Common misconceptions about IVF treatment

Widely practiced around the world, in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains the most effective treatment method for couples experiencing infertility. Experts have shared 10 common misconceptions about IVF treatment.

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Common misconceptions about IVF treatment

The IVF treatment method consists of the stimulation and collection of ovaries according to a medication regimen specifically chosen for each patient, followed by the fertilization of eggs with sperm and the transfer of the resulting embryo.

It is commonly discussed among the public that IVF treatment has various side effects and that the medications used in IVF treatment cause weight gain.

Common misconceptions about IVF treatment:

IVF treatment is a very painful procedure. WRONG!

THE TRUTH: IVF treatment can be summarized as the extraction of eggs and sperm from the body, their combination via microinjection, and the achievement of pregnancy by placing the resulting embryo into the uterus. The medications used in the treatment can cause some growth in the ovaries, which may lead to mild sensitivity. Since egg collection procedures are performed under anesthesia, there is no issue with pain. There is no pain after the procedure either; only a short-term feeling of pressure and fullness may develop.

If the embryo quality is good, pregnancy is guaranteed. WRONG!

THE TRUTH: Contrary to popular belief, having a high-quality embryo does not mean that pregnancy will definitely occur. Dr. Çağlar Yazıcıoğlu states, “The visual quality of the embryo is, of course, the most important factor in IVF treatment, but the transfer technique, the genetic structure of the embryo, and the structure and thickening of the uterus are also other important parameters. In IVF treatment, hormone levels on critical days are also factors that must be taken into account.” Pointing out that sometimes pregnancy may not occur even if a better embryo is transferred to the patient, Dr. Çağlar Yazıcıoğlu says, “However, in the next treatment, pregnancy can develop when an embryo of slightly lower phenotypic, or visual, quality is transferred. It is thought that embryo genetics are the determining factor here.”

Medications used in IVF treatment cause weight gain! WRONG!

THE TRUTH: Because the increased estrogen and progesterone hormones during IVF treatment can have water-retaining effects on the body, the medications can lead to temporary edema, but they do not cause weight gain.

The first IVF attempt usually results in failure. WRONG!

THE TRUTH: Contrary to popular belief, when IVF treatment is performed with optimal care, pregnancy can occur on the first attempt. Dr. Çağlar Yazıcıoğlu says, “What determines success in the IVF method is not which attempt it is, but many factors, primarily the age of the expectant mother,” and continues: “The issue that needs attention in the treatment is making preliminary preparations such as quitting smoking, obesity control, sleep patterns, and correcting any vitamin deficiencies. If deemed necessary, trying to increase egg and sperm quality with precursor treatments can be beneficial.”

It is enough not to smoke from the day of embryo transfer. WRONG!

THE TRUTH: One of the cells most affected by the toxic effects of smoking is reproductive cells. For this reason, Dr. Çağlar Yazıcıoğlu points out that smoking must be quit at least 2-3 months before treatment, especially in couples who have not achieved results in previous attempts or have experienced problems during embryo development processes.

Being overweight does not affect the success of IVF treatment. WRONG!

THE TRUTH: Obesity and diabetes negatively affect the results of IVF treatment. A meta-analysis has shown that live birth rates in women with a BMI >30 in IVF treatments are lower than in women without obesity issues. Furthermore, there are studies showing that egg reserve and pregnancy rates are reduced in infertile women compared to non-diabetic women.

One must lie down constantly after embryo transfer. WRONG!

THE TRUTH: It has been proven by scientific meta-analyses that bed rest after embryo transfer in IVF treatments is not beneficial and, on the contrary, can create negative effects due to anxiety and stress mechanisms.

Men who do not have sperm in their semen have no chance! WRONG!

THE TRUTH: While sperm production can sometimes be achieved directly after 3-4 months of treatment, in some men, a limited number of sperm can be obtained using the micro-TESE method, which is the process of retrieving sperm from the testicles under a microscope for men who do not have sperm in their semen. IVF treatment can be applied with these sperm, and pregnancy can be achieved.

Babies born via the IVF method are usually born with anomalies. WRONG!

THE TRUTH: There is no difference between babies born via the IVF method and those from normal pregnancies. On the contrary, research and genetic tests performed during IVF treatment minimize the possibility of babies with anomalies.

The condition of the tubes cannot be determined definitively with Hysterosalpingography (HSG). WRONG!

THE TRUTH: During a uterine tube film (HSG), spasms can occur in the tubes, which can cause an open tube to appear blocked. In the Hysterosalpingography (HSG) method performed with the selective salpingography technique, clear information can be obtained by injecting fluid into the tube entrance with the help of a catheter.

News Source: 12punto