Common Myths and Facts About IVF Treatment in Varanasi
January 6, 2025In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is gaining popularity among couples wishing to experience the blessing of being parents. However, when new technology or treatment methods come into existence, scepticism and speculation around them become the talk of the town. Similarly, IVF has been surrounded by numerous myths that prevent people from considering this effective treatment for dealing with infertility.
As per the data given by the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 out of 6 individuals is infertile. This data suggests the need for people to be more aware of effective fertility treatments without following false beliefs.
In this article, we will debunk a few myths associated with IVF treatment and how a top IVF centre in Varanasi prioritises dispelling them.
IVF Treatment in Varanasi: Common Myths and Facts
Since its onset, a number of myths have existed about IVF treatment. Thus, dispelling these myths and disseminating the associated facts is our duty as one of the recognised IVF centre in Varanasi. Here are some of the facts about the most common 10 IVF myths:
Myth 1: IVF is the First Line Treatment For Any Case of Infertility.
Fact: In spite of its popularity, fertility specialists in Varanasi do not start with IVF for infertility. They initiate treatment by taking a detailed history. Any underlying or associated medical conditions are then considered.
After they have physically examined the couple, diagnostic tests are ordered. The common options start from much simpler and less invasive treatments such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or even lifestyle modification before heading towards IVF. This is generally considered after failure of other measures or in severe male factor infertility, tubal blockage, and when the mother is aged 40 or more.
Myth 2: IVF Ensures Pregnancy.
Fact: Though the number of pregnancies through IVF has increased, it does not ensure success. The IVF success rates in Varanasi or any other region depend on a number of factors, like the patient's age, the cause of the problem, and general health. The success rates of reputed fertility clinics in Varanasi would be in the range of 30-50% per cycle in women below the age of 35, which diminishes as the mother's age advances. However, older patients are advised to have more than one cycle.
Myth 3: IVF Results in Multiple Pregnancies.
Fact: There were days when doctors had to transfer multiple embryos for successful pregnancies that would turn into twins or triplets in some patients. However, multiple pregnancies caused by IVF have decreased to a large extent in the recent past-that is, during the past few years. This is attributed to the fact that doctors have refined their methods of embryo culture and selection.
Presently, the best IVF clinic in Varanasi incorporates a good-quality single embryo transfer, called elective single embryo transfer (eSET), especially for young patients with good prognosis.
Myth 4: Medications used in IVF have Side Effects.
Fact: Medications used for IVF treatments do have side effects such as mood swings, bloating, discomfort, and long-term health risks. However, severe complications are very rare, especially when the treatment is carried out under proper medical care.
A number of studies found no long-term effects on health and no increase in cancers in women treated with IVF medicines. Nevertheless, as is the case with any medical treatment course, the potential risks and benefits may require personal discussion with a healthcare provider.
Myth 5: IVF-conceived Children Have More Health Issues.
Fact: Many in-depth research analyses have shown that most children born due to IVF are equally healthy compared to naturally conceived children. While these show a small risk for certain complications such as low birth weight or premature birth, these are mainly associated with multiple pregnancies, which become statistically rare with the latest IVF protocols.
Several long-term follow-up studies showed no significant differences in the physical and cognitive development of children between the IVF-conceived group and the natural group.
Myths 6: IVF is Only for Females Who Have Infertility Problems.
Fact: IVF can deal with problems relating to infertility in both males and females. The best IVF clinic in Varanasi reports several cases of male factor infertility as the main contributor to the problem. Many times, these men have problems such as a low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.
Couples deal with these issues through IVF, especially while using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can also be performed before IVF so that the offspring may not be affected by some hereditary disorder. Additionally, IVF can also be done to save fertility in cancer patients.
Myth 7: Age Doesn't Matter in the Success of IVF Treatment.
Fact: Age, especially of the mother, is one of the most crucial factors determining the IVF success rates in Varanasi or anywhere else. Women are born with a limited number of eggs that decrease in number and quality with age.
Fertility doctors experience reduced IVF success in women above 35 years, with a significantly lower success rate in those over 40 years. Though modern reproductive technologies have significantly improved IVF success in the elderly, a decline in success for older patients remains high.
Myth 8: IVF is Too Expensive and Inaccessible to Middle Class
Fact: While IVF can be a costly treatment process, most IVF centres in Varanasi offer multiple treatment packages and numerous financing options to make it accessible. In addition, some insurance plans have started covering treatment for some types of infertility procedures.
Moreover, the IVF cycle cost in Varanasi tends to be much lower than in larger metropolitan areas. Most couples are thus able to afford it. Patients are advised to discuss financial aspects with their chosen clinic and explore all available options.
Myth 9: IVF is Not Affected by Lifestyle Factors.
Fact: Lifestyle factors can drastically impact IVF success rates in Varanasi. Fertility experts, therefore, strongly suggest that patients be in good health at the time of the IVF treatment.
In fact, some clinics even offer optional complementary measures such as yoga and acupuncture, which aim to improve general well-being and consequently raise IVF cycle success rates.
Myth 10: IVF is Unethical or Goes Against Religious Beliefs.
Fact: The ethical and religious perspectives on IVF vary widely. Many religious leaders and thinkers have come to see IVF as a legitimate medical treatment for infertility. A lot of couples in the city of Varanasi, which runs down to its deep spiritual roots, have been successful in having children who balance their religious beliefs with the help of IVF.
IVF centres in Varanasi are quite culturally and religiously sensitive, as they offer minimal stimulation IVF and natural cycle IVF to clients who wish for less interference.
Final Thoughts
The field of reproductive medicine is changing, and technological advances improve the outcome of IVF. This also means that now, with misconceptions out of the way, patients in Varanasi can make an informed decision about fertility treatment. Individuals or couples must consult a qualified fertility specialist who would consider the condition and all underlying issues before advising on a particular case for IVF.
One such IVF centre in Varanasi pioneering the same is Apollo Fertility. With an experienced team of reproduction endocrinologists and embryologists at its core, Apollo Fertility blends the best of new-age technology with compassion and culturally sensitive care to maximise treatment outcomes. So, book your first visit today and dispel all IVF myths during your first interaction.