Fact : Fertility is definitely age related. Studies have suggested that on an average, female fertility declines slightly starting at age 27, but drops off in a clinically meaningful amount around age 35 and then dramatically at age 40. The ideal age for conceiving for a woman is in her twenties.

Fact : In most cases, about 80 to 85 percent of the time, doctors diagnose a medical cause as a factor leading to infertility for which no amount of relaxation will help. In cases of unexplained infertility, often infertility is caused by rare problems that are impossible to discover through a routine checkup. Chronic stress and fatigue may alter hormones, but most cases fertility drugs are helpful in cases where hormones fall outside of normal ranges.

Fact : With the help of pro active measures taken by the patients in managing their treatment risk to the embryo can be minimized. For example, a couple can limit the number of potential embryos (i.e., the number of eggs exposed to sperm) to a number they are willing to carry to term in that cycle, and hence avoid the ethical minefield of pregnancy reduction.

Fact : Position makes no difference sperm has to reach cervical mucus within five minutes, or they are inactivated by the active PH of the vagina. Hips resting on a pillow or staying in the position at the time of ejaculation will not increase the chances of fertilization.

Fact : Egg freezing is an evolving option for women under 37 years of age who are concerned about their fertility options. Egg freezing is currently still considered experimental, and should only be done as part of a research protocol.

Fact : Researches have shown that out of those adoptive families who have experienced infertility, mostly approximately half have been under medical treatment for infertility on an average of three years prior to adopting. It has been estimated that between five and fourteen percent of couples who quit treatment to pursue adoption eventually conceive. This percentage is same as for couples who quit treatment and choose not to adopt & subsequently conceive. The flawed idea behind this myth is that if couples do not think about getting pregnant, it will happen for them.

Fact : IVF is the most natural way in which genetic composition of the man and the women need to form a baby. Since this process is not possible inside a woman's body either because of tubal blockage or poor sperm count, IVF helps in bringing the egg and the sperm together outside the body.

Fact : Most people avoid IVF expecting this to be an exorbitant process costing lakhs. However most IVF cycles including drugs costs between Rs.1 lakhs - Rs. 1.5 Lakhs.

Fact : Many people shun away from IVF thinking that if this process is unsuccessful they will never be able to become pregnant. However, there are many couples who conceive naturally or with IUI even after IVF

Fact : IVF is not as painful as many people think it to be. Apart from the inconvenience and discomfort of multiple injections (between 1-2 per day for 10-14 days). There is no other painful procedure involved. Egg collection which can be a painful process is done under Anesthesia so that the patient feels no pain. Embryo Transfer is again a painless process

Fact : Though extra precaution is recommended in first three months of pregnancy, most patients can carry on with normal activities including there job till the final stage of pregnancy

Fact : There is no particular diet that has shown to improve IVF pregnancy rates. People living in different parts of the world with varying dietary habits get pregnant with IVF. However, a healthy food habit is recommended. A good mixture of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and plenty of water is advised. It is best to avoid spicy and oily food.

Fact : Though certain studies have shown to improve IVF pregnancy rates by acupuncture, most robust large scale studies have failed to show this improvement.

Fact: False, IVF is one of the treatment options for infertility. There are other options like ovulation induction (OI) with medications, Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI).

Fact: False, it can sometimes be the first treatment option as in women with bilateral blockage of tubes, severe male infertility and advanced age.

Fact: False. Though it is expensive, the cost of IVF has not increased massively over the years. It is less than some other major procedures like heart surgery or joint replacement.

Fact: False, IVF technology can be used even in older (post-menopausal group) ladies using donor eggs from younger females.

Fact: False, IVF is successful in up to 40% of cases. Success depends on a number of other factors like age of the female, cause of infertility, centre of expertise, biological and hormonal reasons, etc.

Fact: False, it does not require overnight admission. It is, by and large, an out-patient treatment. Only the egg-collection procedure requires day-care admission.

Fact: Not true, the chances of multiple pregnancies can be reduced by reducing the number of embryos transferred, especially in young women.

Fact: Not true. There is a slight increase in major malformation (1.3 times), as compared to spontaneously conceived pregnancies. This is expressed as 1 in 12 pregnancies following assisted reproduction as compared to 1 in 15 in spontaneously conceived. But the absolute risk of having a child with congenital malformation remains low.

Fact: False, it is usually not covered by major insurance companies. Though, it is advisable to check with the insurance company before starting an IVF treatment.

Fact: No, it is not dangerous, infact it is a safe treatment. Only 1-2% of patients may become unwell because of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Also, this can be minimized with close monitoring.