Every year, IVF Day is celebrated on July 25 to raise awareness about the process and benefits of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This advanced reproductive technology has enabled countless couples to achieve their dreams of parenthood. However, despite its success, numerous myths and misconceptions persist, causing skepticism and hesitation among many considering IVF as an option. As World IVF Day is just around the corner, we got in touch with Dr Ruby Yadav, Consultant Fertility Specialist, Renew Healthcare, Kolkata who has debunked myths and misconceptions around it providing accurate information that may help those who are contemplating this life-changing procedure.

Fact: With a high success rate of 40-60 per cent, IVF is a versatile tool in modern reproductive medicine. While it undoubtedly helps couples struggling with infertility, it is also used in other situations as well.

Dr Ruby Yadav shares that for instance, couples carrying genetic disorders can employ IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen embryos for abnormalities before implantation, which increases the chances of a genetically healthy baby.

Same-sex couples, too, find IVF invaluable. Lesbian couples can use donor sperm, while gay male couples can turn to gestational surrogacy with IVF.

Fact: Women are born with a finite supply of eggs, and their quality declines over time. This biological reality significantly affects IVF success rates. Dr Ruby Yadav shares that while there are inspiring stories of older women conceiving through IVF, it's essential to manage expectations. Younger women generally have higher chances of successful IVF cycles.

Fact: Dr Ruby Yadav explains that modern IVF protocols prioritise transferring a single, healthy embryo to the uterus. This practice, known as single embryo transfer (SET), has dramatically reduced the risk of twins, triplets, or more, which reduces the health risks for both mother and babies.

Myth 4: IVF Is The Only Fertility Treatment

Fact: IVF is a powerful tool but is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr Ruby Yadav shares many fertility challenges need to be addressed with treatment plans.

For instance, couples with male infertility might benefit from intrauterine insemination (IUI). Women with ovulation disorders might respond well to fertility medications. A thorough evaluation is crucial to determine the most appropriate options for each couple.

Fact: The safety of fertility medications has been extensively studied. There’s no conclusive evidence linking them to an increased risk of cancer. It’s important to discuss potential side effects and risks with your fertility specialist. However, the fear of cancer should not deter women from seeking infertility treatment. "IVF is not just about creating life; it's about nurturing hope,” says Dr Rajeev Agarwal, Fertility physician in Kolkata, West Bengal. “With advancements in technology and personalised care, we're empowering more couples to realize their dream of parenthood," he further explained.