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Since everyone knows that
IVF is the most effective way of treating infertility, why are so
many infertile couples still so fearful of going in for IVF?
A major mind-block is the fear that if IVF fails,
then they will have no further treatment options left to explore.
Patients know that IVF is the treatment of "final resort"
- and many prefer keeping it "in reserve". The unexpressed
fear is - if it fails, then I will have nothing to fall back on !
Also, the fact that you need IVF means you have to
acknowledge that your infertility problem is a serious problem, which
needs advanced medical attention. Many infertile couples prefer to
minimise their problems, and hope that they will "just go away".
A major concern many women have is about the adverse
effects of the hormonal injections which they need to take for IVF.
We need to remember that these hormones are "natural hormones"
- the same hormones which the body produces normally. Some worry
that the hormones will cause them to become fat, but it’s important
to realize that they have no long-term effects, once they get metabolized
by the body. while others are concerned that the injections will
cause them to "run out of eggs" as a result of which their
fertility will decline even faster, or they may become menopausal
sooner. Another worry was the fear that the injections would increase
the risk of ovarian cancer, but fortunately, many studies have proven
that this was unfounded.
For others, just the fact that IVF is available
helps to reassure them that there is additional treatment they can
fall back on - and they prefer keeping it as a "reserve"
option.
For a majority of couples, the major limiting
factor is the expense. IVF is still extremely expensive, and beyond
the reach of most average couples. Once insurance companies start
covering medical expenses for infertility, hopefully, this will
no longer be a major hurdle. IVF programs which offer money back
( risk sharing programs) in case of failure are another innovative
approach to helping patients to cope with the financial burden of
IVF.
For others, the stress involved in going through
an IVF cycle is a major deterrent.While they have learnt to live with the ups and
downs of a normal menstrual cycle, they feel they will not be able
to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty associated with an IVF
cycle - especially since so much rides on the outcome. The fact
that neither they nor their doctors can completely influence the
outcome also puts them off.
However, there are major dangers associated with
putting off IVF. As with everything else, there is a "right
time" for everything, including IVF!
If patients wait too long, their chances of getting
pregnant decline as they age - and this decline can be very precipitate
after the age of 38. Others get so fed up and frustrated with simpler
treatments such as IUI, that they lose confidence in themselves
and in their doctors, so that they are no longer willing to attempt
IVF. Many will run out of money pursuing cheaper but ineffective
treatments.
Remember that just because the right treatment is
expensive , this is no reason to do the wrong treatment ! Even though
IVF is more expensive,
it may be a more cost-effective option !
Do your homework and plan your own course of action,
tailored to your own conditions.While the outcome of IVF is not in your hands,
at least making the attempt will give you peace of mind that you
tried your best!
Remember, that the fear of failure should not
prevent you from attaining success !
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