IVF is progressing as couples are becoming more open and acceptable towards its more than ever before. Though the science dates back to the 1800s, the first successful IVF-baby was born in 1978. Over the decades since then, IVF has made significant advancements with the help of modern medicine and technology. However, the mindset of people towards IVF is taking a slower pace to adapt.
A lot of what you get to know about IVF from people might result from simple hearsay. A lot of people may even discourage you from opting for it because of what they’ve heard or because they have very little knowledge of it. If you actually sit down and research about it or ask an IVF specialist about it, you are far more likely to learn actual facts about this beautiful science.
In this article, we will bust some of the most commonly known myths about IVF and present you with the actual facts.
Fact: IVF is a process that simply aids the conception process to happen faster and increases its chances of happening altogether. The growth and development of the fetus as well as the baby after it is born is the same as a naturally conceived child. IVF does not cause any genetic defects or health disorders in the baby. If the baby born through IVF ends up with any conditions or disorders, it is purely because it may have inherited it from either or both the parents, and not because of IVF.
In fact, in IVF-driven pregnancies, your fertility specialist may recommend a preimplantation genetic test of the embryo before placing it inside the uterus. This helps them understand whether the baby is prone to developing any kind of health conditions or disorders due to a genetic defect in the future.
Moreover, the embryologist chooses the most healthy sperm and egg from the lot, to create healthy embryos.
Fact: The IVF process itself does not involve any additional pain or trouble. Though there could be slight discomfort during the pickup and implantation, you do not feel extreme pain because of it. Tolerance towards pain differs from person to person. Therefore, the pain you might experience during the procedure might be very different from someone else.
Usually these injections are given post transfer.
If taking any regular injection on the arms is also scary or painful for you, then you need to prepare yourself for a similar pain with IVF too.
However with newer concepts like natural cycle there is no need for painful injections.
Fact: Though IVF is an option for women who have outgrown their prime reproductive age to give pregnancy their last fighting chance, it does not necessarily have to work for everyone.
Women under the age of 35 years have a much higher chance of successful conception through IVF than older women. As women grow older, their egg reserve and egg quality start deteriorating. Sometimes, women who have opted for IVF in their first pregnancy or the previous pregnancy might freeze their healthy embryos for their next pregnancy. In this manner, even if their egg reserves are lower in the future, they can still try for a successful conception through IVF. On the other hand, if the woman had not frozen her embryos, then the chances of a successful conception from her current ovarian reserve and egg quality are far lower.
While the chances of conception through IVF are low in women above 35 years of age, there is no guarantee of success for women under 35 either. Just as is the case with natural conception, IVF cycles can result in failed pregnancy attempts as well.
However you can decide about no. Of embryos to be transferred after discussing with your doctor.
Fact: While multiple pregnancies are common in IVF, they do not happen to everyone every time. The idea is that when you go to an IVF specialist to seek help with pregnancy, they pick out the best eggs and sperms for embryo creation. In the rare chance that you have multiple healthy embryos, you can either choose to implant more than one embryo inside your womb and try for multiple babies or you can freeze the rest of the embryos.
If all the embryos inserted inside your womb successfully implant on the uterine wall, you experience what is known as multiple pregnancies.
Fact: No, IVF is option for couples who have exhausted all other modes of treatment or are both of the same sex. Otherwise, several types of treatments can help improve your fertility health. Once treated, you can try for a natural conception, and the truth is that you can be successful without the help of IVF as well.
IVF is one of the options among many others. However it helps us best to understand about the cause of infertility and treating it.
You may relate to some of the myths mentioned above because you have been told so by your friend or family member. Therefore, it is always best to gather your information from reliable sources only. Consult experts in the field rather than believing in hearsay. Aveya IVF & Fertility Center is one of the finest IVF centers in Delhi and Bombay, with a state-of-the-art laboratory and a knowledgeable team of experts in the field of fertility and medicine. Walk into our clinic to get a thorough understanding of the reality behind how IVF works and what you can expect from it. Get the most accurate fertility diagnosis and advice at Aveya IVF & Fertility Center.