Health & Fitness
6 Common Misconceptions About Infertility Treatment
Advancements in infertility treatment have come a long way, but awareness about infertility has progressed more slowly.
When Louise Brown was born in July 1978, the world of infertility was changed forever. Known as the first "test-tube baby," Brown was born through in vitro fertilization. At that time, the field of infertility was still in its infancy, both from a research and clinical perspective. The difference today is striking.
Infertility is no longer a problem without solutions. Advances in technology and research over the last four decades have had a direct impact on safety and success rates. As one of the leading infertility clinics in the U.S., Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMANJ) has been a driving force behind the scientific advances in the field.
But a new RMANJ study published this month as part of the observance of National Infertility Awareness Week, which runs April 22-28, shows that awareness of the industry’s progress is low. Here are six common misconceptions surrounding infertility and infertility treatment:
Misconception #1: IVF Usually Results In Twins
RMANJ’s 2018 Infertility Trends National Survey found that 72 percent of respondents were concerned about having multiples (twins or triplets) through IVF. Single embryo transfer – the recommended protocol for most patients – has dramatically reduced the incidence of twins, which carries an associate risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, lower birth weight and more days in the hospital.
In other words, the idea that IVF usually results in multiples is a misconception stuck in the past. Doctors practicing the latest science will always strive not only to achieve a pregnancy, but the birth of one healthy baby – that’s why choosing the right clinic to get your IVF treatment is vital.
Misconception #2: Pregnancy Rate = Birth Rate
Only 39 percent of survey respondents said that success defined by delivery rates was most important when choosing infertility care. Less than 40 percent – that is surprising. One reason is that there may be confusion between pregnancy rates and birth rates. Again, advances in the field over the last 40 years have had such a positive impact on birth rates, that those seeking infertility services should be hopeful when they come in for treatment at the right clinic.
At RMANJ, we have a 64 percent* live birth rate for women under 35 – a rate that’s well above the national average. Choosing a clinic with success rates at or above the national average is imperative. Not all practices and fertility treatments provide the same results. Researching and choosing the right clinic will likely save you time and money, and can also help you achieve your goal of having a healthy baby.
Misconception #3: The Age Of Peak Fertility Is On The Rise
The study revealed that there is also a lack of awareness about the age of peak fertility. Only 10 percent of respondents knew that peak fertility in women happens during the mid-to-late 20s. While entertainment news about celebrities having babies well into their 40s has distorted public perception about fertility, the female reproductive system has not changed: after the age of 35, the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs diminish.
Misconception#4: Your OB/GYN Will Bring Up Your Fertility
Many women assume that their OB/GYN will broach the subject. But RMANJ’s survey found the opposite: eight out of ten respondents said they never had a discussion about their fertility with their doctor without bringing it up first. This means that being your own advocate as an infertility patient is critical.
Misconception#5: An IVF Pregnancy Is A High-Stress Pregnancy
The study also found 64 percent of respondents said they would be willing to use genetic screening of embryos to increase the chances of delivery a healthy baby. Advances like comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) identifies embryos with chromosome abnormalities – the leading cause of miscarriage – which increases success rates. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) identifies embryos with single gene defects like cystic fibrosis so that hopeful parents can have healthy babies. And single embryo transfer (SET) – in which only one embryo is implanted instead of multiple embryos, helps lower the risk for complications during pregnancy and at birth. All of these services are available today at the right clinics, and translate into lower costs and less stress.
Misconception#6: IVF Treatment Coverage Is Easily Available
One of the most compelling findings in the study was that cost is a big obstacle to receiving infertility care. The study found that for 44 percent of respondents, cost was the biggest barrier to undergoing infertility treatment, and 57 percent of respondents said they’d be willing to switch jobs if a new employer offered egg freezing and IVF benefits. Of those surveyed, only four percent said they had coverage for IVF treatment and only 20 percent said they had any fertility treatment benefits at all.
Overall, the survey pointed to the need for greater awareness and acceptance around infertility. When asked whether respondents were aware of someone seeking or currently in care, only 38 percent answered they were. This finding alone shows that while there have been dramatic advances in science and success rates for those seeking fertility treatment since the birth of Louise Brown, the stigma around infertility has stuck.
Dealing with infertility? Have hope.
Whether it’s talking to your doctor about having a baby, beginning your research into a clinic that will help you deliver one healthy baby, or talking to friends about your experience, there has never been a better time to be hopeful about your infertility journey. To learn more about your fertility, visit rmanj.com.
RMANJ’s Infertility Trends National Survey was conducted February 26 to March 1, 2018, among 1,289 U.S. adults aged 25-40 using an online survey by Ipsos Public Affairs.
*SART 2015 Final Live Birth Per Egg Retrieval Cycle (64% under 25 years; N=1140). This is your chance of achieving a live birth for each cycle started for an egg retrieval. This includes all transfers performed with fresh and frozen embryos derived from this cycle. Please note a comparison of clinic success rates may not be meaningful because a patient’s medical characteristics, treatment approaches and entrance criteria for assisted reproductive technology (ART) may vary from clinic to clinic. Visit www.sart.org to learn more.
First Photo: Courtesy of RMANJ
