In vitro fertilization, or IVF, remains one of the top solutions for couples experiencing infertility issues. It involves removing mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with the sperm of her partner or a donor. Embryos are placed in the woman’s uterus, so one of them hopefully implants in the organ’s lining and results in pregnancy. As helpful as IVF often is to couples around the world, myths continue to surround the procedure. Learn about some of the most common inaccuracies here.

4 Myths About In Vitro Fertilization You Need to Know

1. Eating Pineapple After Embryo Transfer Increases Success Chances

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that thins the blood. While blood thinning practices can help increase uterine blood flow, there is no concrete evidence that pineapple boosts conception chances. Conception is based on factors like age and the health of the embryos.

2. It Causes Multiple Births

While any fertility treatment increases the chances of multiple fetuses because the woman takes hormones, in vitro fertilization helps avoid twins or more by typically implanting no more than two embryos at a time. While both embryos can implant, it’s usually just one. The chance of multiple births with IVF is 29.1% for women under 35, a percentage that decreases with age.

3. Babies Born From IVF Have a Higher Chance of Health Problems

In vitro fertilization doesn’t risk birth defects or other health problems; it simply helps couples get pregnant. Once the embryo implants, the woman carries the fetus as normal. If a child conceived via in vitro fertilization does have health problems, they likely stem from the parents’ genetics. 

4. Frozen Eggs & Embryos Are Weaker

There is no evidence that attempting conception with a frozen rather than a “fresh” embryo has any effect on the outcome. Additionally, babies born from frozen rather than fresh embryos are not at an increased risk of birth defects. As long as the couple is healthy, the chances of the baby being healthy are high. 

If IVF could be right for you, contact Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu. As the first in vitro fertilization clinic in the state, this center has helped families conceive since 1985 and offers one of the highest success rates in Hawaii. Call (808) 946-2226 today to make an appointment, or learn more about the fertility clinic online.