Owing to the enduring taboo in society of discussing infertility and its related treatments, many myths about the procedure and its results abound. This article tries to address and resolve some of the most common myths surrounding the IVF treatment.
Myth 1 : You should take complete bed rest so as to facilitate embryo transfer
Fact: It has been sufficiently established that you need not put a pause on your normal day-to-day activities post an embryo transfer. In fact, several studies have established that women who are on a bed rest for 24 hours post embryo transfer, have lower chances of becoming pregnant as compared to those who commenced their regular routine post embryo transfer.
Myth 2 : You possess no control over the success of your IVF treatment
Fact: The results of the IVF treatment depend on a thorough evaluation of the couple and a proper address of the underlying issues causing the problems (if any). There are several things that your fertility specialist should investigate before embarking upon the treatment procedure.
The problem, however, is that not every doctor performs these thorough evaluations before starting the treatment. In either case, make sure that you ask your expert the following questions:
• Are your tubes clear? The presence of any fluid in the fallopian tubes carries the possibility of reducing the rate of success of the fertility treatment by almost 50%. In case any fluid is detected in the fallopian tubes, the tubes must either be blocked or removed completely before the commencement of the treatment.
• Is your uterus ready for the treatment? The uterine cavity must be evaluated by means of either an ultrasound, an X-ray etc. in order to determine if the uterine cavity is ready to receive treatment for infertility.
• Is your husband’s sperm adequate? A sperm analysis test is an imperative step to be performed so as to determine the gap between the quality of sperm available and that required for IVF treatments.
• Do I possess enough eggs? A healthy reserve of eggs is important for the success of the IVF treatment. Both of the following tests must be performed in order to estimate the adequacy of eggs in your ovaries: a blood test on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle as well as an ultrasound that determines your actual follicle count.
Myth 3 : Herbal medication can aid the IVF treatment
Fact: No sufficient evidence has been obtained to add credibility to this claim. One study conducted in Denmark actually established that women who took alternative therapies and used complementary procedures, actually lowered their chances of pregnancy through IVF by 30%.
The impact of most herbal medications on the IVF treatment is not known, which makes it dangerous to consume these medications during the course of the IVF treatment.
Myth 4 : Some special diets can boost the success of the IVF treatment
Fact: There exists no evidence to support the fact that certain specific diets can help boost your chances of becoming pregnant through IVF. However, following a healthy, balanced diet consisting of adequate lean protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains is important to help you maintain your health.
Inadequate intake of Vitamin D is one factor that has been linked to decreased chances of pregnancy through IVF treatments.
