Patient: Dr. Malpani, I’ve been researching IVF clinics, and I came across one that guarantees 100% pregnancy rates. It sounds too good to be true. Is that even possible?
Dr. Malpani: I’m really glad you asked this. Let me be completely honest—there is no such thing as a 100% IVF success rate. Any clinic that claims otherwise is either misleading you or bending the truth in ways that might harm you in the long run.
Patient: That’s concerning. But how do they manage to show positive results to so many patients?
Dr. Malpani: There are several tricks that some unscrupulous clinics use. One of the most common scams is to inject HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) after the embryo transfer.
Patient: HCG? Isn’t that the hormone that indicates pregnancy?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. HCG is naturally produced during pregnancy. But when it’s injected artificially, it can lead to false-positive pregnancy tests. So, after embryo transfer, when the patient takes a blood or urine test, the results show positive—but not because she’s actually pregnant. It’s simply the HCG injection circulating in her system.
Patient: That sounds incredibly deceptive. So the patient thinks she’s pregnant when she isn’t?
Dr. Malpani: Yes. The doctor then tells the patient, “Congratulations, your IVF cycle worked!” But as the days pass, the HCG level naturally declines, and the doctor will say, “I’m sorry, you miscarried.” They might even claim the miscarriage was due to bad luck or some unknown factor.
Patient: That’s awful. And I assume the next step is another cycle?
Dr. Malpani: Precisely. The doctor convinces the patient to start another IVF cycle, often suggesting additional, expensive tests and treatments to “prevent another miscarriage.” These treatments usually add little to no value but significantly inflate the clinic’s profits.
Patient: Why would patients keep trusting the clinic if this happens repeatedly?
Dr. Malpani: Many patients don’t realise what’s happening because they aren’t aware of how IVF works. In India, medicine tends to be paternalistic—patients are conditioned to blindly trust their doctors. They rarely ask questions or seek second opinions, partly because they fear offending the doctor.
Patient: I guess that makes sense. A lot of people I know wouldn’t think twice about questioning their doctor.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. This blind trust leaves patients vulnerable to exploitation. IVF can feel like a mysterious, highly technical process, and patients often assume the doctor knows best. But it’s crucial for patients to remember—you are the one investing emotionally and financially in this journey. You deserve to know the truth.
Patient: I see. But how can a patient tell if their clinic is engaging in this kind of behaviour?
Dr. Malpani: There are a few red flags to watch for:
- Lack of transparency: If the clinic doesn’t provide photos of your embryos or explain what’s happening during each stage, that’s a warning sign.
- Unnecessary tests and add-ons: Be wary if the clinic keeps pushing for extra treatments that don’t seem clearly related to improving your odds.
- Exaggerated success rates: If a clinic claims unrealistic success rates or guarantees pregnancy, be skeptical. Ask them to provide data and specifics.
- Poor communication: If your doctor is unwilling to answer questions or explain why certain procedures are necessary, that’s not a good sign.
Patient: I had no idea this was so common. I always thought if a clinic looked fancy or advertised well, they must be reliable.
Dr. Malpani: Unfortunately, the IVF industry in India is poorly regulated, which means some clinics prioritise profits over patient care. That’s why educating yourself is the best way to protect against being taken for a ride.
Patient: But if HCG injections can create false positives, should I avoid clinics that use them at all?
Dr. Malpani: Not necessarily. HCG injections have legitimate uses—for example, they trigger ovulation or support the luteal phase in some protocols. The problem arises when clinics use it deceptively after embryo transfer just to manipulate test results. A trustworthy clinic will clearly explain the purpose of any HCG injection and won’t pretend it confirms pregnancy.
Patient: I suppose the key is finding a clinic that’s honest and upfront.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. A good IVF clinic should:
- Share embryo photos with you.
- Explain each step of the process transparently.
- Respect your autonomy and encourage you to ask questions.
- Avoid unnecessary painful treatments and overuse of injections.
Patient: This is really eye-opening. I feel like I know what to look out for now.
Dr. Malpani: I’m glad to hear that. The goal is for you to feel empowered and in control of your IVF journey. Never hesitate to ask questions, and don’t let any doctor make you feel guilty for doing so. Your health, your body, and your future are at stake.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani. I feel much more prepared to make informed decisions moving forward.
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