6 Common Myths and Facts About IVF

When struggling with infertility, many couples turn to In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as a promising solution. However, this process is often surrounded by misconceptions that can make an already challenging journey even more overwhelming. Common myths, such as “IVF guarantees success,” “IVF is only accessible to the wealthy,” or “IVF is a painful and risky procedure,” can create unnecessary stress and uncertainty for those considering treatment.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most widespread myths about IVF and separate fact from fiction so that you can make informed decisions about your fertility treatment options.

1) Myth 1: IVF is the first treatment option for infertility

Fact: IVF is often recommended after other fertility treatments

Contrary to popular belief, IVF is not typically the first line of treatment for infertility.

IVF is usually suggested when these initial treatments have been unsuccessful or if there are specific factors, such as advanced maternal age or severe male factor infertility, that warrant its recommendation.

Fertility specialists often recommend exploring other less invasive options before considering IVF. These may include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking

• Medications to regulate ovulation or improve sperm quality

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI), where sperm is directly placed into the uterus

• Surgical interventions to correct anatomical issues affecting fertility

2) Myth 2: IVF guarantees a successful pregnancy

Fact: Success rates vary on the basis of individual factors

While IVF has helped several couples achieve their dream of parenthood, it is important to understand that it does not guarantee a successful pregnancy. Success rates can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• Age of the woman undergoing treatment

• Underlying cause of infertility

• Quality of the embryos transferred

• Overall health of the individual or couple

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the average success rates for IVF per cycle range from 30% to 60%, with higher rates observed in younger patients.

You should discuss your individual circumstances with a fertility specialist to understand your specific chances of success with IVF.

3) Myth 3: IVF always results in multiple pregnancies

Fact: Single embryo transfers are increasingly common

One of the most persistent myths about IVF is that it inevitably leads to twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples. While it’s true that the risk of multiple pregnancies is higher with IVF than with natural conception, this is largely because of the practice of transferring multiple embryos during a cycle.

However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards single embryo transfer (SET) to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. SET involves transferring only one high-quality embryo to the uterus, minimising the likelihood of twins or triplets.

As you can see, the proof is in the numbers! Opting for SET markedly decreases the chance of a multiple pregnancy, while still offering good success rates for achieving a healthy singleton pregnancy.

4) Myth 4: IVF causes birth defects

Fact: The risk of birth defects is only slightly higher than in naturally conceived babies

A common myth about IVF is that it increases the risk of birth defects in the resulting children. Whereas studies have shown a slightly higher incidence of birth defects in IVF-conceived babies than in naturally conceived babies, the difference is minimal.

This slight increase is primarily attributed to factors such as:

• Advanced parental age

• Pre-existing genetic conditions

• Underlying cause of infertility

You must know that the vast majority of babies born through IVF are healthy and free of birth defects. Genetic testing of embryos before transfer (Preimplantation Genetic Testing, or PGT) can further reduce the risk of certain genetic disorders.

5) Myth 5: IVF is only for women with blocked fallopian tubes or older women

Fact: IVF can be effective for various fertility issues

IVF is not limited to treating infertility caused by blocked fallopian tubes or advanced maternal age. This versatile fertility treatment can be beneficial for a wide range of fertility challenges, including the following:

• Male factor infertility, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility

• Endometriosis, a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting ovulation

• Unexplained infertility, where no specific cause can be identified

IVF can be an effective solution for individuals and couples facing these and other fertility issues, regardless of age.

6) Myth 6: Stress causes IVF failure

Fact: There is no direct link between stress and IVF success

The emotional roller coaster of IVF treatment can be stressful, leading many to believe that stress is a major contributor to IVF failure. However, there is no conclusive evidence that directly links stress to negative IVF outcomes.

While managing stress through healthy lifestyle choices, relaxation techniques, and counselling can improve overall well-being, you must understand that stress alone does not determine the success or failure of an IVF cycle.

Myth 7 (Bonus): IVF hormones cause cancer

Fact: Most scientific evidence suggests that there is no significant increase in the incidence of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer among women who have undergone IVF

Some women worry that the hormones used during IVF, particularly those used for ovarian stimulation, may increase their risk of developing cancer later in life. However, the available scientific evidence does not support this concern.

Several large-scale studies have investigated the link between IVF and cancer risk, and the majority have found no significant increase in the incidence of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer among women who have undergone IVF compared to the general population.

While some studies have suggested a potential link between certain ovarian stimulation drugs and borderline ovarian tumours, these findings have been inconsistent and require further research. If you have any concerns about cancer risk, you must discuss them with your fertility specialist, who can provide more information based on your individual circumstances.