Fertility treatments have emerged as a boon for couples grappling with infertility. Currently, more than 20 million couples in India are affected by infertility, with male infertility on a constant rise. But, thankfully, advanced fertility treatments, such as IUI and IVF, have helped countless couples fulfil their dream of achieving parenthood. However, despite the widespread acceptance, a lot of myths engulf fertility treatment near me in India. If you want to clear the air regarding some of the myths regarding fertility procedures, this blog is the place to be. Here, we will be mostly focusing on In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
What Is IVF?
Simply put, IVF or In Vitro Fertilisation, is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps individuals and couples experiencing infertility. So, IVF helps a couple achieve pregnancy amidst looming infertility problems, such as low sperm count, sperm quality problems, etc. Here, the fertilisation of an egg is done outside the human body under controlled laboratory settings. This results in the creation of an embryo that is transferred into the uterus with the objective of having a successful pregnancy.
IVF treatments have garnered considerable popularity and acceptance in recent times. But, there still remains a lack of awareness and scepticism among people. This has led to a lot of myths propping up. Join us, as we debunk these myths and provide you with the right information for better and more sound decision making.
Myths V/S Facts – IVF Treatments in India
- Myth 1 – IVF Is Only For Older or Aged Couple
One of the most persistent and commonly-held myths about IVF treatments is that they are meant for older and aged couples facing fertility problems. Yes, it is true that age impacts fertility, but IVF treatments are not simply restricted to older couples.
Fact: Anyone facing fertility issues, irrespective of their age, can opt for IVF. So, whether you are experiencing infertility due to a blocked fallopian tube or low sperm count, IVF fertility treatment near me can serve as a viable solution.
- Myth 2 – IVF Treatment Assures Pregnancy
Many people wrongly believe that IVF assures pregnancy and is a guaranteed solution to infertility. But, this is far from the truth. Yes, IVF has revolutionised the global reproductive landscape and has helped millions of people achieve pregnancy, but it does not come with a 100 percent success rate. In fact, the success rate of IVF depends on an array of variables, such as –
- The woman’s age
- Quality of the eggs
- Sperm count
- Sperm quality
- Underlying medical conditions
- Expertise of the fertility clinic
Fact: So, long story short, the success rate of IVF in India for women under the age of 35 is 40 to 60 percent. But this number drops as the woman’s age increases. Older women may need multiple cycles of IVF before achieving a successful pregnancy.
- Myth 3: IVF is Not Natural
Many people criticise IVF for being an unnatural process, which is overtly technical and scientific. But, this is far from the truth, as IVF is a process that mirrors natural fertilisation and aids pregnancy.
Fact: IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that emulates natural fertilisation in an external setting. It helps people overcome fertility changes and achieve parenthood.
- Myth 4: Fertility Treatments Are Only For Women
Infertility is often wrongly associated with just women. The truth is that male infertility is also equally prevalent. In fact, some studies show that male infertility accounts for 40 to 60 percent of all infertility cases. Conception can be hindered because of various male-specific issues, such as –
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility
- Issues with sperm quality
- Structural problems in the male reproductive system
Thus, fertility treatments are not just the domain of women.
Fact: Fertility treatments are meant for both men and women. The common fertility procedures for men include –
- Sperm retrieval (in cases of azoospermia)
- Sperm washing
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
- Myth 5: Fertility Treatments Do Not Have Any Side Effects
Just like any other type of medical procedure, fertility treatments also come with a fair share of risks and side effects. For example, women undergoing IVF treatments can experience side effects like bloating, mood swings, headaches, fatigue, etc. In some cases, more severe side effects like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may occur. But, such a case is rare.
Fact: Fertility treatments have a fair share of side effects, such as emotional upheavals, hormonal imbalance, fatigue, etc. Severe side effects like OHSS are a rarity.
Wrapping It Up
So, there we have it, the top 5 myths surrounding fertility treatments and IVF in India, and their underlying reality. Fertility treatments like IVF and IUI are a boon to people, and should be accepted with open arms and an open mind. Choosing the right fertility treatment at the right clinic becomes a crucial element of having a seamless experience.