As infertility rates continue to rise, especially amongst the urban, middle-aged demographic, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has become the default choice of fertility treatment. IVF has remained the gold-standard of treatment for infertility and has offered a viable path to parenthood for thousands of couples worldwide.

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However, as widely as it may be prevalent and as successful as the results may have been, there are still misconceptions and misgivings that people continue to harbour about IVF as a viable treatment for infertility. These misconceptions aren’t just far from reality but also remain bereft of any scientific basis, and yet, are widely accepted and also perpetrated. These misconceptions and misinformation is both dissuading and dangerous for those who wish to opt for IVF to realise their dreams of becoming a parent.

Here are some of the most common misconceptions associated with IVF and the actual reality behind them.

IVF Increases The Chances Of Multiple Births

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Actually, this is exactly in contradiction to what IVF does. While natural birthing offers no control over the number of embryos that will get implanted in the uterus, IVF allows parents-to-be complete control over the number of embryos that can be implanted. Yes, it is true that multiple embryos may be fertilised and can be implanted, but that alone doesn’t make it necessarily a risk that leads to multiple births. However, the chances of multiple pregnancy increases if a couple opts for two embryos to be transferred.

IVF Depletes Ovarian Reserves Of A Woman
No. Firstly, the ovarian reserve is fixed and continues to deplete naturally during the course of a woman’s reproductive cycle. Yes, in an IVF cycle, multiple eggs are harvested and used for the purpose of fertilisation, but that doesn’t mean that there is a depletion of the ovarian reserve, much less the possibility of future infertility caused by low ovarian reserve. In the natural course of selection, a group of eggs become available each month for maturation, with one of them eventually available for ovulation. In an IVF cycle, the similar process is followed with one distinction – instead of one egg, MOST of the eggs IN THAT GROUP are available for ovulation. Thus, none of the eggs that are actually earmarked for the future are used or ill-used in an IVF cycle.

IVF Cycles Can Eventually Lead To Cancer

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The use of gonadotropins for the stimulation of ovaries is misunderstood as one of the causes of ovarian cancer. However, one must underscore the fact that the use of hormonal treatment has always been associated with certain unavoidable side effects. Also, there is currently no direct causal link between the growth of ovarian tumours and the use of gonadotropins.

IVF Cycle Hyperstimulation Is Uncontrollable
While there is a concern with hyperstimulation of ovaries during IVF, there is no reason to believe that such hyperstimulation is beyond control. As fertility science improves and there are improved management methods of the ovarian response, it is now possible to regulate ovarian response and ensure that the same doesn’t breach any unwanted or unwarranted levels.

IVF Is A Solution To All Infertility Issues

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No. While IVF provides a very viable and tested method of conception, it is not a foolproof and all-inclusive treatment option for infertility. There are various other modes of treatment, as well as improved versions of IVF itself such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which may and can be deployed based on the needs and requirements of the individual in question.

In addition to the above, there are several other misgivings that people have as they seek infertility treatment. Many believe that it is only helpful for younger individuals, while others say that waiting a while wouldn’t hurt – neither of these are correct. While older individuals can become parents via IVF, there is no reason to keep waiting till you cross a particular age.

Thus, before you consider IVF as a treatment option for your infertility, it is best to have an open, honest conversation with your doctor. Consider all the options, weigh in all the possibilities that exist. In the age of information that we live in, it is misinformation that can end up being our Achilles heel.