Common Myths About Fertility Treatments Debunked

IVF has revolutionized how we approach infertility. It makes the impossible possible by enabling infertile individuals and couples to have children of their very own. Unfortunately, fertility treatments are still quite misunderstood by the general population, due to the many myths and misconceptions floating around. Want to see the most common myths about fertility treatments debunked? Read on.

By spreading awareness about IVF treatment, we hope to make IVF accessible to all. In this blog, we are debunking some common myths about fertility treatments with research-backed facts and evidence. So sit tight and learn about the world of fertility with us.

Myth 1: Only Female Infertility Requires IVF Treatment

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, in vitro fertilization is used to treat both male and female infertility. Infertility affects both men and women equally: out of all infertility cases, one-third are caused by male infertility, one-third are caused by female infertility, and the rest are caused by unexplained infertility.

Contributing all IVF cases to female infertility isn’t just unfair; it contributes to the social stigma of male infertility and makes it harder for men to receive the fertility care they need.

Myth 2: You Can Only Have Twins Through IVF

Fact: IVF can increase the risk of multiple births when two or more embryos are transferred at once. Since most IVF clinics in Mumbai only perform single embryo transfers, the risk of twins or triplets is greatly reduced.

In rare cases, a single transferred embryo can naturally split and result in a multiple pregnancy. The risk of multiple gestation with IVF eSET (elective single embryo transfer) is just 1.6%.

Myth 3: Infertility is Very Rare

Fact: Infertility is not as rare as most people think. According to data from the World Health Organization, every 1 in 6 people struggles with infertility issues. Infertility has also been rising: a research paper from 2023 pointed out that infertility rates in India were 22.4% in 1992-93, compared to the much higher 30.7% in 2015-16.

Myth 4: IVF Causes Birth Defects & Health Risks

Fact: IVF does increase the risk of birth defects in babies. IVF pregnancies have a 1% chance of fetal congenital cardiac abnormalities, which is twice as likely as naturally conceived pregnancies. However, this risk is still quite marginal.

This is one of the most common myths about fertility treatments. Current research has not shown any evidence of linking IVF to long-term health issues in children. Most IVF babies are born healthy and develop normally.

Myth 5: IVF Is Always Successful On the First Attempt

Fact: No, IVF is not always successful on the first attempt. The common belief that IVF guarantees a baby is wrong and can cause miscommunications and unnecessary anguish for the person undergoing IVF.

Just imagine a coworker telling their manager that they’re undergoing IVF, and the latter telling everyone on their team about their coming ‘good news’, assuming that their first attempt will be a success. IVF increases the chances of pregnancy but doesn’t guarantee it. Ultimately, IVF success depends on multiple factors, such as your age, cause of infertility, and quality of embryos.

Myth 6: One Failed IVF Cycle Means You Won’t Succeed Next Time.

Fact: Each IVF cycle is unique. Just because your previous IVF cycle failed doesn’t mean your future one will. In fact, multiple IVF cycles can improve your chances of success, as the cumulative live birth rate is often higher than IVF success rates on the first cycle.

Myth 7: Men Do Not Have A Biological Clock

Fact: Men experience age-related fertility decline just as women do. Sperm quality deteriorates with time. Testosterone levels start dropping at around 30, and men experience a decrease in sperm count and motility and an increase in sperm DNA fragmentation and abnormal morphology as they age.

Notably, advanced paternal age means conception may take longer, and it is also linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and genetic conditions like Down syndrome.

Myth 8: Age Does Not Impact Fertility

Fact: Age is one of the most important factors influencing fertility. In women, the quality and quantity of eggs drop as they age. This is why older women have a harder time getting pregnant and also face an increased risk of pregnancy complications.

Myth 9: Fertility Isn’t Limited to Older People

Fact: While infertility is more common in older patients (due to age-related fertility decline), it can occur at any age. Even young men and women can face infertility issues due to health or hormonal factors. For example, PCOS, endometriosis, or testicular blockages can cause infertility regardless of age.

Myth 10: Ovarian Stimulation Causes Cancer

Fact: Research has not established any links between IVF ovarian stimulation and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Myth 11: IVF is a Painful and Unsafe Process

Fact: IVF is not as painful as you think. Egg retrieval is carried out under anesthesia, while embryo transfer causes minimal discomfort and takes only 15 minutes. Side effects like bloating and cramping are normal, and their effects can be reduced with proper medical care.

IVF is a perfectly safe treatment and does not pose any major long-term health risks to the mother or child. While ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a possibility, severe cases are extremely rare (occurring in 0.1%–2% of IVF cases), and most fertility clinics will tweak their protocols to minimize the risk.

Myth 12: IVF Pregnancy Requires C-Section Delivery

Fact: IVF treatment does not determine or influence whether a patient will require vaginal or cesarean delivery. The type of delivery will usually depend on maternal and fetal health and pregnancy complications.

Myth 13: IVF Depletes a Woman’s Egg Supply

Fact: IVF uses eggs that would have ended up perishing naturally. During the menstrual cycle, multiple eggs begin the journey to maturity, but only one of them matures, while the rest disintegrate and are reabsorbed into the body. During ovarian stimulation, all of the eggs that would have naturally died off that month are retrieved for the IVF process.

Myth 14: IVF is Only Useful For Severe Infertility

Fact: While IVF is undoubtedly useful in cases of severe infertility, it can be used for treating other conditions as well. Some patients may simply not meet the criteria for less invasive fertility treatments like IUI or timed intercourse.

IVF (with PGT testing) is also used when an intended parent is a carrier of a genetic condition and doesn’t want to pass it on to their offspring. These patients may not be infertile but still choose IVF to protect the future of their children.

Myth 15: IVF Treatment is Very Expensive

Fact: Not everyone can afford IVF treatment. A single IVF cycle at a reputed fertility center can actually be more cost-effective than multiple ‘affordable’ IVF cycles at clinics with low success rates.

Some reputed IVF centers, like Corion Fertility Clinic, offer discounts and flexible payment options like EMIs to make IVF treatment accessible to everyone. So the belief that IVF is unaffordable for the majority of the population is one of the common myths about fertility treatments.

Ready To Take The Next Step With Corion Fertility Clinic?

IVF treatment has helped many of our patients find joy and fulfillment with the gift of parenthood. At Corion Fertility Clinic, we believe in honesty and transparency and have done our best to shed light on the myths associated with IVF and fertility.

Misplaced, antiquated beliefs don’t just cause miscommunications; they can have real emotional and medical implications. Always verify information with your IVF specialist before applying it to your treatment.

Still have questions about IVF or other fertility treatments? Consult our care team today for personalized care and support on your journey to parenthood.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Does IVF require bed rest and hospitalization?

A. No, you do not need to be hospitalized or on bed rest during IVF treatment. Women who undergo IVF can still work and perform other activities alongside their IVF treatment.

Q. Does tight underwear cause infertility in men?

A. Tight underwear can increase heat stress, which may reduce sperm quality over time. However, it’s usually not the sole cause of infertility.

Q. If I have a regular menstrual cycle, does that mean I’m fertile?

A. Having regular periods doesn’t mean that you are free from fertility issues like blocked fallopian tubes. Regular periods don’t guarantee that ovulation is occurring or that your eggs are of good quality.

Q. What are some untrue myths about fertility treatments?

A. Several untrue myths surround fertility treatments, including the belief that IVF guarantees a baby, that it is only for the wealthy, it is unnatural, or that it causes birth defects.