“If I go for IVF, people will think I’m infertile.”
“IVF is for rich people only.”
“You’ll have twins or triplets for sure.”
These are just a few of the many beliefs that stop thousands of couples across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia from even considering In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) — one of the most successful fertility treatments available today.
But here’s the truth: many of these beliefs are outdated, incorrect, or completely false. They are myths—born from a lack of awareness, misinformation, and sometimes even fear. And these myths may be the very thing keeping you from achieving the joy of parenthood.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common IVF myths we’ve seen in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and beyond, and replace them with real-world facts backed by science and medical experience.
Myth 1: IVF Is Only for the Rich
Fact: IVF used to be expensive, but now it’s far more affordable—especially in countries like India, UAE, and Thailand.
Let’s face it—cost is one of the first concerns when it comes to IVF. In countries like the United States, one IVF cycle can cost up to $15,000–$20,000. But in medical tourism destinations like India, high-quality IVF procedures can cost between $2,500–$4,000, including medication, consultations, and care.
With CareCross, you get access to NABH/JCI-accredited hospitals that offer world-class fertility treatment at affordable rates. In fact, we work with hospitals in Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad where the cost is a fraction of what you’d pay in the West—with no compromise on quality.
Myth 2: IVF Always Results in Twins or Triplets
Fact: Modern IVF practices focus on Single Embryo Transfer (SET) to reduce multiple births.
In the early days of IVF, doctors transferred multiple embryos to improve chances of success. But now, most international guidelines—including from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and ESHRE (Europe)—recommend transferring just one or two embryos, especially for women under 35.
In our partner hospitals, advanced embryo screening and selection techniques mean higher success with fewer embryos. Multiple births are now rare and mostly by choice.
Myth 3: IVF Is Only for Women With Fertility Issues
Fact: Infertility can affect both men and women—and IVF can help in either case.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects around 17.5% of the global adult population—nearly 1 in 6 people. It’s a shared issue:
- In about 40% of cases, infertility is due to female factors,
- Another 40% due to male factors,
- And 20% are unexplained or mixed.
IVF can help in all scenarios, including low sperm count, blocked fallopian tubes, PCOS, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility.
Myth 4: IVF Is 100% Guaranteed to Work
Fact: IVF has a high success rate, but not a guarantee—and success depends on several factors.
Success rates vary by age, health, and fertility history. On average:
- Women under 35 may have a 40–50% success rate per cycle,
- Women over 40 may see a 10–20% success rate per cycle.
Success rates also depend on the clinic, lab quality, doctor’s expertise, and embryology techniques. That’s why CareCross works only with reputed hospitals that follow international standards, ensuring you receive evidence-based, ethical fertility care.
Myth 5: IVF Is Unnatural or “Against God”
Fact: IVF simply assists the natural process—fertilization still happens with your egg and your partner’s sperm.
In many cultures across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, people hesitate because they see IVF as “unnatural.” But IVF does not create life in a lab. It simply brings the egg and sperm together outside the body, then places the resulting embryo back into the uterus to grow naturally.
The embryo is biologically yours, and the process is safe, respectful, and aligned with both medical science and patient values. Many religious scholars have clarified misconceptions around IVF and now support it—especially when using the couple’s own egg and sperm.
Myth 6: IVF Is Only for Older Couples
Fact: Younger women may need IVF too, and starting early can improve your chances.
While it’s true that age affects fertility, young couples also struggle with infertility due to PCOS, endometriosis, or male factor infertility. In fact, in many of our partner hospitals, a growing number of women between 28 and 35 years opt for IVF—not because of age, but because they’ve been trying naturally without success.
The younger you start, the better your chances of a successful IVF and a healthy baby. So if you’ve been trying for over a year without success (or 6 months if you’re over 35), it’s time to speak to a fertility specialist.
Myth 7: IVF Causes Birth Defects or Health Issues in Babies
Fact: IVF babies are as healthy as naturally conceived babies.
Multiple global studies, including those from the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and Harvard Medical School, confirm that IVF babies grow up just like any other child. There is no significant increase in birth defects or developmental issues when IVF is done at a certified, high-quality clinic.
The health of the baby depends more on genetics, maternal health, and prenatal care—all of which are taken very seriously by our partner hospitals in India, UAE, and Thailand.
Myth 8: IVF Is the Last Resort
Fact: IVF is one of many fertility options and is often recommended early in some cases.
People often delay IVF, thinking it’s the last option after all else fails. But that delay can reduce success. In many cases—like blocked tubes, very low sperm count, or advanced maternal age—IVF may be the first and best step.
Our doctors at CareCross begin with complete fertility assessments, and then suggest the most suitable path—be it medication, IUI, or IVF. The key is personalized care, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Myths Stand Between You and Parenthood
Infertility is a medical condition—not a failure, shame, or punishment. And IVF is not something to be feared. It is a safe, proven, and increasingly accessible option for millions of couples across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and beyond.
At CareCross, we’ve seen first-hand how knowledge, not fear, helps people become parents. We’re here to guide you, connect you with world-class fertility centers in India, UAE, and Thailand, and support you through every step of your journey.
Don’t let myths decide your future. Reach out to us and take the first step toward building your family.