In this blog post, we share the most prevalent misconceptions about IVF,addressed by our doctors on panel.
Myth 1: IVF treatmentresults in multiple pregnancies
Fact: The number of pregnancies depends upon the number of embryos
transferred during an IVF cycle. At Shantah IVF, we refrain from doing
multiple embryo transfers and if a patient insists on doing so, we
discuss with them the risks involved with multiple pregnancies.
If your IVF clinic insists on doing multiple ETs without explaining the
reason and the likely consequences, it may be time to look for an
ethical, non-commercial IVF clinic.
Myth 2: IVF treatment means weeks and weeks of bed rest.
Fact:Yes, but for very few patients. Just like some women are advised
bed rest in a high-risk spontaneous pregnancy, similarly, there would
always be some IVF patients who need more bed rest than others. In fact,
the most critical procedures in an IVF cycle – egg retrieval and embryo
transfer –take only a few hours after which the patient can go home and
resume her routine activities.
If your doctor advises bed rest after a procedure, it would be only to
safeguard your health.
Myth 3: IVF increases the risk of birth defects
Fact:The likelihood of an IVF baby having a congenital deformity is only
slightly higher compared tobabies born through unassisted pregnancies.
Furthermore, the tremendous advances in IVF treatment have
empoweredfertility doctors to perform genetic testing on the oocytes
(eggs) and sperm, and also on the developing embryos to rule out any
genetic defects.
Fertile couples considering pregnancy generally do not undergo such
extensive testing; therefore, we may say that the likelihood that a
genetic abnormality would be detected in time is much higher in the case
of IVF.
Myth 4: IVF should be the last alternative
Fact: Many infertile couples delay fertility treatment because of the
very misconceptions stated in this blog post. Most patients want to try
every trick in the book to get pregnant before consulting a fertility
specialist.
Patients need to understand that a medical problem cannot be corrected
with herbal or other local treatments. IVF, and infertility treatment in
general, should not be treated as a last resort as timely treatment is
extremely important for infertility patients.
As far as which fertility treatment will work best for you (IUI,
IVF,ICSI), choose a credible IVF specialist and trust them to take that
decision.
Myth 5: IVF requires frequent hospitalization
Fact: To the contrary, most IVF patients never have to spend a night at
the hospital/clinic. All procedures in an IVF cycle are outpatient
procedures and require only a few hours. In the rare case when a patient
needs to be under observation after a procedure, the IVF doctor would
advise overnight stay. Again, a good doctor would refrain from advising
unnecessary hospitalization.
Myth 6: IVF is the only alternative for childless couples
Fact:Since it is one of most talked about infertility treatments, most
people equate infertility treatment with IVF. However, IVF is only one
of the many assisted reproductive technologies (ART) available today to
help childless women conceive. Other family-building alternatives
include Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), IVF-ICSI, Ovulation Induction
(OI), GIFT, ZIFT, surrogacy, and adoption. IUI is often the first
treatment route for many infertility patients.
Myth 7: IVF is a fool-proof way to get pregnant
Fact:While IVF is one of the most practiced infertility treatments
worldwide, not every IVF cycle is successful. Several reasons govern the
success of an IVF cycle such as the underlying cause of infertility,
age of parents-to-be, medical history, biological factors, previously
failed IVF cycles, previous pregnancies, and the expertise of your IVF
specialist in handling difficult cases.
Of these, age of the female partner is the principal factor known to
impact IVF success.
Myth 8: IVF is expensive
Fact:Yes, quality IVF treatment does come at a cost; however this cost
could get multiplied at the hands of a mediocre and profit-oriented
fertility clinic.
Today IVF is the one of the most advanced assisted reproductive
techniques and researchers are exploring new ways to make it more
affordable so that more and more childless couples can avail of this
boon of science.In the last few years, India has emerged as a leading
destination for patients seeking fertility treatment options which are
affordable, reliable and effective. IVF treatment in India can be
availed at a fraction of the cost of similar treatments abroad.
To ensure you are not fleeced in the name of essential tests/procedures,
engage only with a credible fertility clinic and obtain a detailed
costing of the entire treatment plan, inclusive of any unforeseen
procedures that may become necessary during the course of your treatment
cycle.
Myth 9: The patient has no control over IVF success
Fact:This is not entirely true. As with any other form of medical
treatment, your diet, lifestyle, adherence to medication, how you cope
with stress, and most importantly, the competence and experience of your
IVF doctor, all play an important role in your IVF treatment.
At the same time, a patient might do everything right and still be faced
with IVF failure. The intention — of both the IVF doctor and the
patient — should be to give their very best to the treatment to maximize
the chances of success.
Have further questions about IVF treatment? Please contact us here. Our
team of specialists will be happy to answer your queries.
For a free 2ndopinion from Dr. Anubha Singh, please contact us here.
No comments:
Post a Comment