Fertility treatments have saved the happiness of millions of families around the world. Unfortunately, there are some myths that stigmatize against fertility treatments and make others wary of them. The following are common misconceptions and the truth to these commonly mistaken aspects of fertility treatment.
Myth #1: IVF is the one and only option
Truth: IVF is usually not the first choice when it comes to fertility treatment. Couples often start with natural conception, however when this does not work they begin to explore their options. When couples have unexplained infertility problems and the woman is below the age of 38, the first option is usually Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). An IUI cycle is less likely to lead to pregnancy compared to IVF but most young women who have fertility issues do conceive with this treatment. Most fertility doctors will recommend at least three IUI cycles. If within the three cycles the woman does not become pregnant then IVF is recommended.
Myth #2: Fertility doctors and clinics are all the same.
Truth: Many doctors have worked in both large-scale clinics and in small private practices, so this couldn’t be further from the truth. In smaller private practices doctors can do the following:
- Provide personalized care to their patients by offering them a treatment that closely suits their needs.
- Carry out personalized monitoring and procedural check-ups compared to large scale hospitals with doctor-on-duty systems.
- Keep in touch with their patients daily over the phone or via email.
Myth #3: Fertility treatments are too expensive.
Truth: Some insurance policies will cover the full cost associated with fertility treatments and others may pay for a portion of the costs. If your insurance company does not cover any of the costs, there are payment options. Some patients who meet certain criteria might be eligible for a refund program if IVF is not successful.
Myth #4: Fertility treatments take too long.
Truth: We are dedicated to our patients, so we accommodate as best we can to make sure our patient’s schedules are not inconveniently interfered. However, it is important to note that the preparation for an IVF cycle may take a couple of weeks for new patients while keeping office visits to a minimum. This is also dependent on the patient’s schedule. Once an IVF cycle begins, women go through 10 to 11 days of injections, with egg retrieval coming two days after the last injection.
During these two weeks, patients do need to be monitored closely. Most clinics require between four and six visits throughout an IVF cycle. The appointments are usually done first thing in the morning, so the patient’s work schedule will not be interrupted.
Myth #5: I will have twins or triplets if I use fertility treatments.
Truth: Even though the chances of getting pregnant with more than one child increase with the use of fertility treatments, it is not always the case and can be controlled.
- The risk of developing twins is less than 2% through IVF. During IVF you can choose to have only one embryo to be transferred.
- Through IUI, the doctor can often predict the number of mature eggs likely to be ovulated. Doctors utilize ultrasounds and hormone level indicators to determine these. These allow the doctor and patient to decide if the risk is too high for multiples.
Myth #6: Fertility treatment poses more risks to the child.
Truth: There are no notable differences between children conceived naturally and those conceived via IVF. However, studies suggest that after an IVF treatment, there is a slightly higher risk of the child having a physical birth defect.
In the general population, there is a 3 to 4 percent chance of a child being born with a birth defect. With IVF there is a 4 to 5 percent chance of a child having a birth defect.
Myth #7: There is a guarantee of conception with IVF.
Truth: IVF does not guarantee conception but does greatly increase the chances of conception among couples who have been trying to get pregnant. The rate of success is dependent on a woman’s age. Women who are 35 years or younger have a higher chance of getting pregnant from a single IVF treatment. This is generally around 50-60%. The odds of a couple conceiving naturally during any cycle is less than 25%. A couple with infertility issues, on the other hand, has less than a 5% chance.
Myth #8: I am too young to consider fertility treatment.
Truth: A younger woman has a better chance of conceiving with fertility treatment. If a couple has tried for at least one year and has not had success, fertility treatment will increase their odds of becoming pregnant.
Additionally, women who are still young, and are not interested in getting pregnant at that moment in time, may freeze their eggs for future use.
Myth #9: I am too old for fertility treatment.
Truth: We specialize in challenging courses and we do not turn down patients. Your age may affect your chances of pregnancy. Fortunately, our physicians provide a wide array of services that help older women pursue their dreams of parenthood.
Myth #10: I am not interested in getting pregnant now, so there is no reason for me to meet with a fertility doctor.
Truth: Young women, as well as those between the age of 35 and 40, should preserve their fertility by freezing their eggs. This is a way to “stop the clock” and start a family when they are ready.
Additionally, women should see a fertility doctor for an assessment when they are ready. Fertility doctors can teach couples how to attempt to properly conceive. They can also do an initial assessment of a woman’s ovarian reserve to help them better understand the process.
Conclusion
Before selecting the best fertility option, do your own research. This will save you both time and money. At Reproductive Sciences Medical Center, we are here to give you all the necessary support to ensure your family’s success. For this and much more, do not hesitate to call us today at 858-436-7186.
