9 Common IVF Myths Debunked by Our Team of Doctors

A popular and highly advanced fertility treatment that has brought joy to millions of infertile couples worldwide, IVF continues to be riddled by several misconceptions and myths, most of them originating from half knowledge and from bad experiences of patients at the hands of incompetent fertility doctors.

In this blog post, we share the most prevalent misconceptions about IVF, addressed by our doctors on panel.

Myth 1: IVF treatment results in multiple pregnancies

Fact: The number of pregnancies depends upon the number of embryos transferred during an IVF cycle. At Shantah IVF, we refrain from doing multiple embryo transfers and if a patient insists on doing so, we discuss with them the risks involved with multiple pregnancies.

If your IVF clinic insists on doing multiple ETs without explaining the reason and the likely consequences, it may be time to look for an ethical, non-commercial IVF clinic.

Myth 2: IVF treatment means weeks and weeks of bed rest.

Fact: Yes, but for very few patients. Just like some women are advised bed rest in a high-risk spontaneous pregnancy, similarly, there would always be some IVF patients who need more bed rest than others. In fact, the most critical procedures in an IVF cycle – egg retrieval and embryo transfer –take only a few hours after which the patient can go home and resume her routine activities.

If your doctor advises bed rest after a procedure, it would be only to safeguard your health.

Myth 3: IVF increases the risk of birth defects

Fact: The likelihood of an IVF baby having a congenital deformity is only slightly higher compared to babies born through unassisted pregnancies. Furthermore, the tremendous advances in IVF treatment have empowered fertility doctors to perform genetic testing on the oocytes (eggs) and sperm, and also on the developing embryos to rule out any genetic defects.

Fertile couples considering pregnancy generally do not undergo such extensive testing; therefore, we may say that the likelihood that a genetic abnormality would be detected in time is much higher in the case of IVF.

Myth 4: IVF should be the last alternative

Fact: Many infertile couples delay fertility treatment because of the very misconceptions stated in this blog post. Most patients want to try every trick in the book to get pregnant before consulting a fertility specialist.

Patients need to understand that a medical problem cannot be corrected with herbal or other local treatments. IVF, and infertility treatment in general, should not be treated as a last resort as timely treatment is extremely important for infertility patients.

As far as which fertility treatment will work best for you (IUI, IVF,ICSI), choose a credible IVF specialist and trust them to take that decision.

Myth 5: IVF requires frequent hospitalization

Fact: To the contrary, most IVF patients never have to spend a night at the hospital/clinic.  All procedures in an IVF cycle are outpatient procedures and require only a few hours. In the rare case when a patient needs to be under observation after a procedure, the IVF doctor would advise overnight stay.  Again, a good doctor would refrain from advising unnecessary hospitalization.

Myth 6: IVF is the only alternative for childless couples

Fact: Since it is one of most talked about infertility treatments, most people equate infertility treatment with IVF. However, IVF is only one of the many assisted reproductive technologies (ART) available today to help childless women conceive. Other family-building alternatives include Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), IVF-ICSI, Ovulation Induction (OI), GIFT, ZIFT, surrogacy, and adoption. IUI is often the first treatment route for many infertility patients.

Myth 7: IVF is a fool-proof way to get pregnant

Fact: While IVF is one of the most practiced infertility treatments worldwide, not every IVF cycle is successful. Several reasons govern the success of an IVF cycle such as the underlying cause of infertility, age of parents-to-be, medical history, biological factors, previously failed IVF cycles, previous pregnancies, and the expertise of your IVF specialist in handling difficult cases.

Of these, age of the female partner is the principal factor known to impact IVF success.

Myth 8: IVF is expensive

Fact: Yes, quality IVF treatment does come at a cost; however this cost could get multiplied at the hands of a mediocre and profit-oriented fertility clinic.

Today IVF is the one of the most advanced assisted reproductive techniques and researchers are exploring new ways to make it more affordable so that more and more childless couples can avail of this boon of science. In the last few years, India has emerged as a leading destination for patients seeking fertility treatment options which are affordable, reliable and effective. IVF treatment in India can be availed at a fraction of the cost of similar treatments abroad. 

To ensure you are not fleeced in the name of essential tests/procedures, engage only with a credible fertility clinic and obtain a detailed costing of the entire treatment plan, inclusive of any unforeseen procedures that may become necessary during the course of your treatment cycle.

