According to a study published in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology Journal, in total about 8 million IVF babies have been born (1978 to date) and more than 2.5 million cycles are performed in the world every year. This may be the best time to understand In Vitro Fertilization as a science and bust some of the myths associated with it. In IVF, the female partner’s eggs are retrieved and fertilized with the male partner’s sperm. The resulting embryo is put back into the female partner’s womb to develop into a baby. Although it may sound simple, there are some things that people still don’t understand about IVF, which is why there are so many myths surrounding IVF.
Common IVF Myths You Should Stop Believing
Myth 1: IVF can be done at any age.
Although IVF can be done at any age, there are certain rules and regulations in each country. Age criteria will have to be followed strictly. In India, according to the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act 2021, IVF can be offered to married couples provided the woman is between 21 and 50 years old and the husband is between 21-55 years old. Also, single women can also undergo ART procedures.
Myth 2: IVF is only for infertile couples
Fact: Infertile couples can also undergo IVF treatment. Infertile couples who have already had a child can go for IVF treatment if they have a genetic abnormality or have an abnormal gene. In such a situation, the embryo obtained from IVF is tested (PGT-M; Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing-Monogenic Disorder) to ensure that the child is free of that particular abnormality. In some situations where women are postponing childbearing for career reasons or unavailability of a compatible partner, IVF can be performed and eggs can be frozen for future use (social egg freezing). In people who have diseases such as cancer that require radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment, IVF is performed to store eggs or ovaries for use after the treatment is complete.
Myth 3: IVF leads to multiple pregnancies
Another myth is about the increased tendency for multiple pregnancies after IVF treatment. Nowadays single embryo transfer is done and this largely avoids the possibility of twin pregnancy.
Myth 4: IVF babies are more likely to have birth abnormalities
There is a high level of concern about genetic and developmental abnormalities in IVF pregnancies. It has to be noted that there is a 2-5 percent chance of a genetic abnormality even in natural pregnancies. Several studies have shown that IVF babies are almost as likely to have abnormalities as normal babies. However, in rare cases where the parents have certain abnormalities, there is a chance of the children being born with those abnormalities unless specific tests are done in the fetus to rule out the problem.
Myth 5: IVF procedures cause weight gain in women
There is always a question in the minds of couples regarding the process of IVF, does the injection make the woman gain weight. Slight weight gain during IVF stimulation is a result of hormones produced in the body that cause fluid retention. This weight gain is usually temporary and can be controlled with proper diet and exercise.
Myth 6: You need complete rest after the IVF procedure
An important misconception about IVF is the requirement of complete bed rest. Several studies have shown that there is no need for bed rest after embryo transfer. Anyone can go back to work after embryo transfer and there will be no negative impact on the outcome of the pregnancy.
Myth 7: IVF treatment increases the risk of cancer
The risk of cancer after IVF treatment is an important question that needs attention. A large study based on 40,000 women at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, which was published in 2021, found no increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who had undergone three or more IVF treatments compared to women who had received other fertility treatments over a longer period of 20 years. Women who are infertile and ultimately unable to conceive have a higher risk of ovarian cancer than the general population, and this is independent of treatment modality. It can be safely said that IVF increases the chances of pregnancy in infertile women while reducing the chances of getting ovarian cancer. There is also no increased risk of breast cancer in a woman after IVF treatment.
Read also: Having Children After Cancer: These Are Some Fertility Treatment Options
So, stop believing these IVF myths to have the beautiful and healthy baby you always wanted!
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