One of the successful advancement in field of health has been undoubtedly IVF.
I know various people opting for it including Doctors.As a treatment option for infertility, IVF or In Vitro Fertilisation is
not without its fair share of myths. Many people view IVF treatment as
an expensive treatment that only movie stars and business people can
afford. Some even firmly believe that IVF treatments result in twins and
triplets.
Here are some of the myths -
Myth: IVF is the solution for all infertility problems
Fact:
False
IVF is one of the treatment options for infertility. There are
other options like ovulation induction (OI) with medications, Intra
Uterine Insemination (IUI).
Myth: IVF is only the last option
Fact:
False, it can sometimes be the first treatment option as in women with
bilateral blockage of tubes, severe male infertility and advanced age.
Myth: IVF is only for affluent people
Fact:
False. Though it is expensive, the cost of IVF has not increased
massively over the years. It is less than some other major procedures
like heart surgery or joint replacement.
Myth: IVF is limited to a younger population only
Fact: False, IVF technology can be used even in older (post-menopausal group) ladies using donor eggs from younger females.
Myth: IVF is successful in all cases
Fact:
False
IVF is successful in up to 40% of cases. Success depends on a
number of other factors like age of the female, cause of infertility,
centre of expertise, biological and hormonal reasons, etc.
Myth: IVF requires admission in the hospital
Fact:
False
It does not require overnight admission. It is, by and large,
an out-patient treatment. Only the egg-collection procedure requires
day-care admission.
Myth: IVF always result in multiple pregnancies like twins or triplets
Fact:
Not true
The chances of multiple pregnancies can be reduced by
reducing the number of embryos transferred, especially in young women.
Myth: IVF babies have a significantly high risk of birth defects and malformations
Fact:
Not true.
There is a slight increase in major malformation (1.3 times),
as compared to spontaneously conceived pregnancies. This is expressed
as 1 in 12 pregnancies following assisted reproduction as compared to 1
in 15 in spontaneously conceived. But the absolute risk of having a
child with congenital malformation remains low.
Myth: IVF is covered by insurance
Fact:
False
It is usually not covered by major insurance companies. Though,
it is advisable to check with the insurance company before starting an
IVF treatment.
Myth: IVF is dangerous
Fact:
No
It is not dangerous, infact it is a safe treatment. Only 1-2% of
patients may become unwell because of severe ovarian hyperstimulation
syndrome. Also, this can be minimized with close monitoring.
Source - TOI website
At our Wings Hospital, Surat we try and explain the couples about any misconceptions they have about this procedure.
