In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important medical advancement that has allowed millions around the globe to start the family they have always wanted. Unfortunately, it is still stigmatized and surrounded by inaccurate information. Myth debunking is difficult, especially for an emotional roller-coaster like infertility, when family traditions and social media are rife with misleading information regarding the use of IVF.
When thinking about using IVF, or supporting someone going through IVF, or trying to understand fertility care, it’s important to distinguish fact from fiction because there is a lot of misleading information about IVF. IVF isn’t a shortcut. It isn’t a treatment only for women. It isn’t a guarantee you’ll get pregnant. IVF is a very complex and specialized medical procedure that is unique to a person’s fertility challenges.
This guide presents some of the most popular IVF MYTHS and the corresponding FACTS.
What Is IVF?
Before we combat some of the IVF MYTHS, we need a brief understanding of what IVF is.
IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is the collection of a woman’s eggs and fertilization with sperm in a lab. The created embryo is then transferred to the woman’s uterus.
There are many reasons IVF might be a recommended course of action, some of which are the following:
– Damaged or obstructed fallopian tubes
– PCOS or other ovulation disorders
– Endometriosis
– Male infertility
– No identifiable cause of infertility
– Age
– Desire for genetic testing prior to pregnancy
– Use of a donor sperm, donor eggs, or a gestational carrier by single parents, same-sex couples, or both
Let’s now look at IVF’s most common misconceptions.
IVF Myths and Facts
Myth 1: IVF is for women who can’t naturally conceive
Fact:
There are many instances where natural conception is difficult or even unsafe for the woman where IVF may be used. This can include blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, repeated pregnancy loss, the advanced age of one or both partners, and the use of donor eggs or sperm, among many others.
Additionally, infertility is not only a female issue. Male factor infertility is also a large contributor to infertility, which is why many fertility checks include both partners.
What you need to know: IVF may be used for many reproductive reasons and not just for women who “cannot conceive naturally.”
Myth 2: IVF is a certain way to get pregnant
Fact:
It is a common misconception that IVF is a one and done procedure. While for some patients this may be the case, for many, this is not the reality. IVF may improve the odds of pregnancy, but, even then, it is not guaranteed.
The following may all play a part in how successful IVF actually is:
– Age of the person providing the eggs
– Quality of the eggs and ovarian reserve
– Quality of the sperm
– Quality of the embryos
– Quality of the uterus
– Underlying infertility issue
– Lifestyle and other medical factors
Some patients actually go on to conceive after just one round of IVF, while for others, this may take numerous rounds, extensive testing, and possibly a complete change in the treatments used, as well as the use of donor gametes.
Takeaway: While IVF may increase the chance of pregnancy, it is not guaranteed, and individualized treatment plans may still be necessary.
Myth 3: IVF always ends with twins or triplets
Fact:
This misconception results from past IVF techniques, where transferring several embryos at once was the norm. Current methods have evolved, and in many cases, professionals will recommend single embryo transfer, especially when good quality embryos are available.
The aim of IVF is not just for pregnancy, but rather for a successful and healthy pregnancy and baby. Transferring multiple embryos can increase the chance of a multiple pregnancy, which is also associated with a multitude of problems for the baby and risks for the mother, including preterm birth.
Of course, transferring more than one embryo may be considered in some cases, depending on factors such as the woman’s age, embryo quality, the doctor’s medical opinion, and the outcome of previous treatments. However, the majority of modern IVF uses safer, evidence-based strategies for embryo transfer.
Takeaway: It is a misconception that IVF automatically results in pregnant with twins, as single embryo transfer is the norm in most IVF cases.
Myth 4: IVF babies are not as healthy as naturally conceived babies
Fact:
This myth about IVF is perhaps the most sensitive of all and deserves a well thought out response. The majority of babies born through IVF are healthy. IVF has been in practice for decades, and like any medical practice, extensive research has been conducted on the safety of the procedure.
Like all procedures, IVF has risks. Depending on the specific health concerns or infertility issues that drive someone to seek IVF, those pregnancy outcomes may also be impacted. Pregnancy outcomes may be impacted by factors IVF cannot change, such as endometriosis, PCOS, and other pre-existing medical conditions. Even the age of the mother can impact the outcome of the pregnancy.
