IVF can be used for both male and female infertility

Myths, misconceptions surrounding IVF

Dr Joseph Kwesi Homiah Health Jul - 17 - 2024 , 09:57

Millions of couples who otherwise would not have had their own children have been helped by In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) to start families of their desires.

IVF is still misunderstood in many parts of the world, despite the huge successes and being most probably one of the greatest breakthroughs in the field of medicine.

As a fertility specialist, I am always confronted with questions from couples considering assisted conception, amongst which the most common is, “Is my baby going to be normal?”

IVF is perceived in some circles as unnatural and practitioners are sometimes seen as trying to play God, thus distorting the natural order of nature. There are, therefore, many perceptions and myths still surrounding the whole IVF process and the offsprings thereof, to the extent that some countries and religious sects frown upon or outrightly reject the procedure.

Thus, many couples are forced to covertly seek assistance for IVF. In this article, I will attempt to address some of these misconceptions and clarify some common IVF myths while asserting some facts.

Myth: IVF treatment and medications increase your risk of cancer

A lot of research has been undertaken to address this suspicion that IVF increases your risk of cancer, particularly ovarian and breast cancer, considering the hormone treatments involved.

The majority of studies have shown no significant increases in cancer among individuals who have undergone IVF. Baseline cancer rates among those who underwent fertility treatment and those who did not have been found to be the same.

This, however, does not obviate the need for regular checks in patients who have or are undergoing fertility treatments. Regular Pap Smears, breast examinations and regular mammograms, augmented with less alcohol, exercise and healthy lifestyles, would reduce the overall risk of cancer.

Myth: Do children born out of IVF have any health issues, including birth defects?

The fact that children conceived through IVF are perceived as unnatural has led to concerns about the physical, mental and cognitive development of these children. Concerning the effects of IVF on the course of a pregnancy, there is not a clear association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, even though there is a slightly increased risk of miscarriage.

However, most of these tend to be attributable to the cause of infertility rather than the procedure itself.

Concerning the development of the child, millions of children have been born through IVF since the first IVF baby in July 1978. To date, more than eight million children have been born worldwide, with more being born every day.

One in three children born in the USA are through IVF. Studies of thousands of these children conceived via IVF from Scandinavia have not shown any clear or consistent differences in physical, behavioural or mental health attributes.

No peculiar birth defects beyond the background birth defect rates for all children have been realised, and neither has there been an increase in incidence. Overall IVF is a very safe method to treat infertility.

Offsprings of such couples do, as well as those not conceived through IVF.

Myth: IVF always leads to twins and triplets

In as much as multiple pregnancy rates are higher in pregnancies conceived through IVF than normal conception, this is simply because two or more embryos or babies are transferred into the mother’s womb during the procedure.

This inevitably results in more twin, triplet and quadruplet gestations. Multiple gestations could also come with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriages and preterm birth.

It is, therefore, imperative for the clinician to sometimes resist the temptation to transfer more than two embryos at a time. In some countries, the number of embryos transferred should not be more than one, to reduce this increased risk.

However, twins are deemed a special blessing in most African communities and clinicians tend to transfer more than one embryo, resulting in multiple gestations.

Myth: IVF is always successful or never successful

IVF is one of the greatest technological advances of the 20th century. To grow human embryos in the laboratory, freeze them, thaw them and bring them back to life can only be a miracle.

Despite these advances over the last 40 years, reaching 100 success rates in terms of pregnancy has been an illusion. However, over eight million IVF children have been born worldwide and over 2.5 million cycles are performed every year, resulting in over 500,000 deliveries annually.

There is much to be proud of, but many challenges remain. For this reason, the aim of 100 per cent success is yet to be achieved. However, since there’s no doubt about the effectiveness of IVF, you will have to navigate your IVF with confidence.

Myth: IVF is the last resort

IVF is not the last resort in the road to achieve conception. Studies have shown that 17 per cent of couples who have had failed IVF cycles go on to conceive naturally without any medication.

Thus, even after failed IVF, there’s still hope. Even more interesting is the finding that most women who have a child after IVF go on to conceive spontaneously in subsequent years.

In effect, a failed IVF is not the end of the journey, and neither does one IVF mean all other subsequent pregnancies have to be through IVF. Your cycle can also be repeated, and most facilities have favourable financial packages for repeat cycles.

Myth: IVF is only for infertile couples

Although IVF is often associated with couples dealing with infertility, its scope now extends far beyond infertility. Couples with genetic disorders or inherited conditions like Sickle Cell Disease can also use this technology to reduce the potential risks of passing these conditions to offspring.

IVF can also be used in sex selection so couples who desire a particular sex can opt for IVF. This, however, is not allowed in certain countries.

Myth: Only older couples can opt for IVF

There’s a misconception that IVF is exclusively for older couples, mainly 40 years and above. Younger couples experiencing various fertility problems, such as tubal blockage, male factor infertility or unexplained infertility, can also benefit from IVF.

The treatment is applicable regardless of age, once the female partner is medically fit. With IVF, age is just a number. Even menopausal women can achieve the joy of motherhood.

Myth: IVF requires hospitalisation and women require bed rest throughout the pregnancy

In the early years of IVF, due to the delicate nature of the procedure and the perceived flaws and expenditure involved, clinicians took extraordinary precautions to safeguard the pregnancy.

With time and a greater understanding of the process and technological advancements, most IVF procedures are done on an outpatient basis.

Once conception is achieved, the amount of rest required by expectant mothers is the same as any other woman. Patients can go about their normal activities, including work and household chores, without any adverse effects on the pregnancy.

Myth: IVF is only for female infertility

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding IVF is that it is only for female infertility. However, IVF can be used for both male and female infertility. In fact, recent data suggests that a lot more men require IVF to achieve conception of the spouse than the female partner.

In summary, in your journey to start a family through IVF, it is important to gather accurate information from reputable sources including reputable IVF Blogs, patients who have gone through the process and fertility specialists.

Patients should also undergo appropriate counselling to prepare them physically, emotionally and mentally. Every individual’s situation is unique, and a healthcare provider can provide personalised guidance based on medical history and needs.

Understanding the facts and having realistic expectations are key to improving outcomes in fertility treatments. Informed choices not only enhance the chances of success but also provide peace of mind, helping many achieve their dreams of parenthood with confidence and clarity.

The writer is a consultant obstetrician gynaecologist and fertility specialist with the Accra Fertility Center, a subsidiary of Medifem Group of Hospitals