Infertility is only a woman’s problem
Infertility affects both partners equally—about one-third due to male issues, one-third female, and one-third combined or unexplained. Source: Banner Health (so quoting NIH data): “Infertility is a people problem, not just a female problem.”
Stress alone causes infertility
Infertility is a medical condition—not caused by stress. While stress may accompany infertility, relaxation alone does not resolve it. Source: Northwestern Medicine: “While stress can affect overall health, it is unlikely to be a direct cause of infertility. Infertility is a medical condition that cannot be resolved simply by relaxing.”
Using birth control causes infertility
There is no evidence that contraception causes long-term fertility problems. Normal cycles return quickly after stopping. Source: Banner Health article—“The pill doesn’t impact fertility… a woman’s normal menstrual cycle will almost always continue within a month or two after she’s stopped taking the pill.”
Lifestyle factors are the main cause of infertility
While healthy habits help, most infertility issues are due to medical conditions like blocked tubes, hormone problems, or sperm issues. Source: Advanced Fertility blog: “Although a healthy lifestyle can improve fertility, many infertility issues are caused by medical conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, or genetic factors.”
If you have one child, you won’t have problems again
Secondary infertility (difficulty conceiving again) is real and affects about 1 in 9 couples. Source: Baylor College of Medicine blog: “Being able to achieve one pregnancy often predicts future success, but it does not always guarantee it… about 30 percent of infertility is secondary infertility.”
IVF is always successful
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is effective, but not guaranteed to result in pregnancy. Success depends on factors like age, egg and sperm quality, hormonal health, chromosomal status, and laboratory standards. Techniques such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may benefit certain patients.
IVF is the only option for infertility.
Many individuals conceive with less invasive treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or timed intercourse, based on age, diagnosis, and fertility goals.
IVF always leads to twins or multiples.
IVF alone doesn’t cause multiples. The risk increases when multiple embryos are transferred. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends elective single embryo transfer (eSET) when possible, which improves safety and pregnancy outcomes.
IVF increases the risk of cancer.
Most research shows no significant increase in cancer risk from IVF. Any existing risk is usually due to genetic or pre-existing medical conditions, not the treatment. A full medical history and routine screenings (e.g., Pap smears, mammograms) are recommended before starting treatment.
IVF is only for women
Male factors contribute to infertility in 40–50% of cases. IVF treats both male and female infertility.
IVF babies are not healthy
IVF babies are as healthy as naturally conceived babies when proper medical protocols are followed.
IVF is only for older women
IVF is recommended for any age group when there are fertility issues—not just older women.
IVF causes cancer
There is no scientific evidence linking IVF treatment to cancer.
IVF is extremely painful
IVF involves mild discomfort. Most procedures are done with minimal pain or anesthesia.
IVF always leads to twins or triplets
Multiple pregnancies depend on the number of embryos transferred. Single embryo transfer is now common.
IVF is the first step in infertility treatment
IVF is usually recommended after other simpler treatments have been tried.
Stress alone causes IVF failure
While stress affects overall health, medical factors play a much bigger role in IVF success.
IVF success rate is the same for everyone
Success rates vary based on age, lifestyle, medical history, and fertility diagnosis.
IVF children have genetic problems
Genetic screening (PGT) can reduce the risk of genetic disorders in IVF pregnancies.
Bed rest after embryo transfer improves success
Light activity is safe. Prolonged bed rest is not required and does not increase success.
IVF is only for couples who can’t conceive naturally
IVF also helps couples with recurrent miscarriages, genetic disorders, or fertility preservation needs.
IVF is unaffordable for everyone
Costs vary, and many clinics offer packages, EMIs, and insurance support.
Lifestyle doesn’t affect IVF outcomes
Diet, sleep, smoking, alcohol, and weight significantly impact IVF success.
IVF hormones cause permanent side effects
Hormonal medications are temporary and closely monitored for safety.
Only women need tests in IVF
Both partners undergo detailed evaluation for best results.
IVF is only for infertility
IVF is also used for fertility preservation, donor programs, and surrogacy.
One failed IVF cycle means it will never work
Many couples conceive in subsequent IVF cycles with protocol adjustments.
IVF is unnatural
IVF supports the natural process of fertilization using medical assistance.