Myth 9: The patient has no control over IVF success

Fact: This is not entirely true. As with any other form of medical treatment, your diet, lifestyle, adherence to medication, how you cope with stress, and most importantly, the competence and experience of your IVF doctor, all play an important role in your IVF treatment.

At the same time, a patient might do everything right and still be faced with IVF failure. The intention — of both the IVF doctor and the patient — should be to give their very best to the treatment to maximize the chances of success.

Have further questions about IVF treatment? Please contact us here. Our team of specialists will be happy to answer your queries.

For a free 2^nd opinion from Dr. Anubha Singh, please contact us here.

Can my weight make me infertile?

As you may be aware, maintaining optimum body weight is essential for good health and longevity.Excess weight gives rise to a number of health problems like heart disease, hypertension, kidney disorder and diabetes. However, not many people are aware that being overweight also affects their reproductive health in a number of ways.

When patients come to us with fertility-related issues, our first recourse is to educate them about how lifestyle choices affect fertility, and how the problem worsens with time as most couples have no idea how their weight, eating habits and other life choices could be interfering with their efforts to conceive.

And it’s not only women who face fertility issues due to excess weight. Overweight affects men’s reproductive health as well. We will discuss both one by one.

What does body weight have to do with a woman’s ability to conceive?

Estrogen, the primary female hormone that plays a vital role in a woman’s menstrual cycle, is produced in the body’s fat cells. Consequently, women who are overweight have too much estrogen being produced in the body.On the other hand, underweight women can have the problem of very low estrogen levels. When there is too much or too little estrogen in your body, your monthly ovulation cycle(release of egg by the ovaries) gets disturbed. When ovulation is affected, you cannot get pregnant. For your reproductive system to work properly, you need to have optimum hormone levels and a healthy ovulation cycle.

Do know that being overweight does not mean that you cannot get pregnant. What’s important is that your ovulation cycle is restored, and today it is possible to correct ovulation disorders and hormonal imbalance with fertility medication.

PCOD and infertility

PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease is a hormonal disorder in which cysts (fluid-filled sacs) develop on one or both of a woman’s ovaries. Again, PCOD messes up the body’s hormone production leading to disrupted ovulation, which makes pregnancy difficult. Weight gain is a common side effect of PCOD, which complicates the problem even further.

Research has shown that losing weight helps to improve fertility in overweight women who have PCOD.

PCOD is a common cause of infertility in women in the reproductive age, and many women discover the problem only when they have difficulty getting pregnant. However, most women with PCOD are able to conceive successfully with timely treatment by a skilled fertility specialist who is experienced at handing PCOD-related infertility.

How does body weight affect a man’s fertility?

Research shows that being overweight or obese can affect a man's fertility in a number of ways. His sperm count may go down and he may experience poor sperm quality and also hormonal imbalance. Overweight men also often face erectile dysfunction.

Your fertility doctor can diagnose male-factor infertility by ordering a semen analysis – a simple yet important test which provides vital information about the health and number of your sperm. Based on the semen analysis report, your doctor will advise you of treatment options which present maximum potential for success.

Can fertility treatment really help?

Today fertility treatment has advanced by leaps and bounds, and there are treatments available for even the most complex cases. Fertility specialists at Shantah Fertility Centre have treated thousands of patients with varied types and causes of infertility. 

If you or your partner is overweight, our skilled doctors will develop fertility treatment plan tailored to your condition.

In weight-related infertility, we discover that there is often an accompanying underlying factor affecting a reproductive organ. Therefore we advise infertile couples not to hesitate consulting a fertility specialist as they have the expertise to evaluate your condition properly. Do know that a good fertility doctor would never coerce you to undertake unnecessary tests and treatments; they would educate you of your treatment options and help you make an informed decision.

Lifestyle changes that can help improve fertility

If you are planning to get pregnant, we would advise you to start making some lifestyle changes right away. The good news is that losing even a few kilos – as little as 5% of your body weight – can make a remarkable difference in your ability to get pregnant. This means that a woman weighing 90 Kilos will benefit substantially from losing about 4.5 Kilos.

