World IVF Day 2023: Debunking Fact, Misconceptions About IVF

Dr Kshitiz Murdia Jul 25, 2023

World IVF Day, celebrated on July 25th each year, is an occasion to raise awareness about In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and its impact on fertility treatment worldwide. With estimates suggesting that there are 34 million infertile couples, it is essential to address the numerous misconceptions surrounding IVF and provide factual information to better understand this technology hence, empowering individuals to opt for medical treatments.

Let’s debunk common myths and misconceptions about IVF to promote accurate knowledge and foster empathy and support for couples struggling with infertility.

Myth 1: IVF is only for couples with severe infertility issues

Fact: IVF is not solely reserved for couples with severe infertility problems. While it is often recommended for cases where other treatments have not been successful, IVF can also be used for various other situations. These may include cases of unexplained infertility, fallopian tube damage or blockage, endometriosis, male factor infertility, and even for preserving fertility in individuals facing medical treatments that may affect their reproductive capacity, such as cancer patients; this can be done through egg or sperm freezing. IVF offers a versatile and effective solution for a wide range of fertility challenges, and the treatment procedure depends on the unique circumstances and medical advice for each individual or couple.

Myth 2: IVF always results in multiple pregnancies

Fact: While it's true that IVF can sometimes lead to multiple pregnancies, advances in technology and medical protocols have significantly reduced the risk. Today, most fertility clinics practice elective single embryo transfer (SET), which involves transferring a single healthy embryo during IVF, reducing the likelihood of twins or higher-order pregnancies. The aim is to promote safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for both the mother and the child.

Myth 3: IVF guarantees a successful pregnancy

Fact: IVF success rates vary depending on several factors, including age, overall health, and the cause of infertility. Younger women generally have higher success rates with IVF than older women. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the success rate for IVF is around 30 per cent for women under 35, but it declines as the woman's age increases. It is crucial to manage expectations and recognise that success is not guaranteed with IVF. Thus, it becomes especially important for couples to approach a fertility expert in case they are unable to conceive naturally after a year of trying without the use of contraception.

Myth 4: IVF is only for women

Fact: IVF is not exclusively for women; it is a fertility treatment that can benefit both men and women experiencing infertility issues. IVF may be recommended when there are male factor infertility problems, such as low sperm count or motility.

Myth 5: IVF is an unnatural and unsafe procedure

Fact: In short, IVF is the monitored procedure in a laboratory that replicates what happens inside the human body. IVF is a part of assisted reproductive technology that is a safe and well-established medical procedure that has been refined over decades. The process involves the retrieval of eggs from the woman's ovaries, fertilisation with sperm in a laboratory setting, and the transfer of resulting embryos back into the uterus. Thousands of healthy babies are born each year through IVF, and extensive research and monitoring ensure the safety of both the mother and the child.

Myth 6: IVF leads to an increased risk of birth defects

Fact: Research indicates that there is no definitive link between IVF and an increased risk of birth defects. Studies have shown that the risk of birth defects in IVF-conceived children is similar to that of naturally conceived children. However, it is essential to recognise that the risk of certain genetic conditions may be influenced by the underlying infertility issue or the age of the parents. Thus, preimplantation genetic testing is performed in all IVF cycles to negate the selection of embryos that may be predisposed with genetic ailments.

Since the birth of the first IVF baby in 1978, assisted reproductive technology has brought hope to countless individuals and families worldwide, and with continued advancements in reproductive medicine, it will continue to play a vital role in helping individuals achieve their dreams of parenthood.