For those reasons, fertility specialists tailor the treatment to manage the risks and problems associated with an IVF pregnancy.
Takeaway: IVF babies are healthy. IVF is an accepted medical procedure with a well-established history.
Myth 5: Stress is the main reason IVF fails
Fact:
Stress is often associated with infertility. Many couples and individuals seeking IVF fail to understand that to blame the failure of IVF on stress is both medically and emotionally incorrect. The treatment of infertility can be a stressful experience. A person can absolutely be concerned about the emotional and psychological impacts of stress during IVF. But stress is generally not the reason that IVF fails.
Biological and clinical factors more strongly impact IVF outcomes, such as:
– Age and quality of the eggs
– Quality of the embryos
– Quality of the endometrium (uterine lining
– Quality of the sperm
– The hormonal response and other conditions associated with stimulation
– Underlying reproductive problems
People are encouraged to manage stress through counselling, support groups, getting enough sleep and exercise, and mindfulness practices because IVF can be an emotionally and physically draining process. But never should a patient think that a stressful experience is the reason their IVF cycle has failed.
Takeaway: Managing stress can provide a benefit to the overall well-being of a patient utilizing IVF. But stress is not the main determiner of the outcome of the IVF procedure.
Myth 6: IVF is only a woman’s treatment
Fact:
While IVF treatment primarily addresses the female reproductive system, it is important to understand that infertility is not exclusive to females. Male-factor infertility can be the sole cause or a contributing factor to many situations.
A comprehensive infertility evaluation may include:
– Blood tests
– Ultrasound or imaging
– Assessment of Ovarian reserve
– Analysis of Semen
– Assessment of medical and reproductive history of both individuals
When male infertility is a factor, IVF may be used in conjunction with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), which assists the fertilization of the egg by injecting a sperm directly into the egg.
Takeaway: In evaluating and choosing a treatment course, IVF is an important part of a couple’s or an individual’s fertility treatment, and male fertility is very important.
Myth 7: You can wait as long as you want because IVF can solve age-related infertility
Fact:
While IVF is a treatment option for women in later years of life to assist in conception, it does not fully “negate” age as a factor in infertility, especially when considering using your own eggs. Female fertility in the later years of life declines, as both the quantity and quality of eggs diminish over the years. In some circumstances, IVF may offer a higher likelihood of success when compared to natural conception; however, age remains a significant factor in treatment.
For those under 35, a period of 12 months without conception warrants an evaluation, while the period is shortened to 6 months for those over 35.
Also consider an earlier consultation in the following cases: women over 40, men and women under 40 with a known reproductive condition.
Takeaway: IVF is a viable option for those struggling with fertility, however, age factors into fertility, along with the success of IVF.
Myth 8: IVF is the first treatment every fertility patient undergoes
Fact:
The need for IVF is not universal among those struggling with fertility. It depends on the age of the patient, their diagnosis, their reproductive goals, and the duration of their infertility.
The first step in the treatment process may include the following:
– The use of prescribed medications to stimulate ovulation
– Prescribed lifestyle changes
– Treatment of hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances
– Surgical treatment for fibroids or polyps or endometriosis in selective cases
– Intrauterine insemination
– Timed intercourse
The use of IVF is warranted when treatment options are limited, and the cause of infertility is such that IVF is the most effective option.
Takeaway: IVF is not the first treatment for every patient. A proper fertility evaluation will offer insight into the best treatment option.
Final Thoughts on IVF Myths vs Facts
As far as IVF myths and facts go, we note that all fertility treatments are complex and personal. Therefore, the myths surrounding IVF being a guarantee, unnatural, unsafe, or exclusive to certain individuals are unfair to the population that uses IVF. In truth, IVF is one of the countless fertility treatments available and is a better fit for some people than others. Outcomes from IVF are hugely affected by a person’s health, age, diagnosis, and the treatment plan that is designed for them.
The first and foremost step you should take when thinking about IVF is to consult a licensed fertility doctor. They will give you the most relevant treatment options and will best place you to understand your situation. There are a multitude of tools available for you to make decisions about your fertility, and being informed will help you make those decisions with confidence.