Also, becoming pregnant when you are overweight increases the risk of pre-eclempsia, gestational diabetes, miscarriage and premature labour. When we educate patients about these health risks, they become even more participative and willing to adopt lifestyle changes recommended by our in-house Nutritionist and Fertility Counsellor. Some tips to help you adopt a healthier lifestyle:

• -        Exercise, stay physically active and maintain a healthy body weight.
• -        If you are overweight, take measures to bring down your weight.
• -        If you are underweight, work on increasing your body weight naturally – eat protein-rich natural foods. Speak to our Nutritionist for further guidance.
• -        Seek ways to eliminate stress from your life as stress has been proven to impact fertility in both men and women.
• -        Maintain a positive attitude, meditate, or adopt any activity that helps you relax and fosters a positive state of mind.
• -        If you suspect that you may have an ovulation disorder, or if you experience heavy, irregular or painful periods, or unexplained pelvic pain, do seek professional help at the earliest.

For further information on fertility treatments offered at our Centre, or for a Free Second Opinion, please book a consultation with Dr.Anubha Singh here.

Male-factor Infertility: Why Men Should Not Delay Fertility Treatment

Being diagnosed with infertility is equally distressing for both men and women, but due to the social mind-set associated with infertility it tends to be harder for men to acknowledge the condition and seek medical help.

At Shantah IVF we come across many male patients who either delayed getting fertility treatment or sought ‘miracle’ cures to fix what they believed to be a ‘minor issue’. Though male-factor infertility accounts for 1 in 4 of all infertility cases, infertility is still largely perceived as a woman’s problem, and men tend to avoid getting a diagnosis which causes further delay in treatment. Fertility treatment can begin only once the diagnosis is complete, and therefore getting yourself tested is the first crucial step towards realising your dream of building a family.

Why men need to seek timely fertility treatment

For couples who have tried to conceive for twelve months without success (six months if you’re 35 or older), getting a fertility evaluation is important. This involves basic diagnostic tests for both partners and enables your fertility specialist to gain a holistic view of the condition.

Here are some compelling reasons why men facing fertility issues should see a fertility specialist as early as possible:

-        Infertility testing of both partners is important to identify the root cause of infertility. Lop-sided analysis can increase the severity of the condition, making treatment difficult if not impossible.

-        New studies show that aging affects sperm count and sperm quality, and older men tend to have lower sperm mobility. Delaying treatment is not an option for men over 30.

-        If hormonal imbalance is the cause of infertility, it can affect other vital body functions such as insulin production, blood pressure and liver function.

-        Semen analysis is a simple test which gives your doctor extensive information about the number and quality of your sperms. This information is crucial for your fertility specialist to proceed with treatment. If the results of semen analysis are normal, your doctor can then shift focus to your partner and perform further investigations as needed.

-        If semen analysis reveals low sperm count, poor motility (movement) or morphology (abnormal sperm shape or size), appropriate treatment options can be suggested.

-        Conditions such as erectile dysfunction can result from medical as well as psychological factors. A competent fertility doctor can correctly assess your condition and offer suitable treatment.

-        Some conditions such as nil sperm or blockage in sperm-carrying tubes require a minor surgical procedure for collection of the sperm from the testes. These are best handled by an experienced surgeon trained in reproductive technology.

-        Patients with severe male-factor infertility, retrograde ejaculation, impotence or a genetic disorder need to consult a fertility specialist at the earliest.

Specialists at Shantah Fertility Centre believe that most cases of male-factor related infertility can be resolved if both partners willingly seek treatment at the right time. If you have been diagnosed with male-factor infertility or need further evaluation by competent fertility doctors, please contact us here.

10 Questions to ask when choosing your Fertility Clinic

When a woman faces problem with conceiving naturally, the first person she usually turns to is her gynecologist who then carries out a preliminary analysis of her fertility by asking questions around her menstrual cycle, frequency of sexual activity, and general medical history.

The first recourse most primary doctors take is to provide you guidance about how your ovulation cycle works so that you can time your sexual activity to increase the chances of pregnancy.  If needed, they may order a few lab tests and ultrasound scan to detect any hormonal imbalance or abnormality in the reproductive organs. Based on the results of these investigations, they will refer you to a fertility specialist for individualized and case-specific fertility treatment.

