IVF Myths Busted: Dr Manjunath on Delaying Parenthood

Bengaluru: Infertility is a growing concern across India, yet many couples delay seeking help because of persistent myths surrounding In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Dr Manjunath C S, a leading fertility specialist, has addressed seven of the most common misconceptions that can push back the journey to parenthood.

Myth 1: IVF is the last resort

Many people believe IVF should only be tried after years of failed attempts. Dr Manjunath says this is outdated thinking. For many conditions like blocked fallopian tubes or severe male factor infertility, IVF is the most effective first-line treatment.

Waiting too long can reduce success rates, especially as female age advances. The expert advises couples to consult a specialist after one year of trying (or six months if the woman is over 35).

Myth 2: IVF always leads to multiple births

The fear of twins or triplets often deters couples. Dr Manjunath explains that modern IVF practice favours single embryo transfer (SET). With SET, the risk of multiple pregnancies is under 5 percent.

Elective single embryo transfer is now standard in many clinics, reducing complications for both mother and babies. Success rates remain high when the embryo is of good quality.

Myth 3: IVF is extremely painful

The procedure is often portrayed as agonising. The reality is that egg retrieval is done under light sedation, and embryo transfer is painless, similar to a pap smear. Most women report only mild bloating or discomfort.

Dr Manjunath stresses that pain thresholds vary, but severe pain is rare. Patients can usually resume normal activities the next day.

Myth 4: IVF causes cancer

Rumours linking IVF drugs to ovarian or breast cancer have circulated for years. The doctor clarifies that large-scale studies have found no causal link. The small increased risk sometimes seen is likely due to infertility itself or other factors, not the treatment.

Women with a family history of cancer are still advised to undergo screening, but IVF does not significantly raise their risk.

Myth 5: Lifestyle changes alone can fix infertility

While diet and exercise are important for overall health, they cannot reverse conditions like azoospermia (zero sperm count) or blocked tubes. Dr Manjunath says that believing lifestyle can cure all fertility issues causes dangerous delays.

He urges couples to seek medical evaluation rather than relying on internet advice or anecdotal remedies. Time lost is the biggest enemy in fertility treatment.

Myth 6: IVF babies are abnormal

Some people worry that IVF increases the risk of birth defects. The expert states that the absolute risk of major congenital anomalies in IVF babies is only about 1-2 percent higher than natural conception. Most of this is linked to the parents' underlying infertility, not the technology.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can further reduce risks for couples with known genetic disorders.

Myth 7: You can do unlimited IVF cycles

There is a limit to how many cycles a woman can safely undergo. Ovarian hyperstimulation and repeated anaesthesia carry real risks. Dr Manjunath advises that most women achieve success within three to four cycles.

Beyond that, the emotional and physical toll may outweigh the benefits. Clinics often counsel couples to consider alternatives like donor eggs or surrogacy after multiple failures.

What to watch

As IVF technology improves, success rates are climbing. The real challenge now is helping couples overcome fear and misinformation so they seek help early. Doctors recommend that anyone under 35 who has been trying for a year without success should see a fertility specialist without delay.