5 misconceptions about IVF treatment
WRONG: IVF treatment is only done as a last resort.
WHERE: In some cases it is more rational to try in vitro fertilization first. Today, for example, operations to open blockages of the ducts are very rare in both men and women and in vitro fertilization is preferred as a priority. Because the success rates of these surgeries are very low. If the age of the woman applying for a child is over 40, it is not recommended to do IUI, that is, vaccination, because it is simpler than in vitro fertilization. Because the pregnancy rate achieved by vaccination in this age group is around 5%. Treatment with these rates is a waste of time, especially in the advanced age group. Another example is the infertility treatment of women with polycystic ovaries (PCO). If pregnancy cannot be easily achieved with 5-day pill treatments in this group, is it correct to stimulate the ovaries with needles or should we proceed directly to in vitro fertilization? The one mentioned in the first place can be many times riskier and more expensive.
WRONG: IVF treatment can be a solution to all infertility problems.
WHERE: In vitro fertilization means that the sperm and egg are fertilized in the laboratory and then transferred to the uterus. An IVF doctor ensures that the procedure is performed correctly, with the right preparations. It is impossible to get results if there is no healthy sperm, egg and uterus. For example, we cannot use IVF on a woman in menopause or on a couple whose sperm cannot be found with MikroTESE surgery.
WRONG: IVF treatment can only be applied to young people.
WHERE: Even if a woman is older, she can try in vitro fertilization as long as she is menstruating. However, as both the number and quality of eggs decrease with age, the chance of pregnancy decreases. Women who are older and whose egg counts have decreased can somewhat compensate for this disadvantage by collecting many eggs. This is called the pool system. The age-dependent decrease in probability is especially visible after the age of 43. It is recommended that those in this age group not continue if the infertility period is long and they have not been able to get results in many previous attempts. However, a couple of the same age who have been married for several years or have just decided to have a child may be encouraged to seek treatment.
WRONG: IVF treatment always involves twins or triplets.
WHERE: No. The chance of a multiple pregnancy depends on the number of embryos given. Because the laboratory conditions were not so good in the past, more embryos were given in the past and there were many twin and triplet pregnancies. By selecting embryos with a high pregnancy potential using techniques such as blastocyst transfer and PGT-A, it is now possible to transfer a small number of embryos and achieve high pregnancy rates. A woman over the age of 35 who has transferred 2 embryos has a 10-20% chance of a twin pregnancy.
WRONG: The repeat of an IVF treatment takes place a certain number of times.
WHERE: There is no specific number. There may be people who have tried more than 10 times and have become pregnant. In these cases it is important that the IVF doctor guides the patient well. We say it if we think he has a chance, otherwise we suggest he quit. The age of the woman, the quality of the embryos and the condition of the uterus are leading factors in this decision.