How to choose your fertility specialist/clinic

When looking for a fertility doctor, most couples go with the gynecologist’s recommendation or seek references from family and friends. Unfortunately, even educated and aware patients do not make the effort to learn more about the recommended fertility clinic. While there is nothing wrong with going by references, it will serve you in the long run if you do some preliminary research about the clinic before you commit to one.

Based on inputs from our patients, quite a number of whom claim to have suffered at the hands of sub-standard and commercially-oriented fertility centres, we have compiled a list of questions you might want to ask before you take this very important decision.

1. What is the fertility specialist’s qualification?

Before you choose your doctor, it may be a good idea to look up their qualifications, professional journey and experience. Knowing these facts about your doctor builds confidence and helps you adopt a more trusting outlook towards the treatment they will provide.

While looking for an internationally-trained fertility specialist may not be on top of your list, they would certainly have had more exposure to advanced treatment modalities and international standards of fertility treatment.

2. Does the clinic provide the whole range of fertility treatments, or more specifically, do they offer the treatment you need?

The most common treatment options in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) include IUI, IVF, ICSI, Frozen Embryo Transfer, Egg Donation, Sperm Donation, and Surrogacy.

A good fertility clinic would have a panel of experienced doctors who are equipped to provide a wide range of fertility services to patients.

3. Does the clinic have the infrastructure to offer you the latest fertility treatments?

You will likely have no way of knowing the level of infrastructure and lab facilities a clinic has to offer before you actually become a patient. One way to get this information is to visit the clinic and ask relevant questions (see below). The clinic’s website can also provide you useful information about the services they offer.

Some treatment-related questions to ask:

·    Do you offer blastocyst-stage transfer?

·    Do you offer embryo freezing? If yes, do you have the facilities to freeze by Vitrification?

·    Do you offer egg/sperm donation if required? If yes, how does it work?

It is important for you to not get intimidated by these terminologies and prepare yourself beforehand so that you know what you are talking about.

4. Is the clinic equipped to treat male-factor infertility?

All fertility clinics claim to offer male infertility treatments; however only a few have the expertise to provide these services. If you have been diagnosed with male-factor infertility, you may want to find out if the clinic is equipped to treat male fertility and what treatment options are available.

5. How many cycles of a treatment does the clinic offer before trying another approach?

It will help to find out in advance how many rounds of IUI/IVF/ICSI you will receive as part of your treatment package. For example, at Shantah Fertility Centre we offer our patients 3 rounds of IVF. Most patients are able to conceive successfully in the first or second cycle. In the rare case when IVF does not work for a patient, appropriate alternative treatment is suggested.

6. Does the clinic offer counselling services?

Counselling is a very important part of infertility treatment as it helps couplescope with inter-personal issues, infertility-related stress and family expectations. Today counselling has become an indispensable part of fertility treatment at most fertility clinics that adhere to international standards.

The counselling program at Shantah Fertility Centre is managed by experienced and professionally trained counsellors who work with you and your partner to make your journey to fertility as smooth as possible.

7. What diagnostic tests will I need to undergo before and during treatment?

It will be difficult for your doctor to provide a definitive answer to this question before they have obtained a background of your reproductive history. However, they can provide you a reference list of the investigations you or your partner may need to undertake for proper diagnosis of your condition.

8. What are the clinic’s overall and treatment-specific success rates?

While it’s good to know the success rates of a clinic, your decision should not be based on this aspect alone as success rates can vary over a period of time. However, you may want to inquire about the following:

·    Average success rate with respect to pregnancies achieved

·    Average success rate with respect tolive births

·    Experience with previously failed IVF cases

·    Information on multiple births in a year

9. What is the estimated cost of treatment?

Many clinics today offer treatment packages which are inclusive of a certain number of treatment cycles, investigations, key procedures and after-care services. You may want to check with your clinic about their treatment plans, inclusions in a plan, and payment options.

10.Last but not the least; is the clinic’s environment conducive to your needs?

Fertility treatment can involve frequent visits to your clinic and multiple interactions with the staff. It is the responsibility of the clinic staff to make you feel comfortable, respected and cared for. A chaos-free, calm and welcoming environment helps you de-stress and speak about your concerns freely.

Remember, it’s your right to expect quality in all aspects of your fertility treatment.

Need further guidance or an Expert second opinion?

Get in touch with us here.