As we celebrate World IVF Day, let’s take a moment to talk honestly about something that's becoming more common—but also more concerning—in fertility care: the overuse of IVF.
IVF has changed millions of lives. It’s a powerful tool that has made parenthood possible for countless couples. But here’s a reality we don’t talk about enough—only about 10% of women who visit fertility clinics actually need IVF.
The IVF-First Mindset Across many clinics, including here in India, a pattern is emerging. Women with conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, low AMH, or even blocked tubes are being pushed towards IVF as the first step—without fully evaluating other options.
Why is this a problem? Because IVF isn’t always the right answer. It’s expensive, emotionally draining, and physically taxing. And in many cases, it’s not even necessary.
Let’s look at the facts. IVF success rates are about 35–40% per cycle for women under 35. Many women may require multiple attempts. And many of those women could have conceived naturally—with the right diagnosis and treatment.
When IVF Isn’t the Right Fit
Take PCOS, for example. Many women with PCOS are referred to IVF after just a few failed IUIs. But PCOS mainly affects ovulation—not the ability to conceive. With proper ovulation tracking, timed intercourse, or procedures like laparoscopic ovarian drilling, up to 76% of women with resistant PCOS can conceive naturally.
Or consider endometriosis. Women are often told IVF is their only option. But modern laparoscopic surgery can restore pelvic anatomy and improve natural fertility. Studies show 43.8% of women with deep endometriosis, and 59% with rectal endometriosis, conceived naturally after surgery.
Blocked Fallopian tubes? It’s not always permanent. Around 15–20% of tubal blockages are functional and can be opened with simple procedures like HSG or laparoscopic tubal cannulation. Success rates for these treatments can go as high as 70–90%, especially when performed by experienced surgeons.
And let’s not forget low AMH—one of the most commonly used reasons to push women toward IVF. But low AMH doesn't mean you can’t get pregnant. It simply means you may have fewer eggs, not poor-quality eggs. With focused treatment, many such women can still conceive naturally.
The Real Cost of Rushing to IVF
IVF is not just a financial investment. Failed cycles can cause heartbreak, anxiety, and loss of hope. For women with untreated conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, the success rates are lower even during IVF. Inflammation, poor egg quality, and thin endometrial lining can all reduce your chances—even with IVF.
And yet, patients keep going through cycle after cycle, thinking it’s their only chance. It shouldn’t be this way.
The Business of Fertility
Here’s a hard truth: IVF brings in more money than diagnostic testing or surgical treatments. Many clinics prefer IVF not because it’s the best option—but because it’s more profitable. And with more IVF-trained doctors than fertility surgeons in India, many women are simply not being given other choices.
Terms like “unexplained infertility” often come from incomplete evaluations. These women are quickly moved to IVF, even though the cause of their infertility may be treatable.
What Should We Do Instead?
We need to go back to individualized fertility care. Every woman deserves a thorough check-up before jumping to IVF. That means proper ultrasound interpretation, checking hormone levels, evaluating egg quality, and seeing if the tubes are open and functional.
IVF should be used only when truly needed—like in cases of severe male factor infertility, both fallopian tubes being damaged beyond repair, very low ovarian reserve, or when genetic testing is necessary.
The Real Goal
Let’s not forget why IVF was created. It was meant to be a last resort miracle tool when everything else has failed. It was never meant to be the first option for every fertility issue.
This World IVF Day let’s promise to give women the right guidance. For the 90% of women who don’t need IVF, we owe it to them to try safer, simpler, and more affordable options first.
It’s time to change the narrative—from IVF-first to patient-first.
About Dr. Surakshith Battina
Dr. Surakshith Battina is heading Indigo Women’s Center in Chennai. He is a distinguished specialist in reproductive medicine, endoscopic surgery, and cosmetic gynecology, practicing at
His academic background includes an M.B.B.S degree from Sri Ramachandra University and an M.D in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Annamalai University. This foundation has set the stage for a career marked by pioneering achievements and exceptional patient care.
Notably, Dr. Battina is the first in Chennai to possess a ‘true 3D laparoscopy’ unit. This advanced technology signifies his commitment to integrating the latest medical advancements into his practice, enhancing both diagnostic precision and surgical outcomes. As a recognized authority in laparoscopy.
Distinguished as the only specialist in Tamil Nadu specifically trained to treat patients with vaginismus, Dr. Battina has made significant contributions to women’s health in the region. He has dedicated his career to not only improving the quality of healthcare available to women but also expanding access to specialized treatments.
He recently broke the Guinness World Record for removing the largest uterus via laparoscopy—a 4.45 kg uterus—surpassing the previous record held by his mentor, Dr. Rakesh Sinha
Why Indigo Womens Center
Choosing the right fertility clinic is a crucial step in your journey to parenthood. With our emphasis on quality care, advanced treatments, and the pursuit of an OHSS-free clinic, we are committed to supporting you at every step, ensuring you make informed decisions tailored to your unique path to parenthood.
Let us guide you through your options and help you understand how our reproductive medicine services can be the key to unlocking your dreams of family life. Together, we can navigate this journey towards achieving your fertility potential.
Get your second opinion, contact us
Indigo Womens Center
No 995B, H Block, 2nd Avenue, 11th Main Road, Anna Nagar
+91 72991 09555
website : https://indigowomenscenter.com/
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