In-vitro fertilization (IVF) stands as one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the 20th century. In recognition of its global impact, Sir Robert G. Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2010. Since the birth of the world’s first IVF baby over 40 years ago, more than 4 million babies have been born using this technology.
Despite its success, IVF continues to be surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. Let’s uncover the truth behind the most common misconceptions about IVF.
Misconception 1: IVF injections cause cancer
Truth: IVF medications, particularly gonadotropin injections, do not cause cancer. Multiple scientific studies have confirmed their safety. While a small risk of borderline ovarian tumors has been observed, these are rare and typically have an excellent prognosis without impacting fertility. In fact, oocyte donors are allowed to donate eggs safely up to six times!
Misconception 2: IVF leads to early menopause
Truth: IVF does not deplete your egg reserve or bring on early menopause. Every menstrual cycle, a group of eggs begins to mature, but usually, only one is released while the rest naturally degenerate. IVF medications stimulate these otherwise lost eggs to mature simultaneously — they don’t reduce your lifetime egg count or affect menopause timing.
Misconception 3: IVF babies are not normal
Truth: IVF babies are just as healthy as naturally conceived babies. Naturally, about 2% of babies are born with some congenital issues — IVF babies have a similar rate of 2-3%. Additionally, abnormal embryos often don’t implant in the uterus, reducing the chances of developmental issues.
Misconception 4: IVF always results in twins or triplets
Truth: The number of embryos transferred during IVF is controlled and tailored based on individual cases. This helps reduce the chances of multiple pregnancies. Ironically, treatments like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) or ovulation induction carry a higher chance of multiple births, as multiple eggs can be fertilized at once with no control over how many implant.
Misconception 5: IVF requires complete bed rest after the procedure
Truth: IVF is largely a daycare procedure. Both egg retrieval and embryo transfer require only a few hours of hospital stay. While it is recommended to avoid intense physical activity, complete bed rest isn’t necessary and has not been shown to improve implantation rates. Most women can return to their routine activities shortly after the procedure.
Final Thoughts
IVF has helped millions of couples fulfill their dream of parenthood, yet myths often create unnecessary fear. By understanding the science and facts behind IVF, we can eliminate the stigma and embrace this life-changing technology with confidence.
If you’re considering IVF or have concerns, consult a fertility specialist to get personalized guidance based on your health and fertility goals.
