The internet is full of IVF "advice"—some helpful, much of it misleading or flat-out wrong. These myths can cause unnecessary stress, lead to wasted money, or even harm your chances. Let's set the record straight.
Transfer & Post-Transfer Myths
This one just won't die. Your well-meaning aunt, your coworker, that Facebook group—everyone insists you need to lie flat for days.
✅ The Truth
Multiple studies show bed rest does NOT improve success rates—and may actually hurt them. A large study found no difference between patients who rested for 20 minutes vs. 24 hours. Light activity promotes blood flow to the uterus. Your embryo won't "fall out" when you stand up.
The fear that walking, peeing, or sneezing will dislodge your embryo is incredibly common—and completely unfounded.
✅ The Truth
Your uterus is not an open cavity—it's a collapsed space with sticky walls. The embryo is deposited between the walls and immediately nestles in. Gravity doesn't affect it. You can walk, pee, sneeze, cough, laugh, and live your life. The embryo is exactly where it needs to be.
You'll find this advice in every fertility forum. The theory is that bromelain in pineapple core aids implantation.
✅ The Truth
Zero scientific evidence supports this. The amount of bromelain in pineapple core is tiny, it's destroyed by stomach acid, and it doesn't reach your uterus in any meaningful way. It won't hurt you, but don't expect magic. (That said, if it makes you feel proactive, enjoy your pineapple!)
Success Rate Myths
IVF marketing and success stories can create unrealistic expectations.
✅ The Truth
IVF is remarkably effective, but not guaranteed. Success rates vary widely by age—from ~50% per transfer under 35 to under 5% over 43 with own eggs. Most patients need 1-3 cycles. IVF dramatically improves odds compared to trying naturally, but it's not 100%.
The opposite extreme—assuming age makes IVF hopeless.
✅ The Truth
Success rates decline with age but don't hit zero. At 41-42, per-transfer rates are ~13%. With PGT-A testing to find normal embryos, per-transfer success can reach 50%+. Donor eggs offer excellent success at any age. Many women over 40 successfully have babies through IVF.
A failed first cycle can feel devastating and final.
✅ The Truth
Cumulative success across multiple cycles is much higher than single-cycle rates. Many patients who succeed do so on their second, third, or fourth attempt. The first cycle provides valuable information. Persistence often pays off—especially under age 40.
IVF Baby Myths
A worry that keeps many couples from pursuing treatment.
✅ The Truth
Large studies show IVF babies are just as healthy as naturally conceived babies. There's a very slightly elevated risk of certain conditions, but this may be related to the underlying infertility, not IVF itself. Millions of healthy IVF babies have been born worldwide since 1978.
Multiple pregnancy concerns keep some people away from IVF.
✅ The Truth
Single embryo transfer (SET) is now standard practice for most patients under 38. Twin rates have dropped dramatically. Most IVF pregnancies today are singletons. Multiple pregnancies primarily occur when multiple embryos are transferred—which is increasingly rare.
Process Myths
Fear of pain stops some people from even considering IVF.
✅ The Truth
IVF involves discomfort but is rarely "extremely painful." Injections become routine and most patients adapt quickly. Egg retrieval is done under sedation—you won't feel it. Embryo transfer feels like a Pap smear. The emotional intensity is often harder than the physical aspects.
A persistent fear about long-term consequences.
✅ The Truth
IVF doesn't deplete your egg supply faster. Each month, 10-20 eggs naturally begin maturing but only one is typically selected—the rest die off. IVF medications simply "rescue" the eggs that would have died anyway. Your egg supply follows its natural timeline regardless of IVF cycles.
The "eggs in the basket" mentality assumes quantity equals success.
✅ The Truth
Quality matters more than quantity. Research shows diminishing returns above ~15 eggs. Very high egg numbers can indicate over-stimulation and lower egg quality. You only need ONE good embryo to have a baby. Per-egg efficiency may actually be higher with moderate retrieval numbers.
Lifestyle & Behavior Myths
Possibly the cruelest myth—blaming patients for being stressed during an inherently stressful process.
✅ The Truth
Normal levels of stress do NOT prevent pregnancy. Studies show no correlation between stress levels and IVF success. Women in war zones, refugee camps, and extreme circumstances get pregnant. Relaxation is nice for YOU, but you're not sabotaging your cycle by being anxious. Give yourself grace.
Conflicting advice about physical activity creates confusion.
✅ The Truth
Light to moderate exercise is fine—and often beneficial. During stimulation, avoid high-impact and twisting movements (enlarged ovaries can twist). After transfer, gentle walking is encouraged. Complete inactivity isn't recommended. Ask your clinic for specific guidance based on your situation.
The toxic positivity of "manifestation" culture applied to fertility.
✅ The Truth
Your mindset doesn't determine embryo implantation. Biology doesn't respond to belief. Women who feel pessimistic get pregnant; women who feel optimistic experience failure. Your emotions are valid whatever they are. You're not failing because you had a bad day or didn't visualize hard enough.
Assuming IVF is only a last resort for diagnosed infertility.
✅ The Truth
IVF serves many purposes beyond infertility. Same-sex couples, single parents by choice, people with genetic conditions wanting to avoid passing them on, cancer patients preserving fertility, and people wanting to test embryos all use IVF. It's a family-building tool, not just an infertility treatment.
💚 What Actually Helps
- Following your clinic's specific instructions
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle
- Getting accurate information from medical sources
- Being kind to yourself during a difficult process
Where Myths Come From
Understanding why myths persist can help you evaluate new claims:
- Coincidence: "I ate pineapple and got pregnant!" doesn't mean pineapple caused it
- Outdated advice: Bed rest was recommended decades ago before studies disproved it
- Need for control: When so much is out of our hands, rituals feel empowering
- Social media: Algorithms reward engagement, not accuracy
- Well-meaning but uninformed: People share what they've heard without verification
Always verify fertility advice with your medical team or peer-reviewed research. Your clinic's guidance trumps what your cousin's friend did.
Get Evidence-Based Guidance
Skip the myths and get real answers. Our partner clinics provide honest, science-based information tailored to your situation.
Request Free ConsultationThe Importance of Evidence-Based Information
In the age of social media and fertility forums, misinformation spreads quickly. Well-meaning friends share advice based on their single experience. Online groups amplify anecdotes that may not reflect scientific reality. This is why its crucial to rely on evidence-based information from reputable sources and to discuss any concerns or questions with your fertility specialist who knows your specific situation.
Remember that every persons fertility journey is unique. What worked for someone else may not be the right approach for you, and thats okay. Your doctor can help you navigate the overwhelming amount of information and focus on what actually matters for your treatment. Trust the process, ask questions, and dont let myths derail your journey. Your fertility team is there to guide you with science-backed recommendations tailored to your individual needs.