Common Myths and Facts About IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
1. Myth: IVF is for women only
Fact: This is false. In fact, there are several techniques
such as ICSI, IMSI, and PICSI designed to help situations when a man is
suffering from low sperm count or poor sperm motility. There are situations
where the woman is fine and the factor causing infertility is in the man such
as male factor infertility.
2. Myth: IVF is really expensive; it is only for the rich
Fact: IVF is affordable and cost should not be a deterrent.
Couples can save towards IVF in the same way they would save for other
capital-intensive projects. Some clinics have the option of payment in
installments and in some countries; there is some form of insurance coverage
for IVF.
3. Myth: Infertility treatment is very stressful.
Fact: Stress sometimes contributes to the cause of
infertility. While stress does not contribute to infertility, infertility most
definitely causes stress. Infertile women report higher levels of anxiety and
stress than fertile women and there is some indication that infertile women are
more likely to become depressed. This is not surprising since the far-reaching
effects of infertility can interfere with work, family, sex, and money. Finding
ways to reduce tension, stress, and anxiety can make you feel better.
4. Myth: Donating eggs will deplete them
Fact: During menarche, a girl has over 400,000 eggs, out of
which only 400 are required in an entire lifetime. Every month about 20 of
these eggs are mobilized and only one or two grow to the point of being
released during ovulation. About 18 or 19 of the remaining eggs die. IVF
treatment helps in sustaining the growth of these remaining eggs. Therefore,
there is no chance of eggs getting finished through donation for In Vitro
Fertilization.
5. Myth: IVF pregnancies result in cesarean births
Fact: IVF pregnancies are just like naturally conceived ones
and not an indication for cesarean section. Couples who have tried to conceive
for many years or those with higher chances of multiple pregnancies can opt for
elective cesarean delivery. A very normal vaginal delivery is possible
following IVF.
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6. Myth: Being pregnant while older is harmful
Fact: Doctors sometimes worry about high rates of
complications with pregnancy in older women. Older mothers do have higher rates
of a number of medical problems during pregnancy, including diabetes, high
blood pressure, and premature labor. According to one study, around 80 percent
of women aged over 45 had no major medical problems during pregnancy and more
than 80 percent gave birth at full term. Women should be aware of those risks
of complications and to take them into account when making decisions about
whether or not to become pregnant through IVF. For women without major health
problems already, the risks of pregnancy are not so high that they cannot go
ahead.
7. Myth: IVF does not work in older women
Fact: The live birth rate following IVF in women over the
age of 44 is only 2 percent. The ‘Success Rates’ are based on IVF treatment
with the woman’s own eggs. For women who receive donor eggs or embryos, the
chances of live birth are based on the donor’s age and not on that of the
recipient. If the egg donor is young, older women have the same sort of chances
of success with IVF as younger women. Donor eggs also avoid the increased risks
of major chromosomal problems in the baby for example Down syndrome that is
seen in older mothers.
Though it may not be the first line of treatment for
infertility, IVF is definitely a boon for couples battling age and other
factors that prevent them from having a baby at the right time. The need for an hour is to dispel the myths surrounding this procedure so that the couples who
are either contemplating or going through the IVF process find some
reassurance.
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