Myths and Facts about IVF Fertility Treatments

There’s a lot of information and misinformation out there about fertility treatments.

When you are trying to conceive, you can be bombarded with information from family, friends and colleagues that, even with the best of the intentions in their hearts, may spread myths about IVF and fertility treatments. 

When in doubt, the best way to find advice is to arrange an appointment with a Fertility Specialist. To make it easier for you, our team put together a simple guide on some of the common myths surrounding Fertility Treatments.

1 - If you have IVF fertility treatments, you’ll probably have twins or triplets

False. 

The goal for a successful cycle of IVF is for a couple to achieve a singleton pregnancy with a healthy baby born at the end of pregnancy. With the advances in IVF Technology and excellent quality embryos being created, normally only 1 embryo is transferred. In rare cases, an embryo may divide after transfer to the womb to produce a twin pregnancy.

2 - You can always have babies with IVF, even if you wait until your early 40s to start your family.

False. 

Unfortunately, fertility declines with age.  

3 - Your diet influences how likely your IVF treatment is to succeed.

True.

While there is no magic diet or miracle food that will guarantee a successful treatment, your diet plays an important role in your overall health and wellbeing. Eating a varied, healthy diet and avoiding junk food does help you conceive whether you are trying naturally or via IVF.  

4 - If you conceive with IVF, you’ll automatically have a high-risk pregnancy.

False. 

Most women who conceive with IVF have normal, healthy pregnancies. However, pregnancy may be complicated for some women who have conceived in their 40’s due to age-related risks in pregnancy.

5 - The hormones you need for IVF will make you moody and miserable.

Sometimes.

Hormones do influence our mood, but the effect is very individual. Women who experience PMT might be more likely to be irritable or feel down during the IVF process. Work and/or lifestyle stress can add pressure during treatment. However, most women do not feel any negative impact as a result of the hormones used.

6 - Once you conceive with IVF, you’ll never be able to conceive unassisted.

False. 

Many different factors influence fertility. Having difficulty conceiving does not mean it will never be possible for a couple to conceive unassisted.

7 - Once you have one baby, you’re more likely to conceive naturally.

False. 

Fertility is complex. Difficulty conceiving can be due to a specific medical problem or it can be unexplained. There is no evidence that having IVF fertility treatments makes a couple more fertile in the long run.

If you want to learn more about myths and facts related to fertility treatments and IVF, our podcast can answer most of your questions. In our third episode, Dr Hans Arce, our Medical Director and Aoife Corley, our Clinical Midwife Manager, discuss & dispel numerous myths that surround the fertility process. Watch below.