Navigating The Reality In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization, or IVF has recently become a standard procedure. While IVF has helped countless aspiring parents realize their goals of having children, several misconceptions swirl around this increasingly popular reproductive technology. Like any issue related to conception, pregnancy, or family planning, IVF is subject to many misleading assumptions—both positive and negative. In my practice, I always work to dispel these myths so that my patients clearly understand what to expect when undergoing IVF.
Our most damaging misconceptions about reproductive care tend to circle a false belief that conception can only occur during sexual intercourse. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Fertility issues are, despite social stigmas, relatively common among couples looking to build their family. In reality, technologies like IVF give individuals a reliable workaround for fertility struggles and provide hope to thousands of families each year. So, let’s look at some of the common myths surrounding IVF. If you are considering this treatment, I strongly recommend discussing any concerns or questions with your doctor.
Myth: IVF Works Every Time
While IVF is a terrific option for aspiring parents faced with fertility issues, it is by no means a perfect technology. The success rate of in vitro fertilization can fluctuate based on your age, number of attempts, and genetic history. That being said, IVF has been shown to produce a 60-65% success rate per normal embryo.
Aspiring parents must communicate openly about these odds. IVF is by no means a guaranteed success, and you may need to undergo multiple treatments before achieving conception. These odds also can fluctuate based on age, as the quality of a woman’s eggs can diminish with time. Thankfully, IVF has grown more consistently over the years, and we expect its success rates to continue to rise steadily as more parents pursue this technology.
Myth: IVF Is Dangerous
Despite some commonly held beliefs, IVF has not been shown to increase your chances of life-threatening illnesses significantly. Often, people fail to compare the data surrounding IVF patients with the data surrounding individuals diagnosed with infertility in general. For example, some believe that IVF increases your risk of cancer; however, the cancer risk of IVF patients is similar to that of those with infertility. Considering that the average patient pursuing IVF is dealing with fertility struggles, it is reasonable to assume that the elevated cancer risk is related to their underlying genetics as opposed to reproductive technology.
The same could be said of issues like premature birth and ectopic pregnancy. Once again, individuals diagnosed with infertility are, in general, at a higher risk for these problems. We have little evidence to suggest that IVF noticeably increases those odds. In other words, if you have fertility issues, you may be at higher risk for certain underlying conditions. In the past, attempts have been made to associate those conditions with IVF and reproductive care. Further research has suggested that treatments like IVF are not the cause of these problems, though more data is needed to make any concrete conclusions.
The bottom line is that thousands of aspiring parents undergo IVF treatment each year, and very few report issues related to the procedure itself.
Myth: IVF Is Your Only Option Fertility Treatment
If you are concerned about pursuing IVF treatment, be sure to discuss these issues with your doctor. While IVF has become increasingly common, it is by no means the only form of reproductive care. You might find a better fit by opting for less invasive procedures, depending on your situation.
In fact, fertility issues can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes. Reducing stress, balancing nutrition, increasing vitamin intake, and maintaining regular exercise all contribute to positive outcomes. After all, anything that is good for your overall well-being will contribute to your reproductive health. Likewise, avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can increase your chances of conception.
Making Informed Decisions
The choice to pursue IVF or any other form of reproductive care is highly impactful. These treatments can profoundly impact your journey towards parenthood, but they are also subject to several positive and negative misconceptions. Please note that while IVF technology is undoubtedly remarkable, it is imperfect.
You may require multiple attempts to achieve a positive outcome. Elsewhere, IVF is frequently associated with adverse side effects like increased cancer risk or ectopic pregnancy; however, these are usually misguided correlations between the elevated risk factors of all infertility patients. Finally, IVF is not the only source of reproductive care. Work with your doctor to establish a personalized fertility treatment regimen that makes the most sense for your life.
A significant aspect of navigating parenthood through IVF is the presence of a robust support network. The emotional weight of the journey is lightened when couples have friends, family, and fellow IVF warriors to lean on. Building and maintaining this support system is crucial.
In addition to friends and family, consulting with experts like our team at Nevada Fertility Institute can provide valuable insights and guidance. If you focus on the data, do your research, and consult with your doctors to make informed decisions, you will properly manage your expectations while identifying a fertility solution that works best for your family.
