Is IVF Painful? Myths and Facts about IVF by Dr. Neeraj Pahlajani

With the advancement of technology in medical science, people are turning to advanced technology for reproduction. One such technology is IVF. But for this process one needs to be educated, there are way too many myths about IVF.  In this article, we will discuss some of the myths and facts associated with IVF. Raipur’s renowned gynecologist Dr. Neeraj Pahlajani has simplified it for us. Firstly let us familiarize ourselves with the myths related to IVF. 

MYTHS

·         One of the common myths about IVF is that it gives a 100% guarantee in the first attempt.

·         Another common myth is that IVF does not require hospitalization.

·         It is often assumed that the entire burden falls upon the woman.

·         If once Conceived naturally the further pregnancy won’t require IVF.

·         Often considered as the last resort treatment.

·         IVF is still considered taboo in modern society.

·         Often taken as a difficult treatment of conception.

·         IVF can affect the immunity of the mother. 

·         Beta HCG report is the final call for pregnancy.

·         IVF is unaffordable and expensive.

·         Cesarean is the only option for delivery.

Now let us educate ourselves with the FACTS about IVF in correlation with the MYTHS mentioned above. 

IVF is not a guaranteed treatment; one does not get the result in the first attempt. With multiple IVF attempts, the cumulative pregnancy rate is very high. Cumulative pregnancy rates can vary from 70-80% to almost guarantee. One must not get depressed after the failure of their first IVF attempt.  One needs to attempt IVF 2-3 times before claiming it to be a failure.

It’s true that IVF doesn’t require hospitalization or surgery, but one needs to be mentally prepared that it takes a lot many frequent visits to the hospital. One needs to be mentally prepared as IVF is a time-consuming process. One needs to adjust their work accordingly, nothing important should fall during this period to avoid unnecessary stress. 

IVF can be stressful not only for the woman but also for the man. The would-be dads are equally involved in the process emotionally and financially. It is suggested that the couple should engage themselves in hobbies of their choice to stay relaxed and comfortable throughout the journey.

We often feel that if our first pregnancy has been natural, the upcoming will be of the same. But in case the tubes have been blocked or because of the acquired diseases the male semen has gone down or due to the advancing age the ovarian reserves have gone down, IVF can prove to be a better treatment in conditions like these. 

During the treatment, due to frequent visits and changes in hormones induced by gonadotropins one may feel emotionally challenged, irritable and sexually charged up. So it shouldn’t surprise you or disturb you if you feel all of this during your IVF treatment.

IVF success is directly related to age especially with the female party. With the increasing age of the female, the ovarian reserves tend to fall short. So the chances of getting pregnant with one’s own egg will keep declining with the advancing age. So one should not think that IVF is the last resort treatment. The success rate depends on many factors. With IVF the chances of multiple pregnancies can be high, however, it can be minimized after consulting your doctor. The success rate with a single embryo can be very less.

IVF is as common as natural pregnancies but is still considered as a taboo. Not everyone wants to tell people that they conceived through IVF or are going through IVF treatment. It is a simple process and one must be acceptable towards it. 

IVF doesn’t affect the health of the mother or the fetus significantly. The only complication involving IVF is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome that too in the present-day world with the use of technology and advanced drugs and flexible treatment can be rectified. The other complications are similar to what we face during our natural pregnancy.

One should be happy with the positive HCG result but should also prepare themselves mentally for the upcoming pregnancy-related challenges which can be stressful for the couple. 

IVF is pretty affordable in today’s scenario. As far as the finances are concerned most people do not drop the IVF treatment because it is expensive but they get stressed out because of the whole time-consuming process.

IVF pregnancies can deliver vaginally as well. It is often considered that Cesarean delivery is the only option with IVF conception. The delivery of the baby depends on many factors and these factors remain the same for vaginal delivery as well as the Cesarean delivery.

Hope that this article answers most of your IVF related queries.