, oral medication, and vitamins for both partners during IVF stimulation. Also included are the doctors’ consultation fees, follicular monitoring, pre-anaesthesia check-ups, anaesthesia charges, OT consumables, and nursing charges.
The package encompasses all laboratory charges, including media and consumables, as well as the embryologist’s fees. Additionally, it covers egg retrieval and embryo transfer procedures. Also included in this cost are all IVF counselling support services during the procedure, post-ovum pick-up medicines, embryo transfer, and embryo freezing for three months.
It’s important to note that the package does not cover certain costs, including blood tests for the couple, sperm freezing, and post-embryo transfer medication. Extra procedures like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) for poor sperm quality, frozen embryo thawing, and multiple IVF cycles with laser hatching or blastocyst transfer incur additional charges ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. Costs for donor egg usage, testicular sperm retrieval, and Micro TESE are approximately Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000, and Rs 60,000, respectively.
Advance Fertility maintains transparency about these costs, informing patients at the beginning of the cycle. This transparency includes clear explanations of what is included and what isn’t, ensuring there are no unexpected costs later on.
Misconception 10: IVF is hard to access in India.
Contrary to this belief, India boasts numerous world-class, reputable clinics offering IVF treatments. Advance Fertility, for instance, operates four clinics in Delhi. These clinics are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced professionals, making advanced fertility treatments like IVF accessible and successful for a wide range of patients in India.
Take your next step.
Each IVF journey is unique, and personalised care is the cornerstone of success in fertility treatments. Advance Fertility can guide you on your path to parenthood. Our team of experts, state-of-the-art technology, and commitment to individualised treatment plans ensure you receive the best possible care.
Contact Advance Fertility today for a consultation.
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