Patient: Dr. Malpani, I'm really worried about the risks of IVF treatment. I’ve heard that the hormones could make me gain weight, or worse, cause ovarian or breast cancer. Is that true? I’m also concerned that by growing so many eggs at once, I might run out of eggs or even become menopausal earlier.
Dr. Malpani: I completely understand your concerns—these are common fears among many of my patients. But let me assure you, IVF is actually very safe, both for you and for your future baby.
Patient: But the hormone injections—aren't they dangerous? It sounds like they could disrupt my body in the long run.
Dr. Malpani: Not at all. These are natural hormones—exactly the same ones your body produces during your normal ovulatory cycle. Once the cycle is over, your body will excrete them. They don't linger or cause any long-term damage.
Patient: What about growing so many eggs at once? Won’t that affect my egg reserve or lead to menopause sooner?
Dr. Malpani: Great question. The number of eggs we grow in an IVF cycle is similar to what naturally happens every month. Each cycle, you produce around 40 follicles, but only one matures and ovulates. The rest—about 39—die off naturally.
Patient: So those eggs would have died even if I wasn’t doing IVF?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly! IVF helps us save those eggs that would otherwise die. We're not "using up" your egg reserve faster than normal. In fact, women go through menopause whether they undergo IVF or not, because those eggs are naturally destined to be lost. IVF has no impact on your long-term ovarian reserve, your menstrual cycles, or your future health.
Patient: That’s reassuring. But with all the misinformation out there, it’s still a bit overwhelming.
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