When we broach the topic of reproductive health and choices, IVF often stands front and center, enveloped in layers of curiosity, hope, and concerns.

Many women, eager yet anxious, wonder about its long-term repercussions, especially concerning menopause’s onset.

Here, we’re unraveling this intricate tapestry, stitch by stitch, backed by the insights of experts in the realm of reproductive medicine.

Dispelling IVF Myths

One of the predominant concerns surrounding IVF revolves around the fate of a woman’s eggs. The popular narrative suggests that each month, an egg that isn’t fertilized during ovulation is “lost.” 

Extending this logic, extracting multiple eggs during IVF (In vitro fertilization) might sound like fast-forwarding towards a depleted egg reserve and early menopause.

This assumption, although rooted in genuine concern, stems from a fundamental misunderstanding.

The Natural Process and IVF’s Role

To understand the misconceptions surrounding IVF, it’s essential to first get a grip on the natural reproductive process.

Every month, a woman’s body prepares several eggs, albeit only one reaches full maturity and stands ready for potential fertilization. The others, far from being stored for future use, degrade naturally.

Now, enter IVF. The procedure isn’t about hastily using up a woman’s egg supply. Instead, it’s about maximizing the potential in a given cycle. IVF medications stimulate the ovaries to mature more eggs than they naturally would. 

So, when 10-15 eggs are retrieved in an IVF cycle,  IVF Doctor in Pune is simply harnessing what the body was already prepped to relinquish. These aren’t the eggs of future cycles; these are the eggs of the current cycle that would have otherwise faded away unnoticed.

Egg’s Journey

Perspective is everything. So, let’s retrace the incredible journey of the egg. Inside a baby girl’s womb, around the 20-week mark, she possesses a staggering 7 million eggs. Fast forward to her birth, and this count dwindles to 2 million. 

By puberty, only about 400,000 remain. Yet, from this vast reserve, only around 400 will ever ovulate from puberty to menopause, while the rest follow their natural degradation process.

Understanding Menopause and IVF

Every menstrual cycle sees the body priming multiple eggs for the final ovulation race. But nature has its selective process, often favoring the fittest. During IVF, this natural selectivity is paused.

Hormone treatments rally all potential eggs of that cycle, ensuring they mature. These eggs, once matured, are extracted for fertilization in the lab. What’s pivotal to grasp here is that IVF doesn’t exhaust an unforeseen egg reserve. It uses what was already on that month’s roster.

Finding Comfort in Clarity

For all the women navigating the challenging waters of fertility treatments and IVF, here’s the comforting truth: IVF isn’t a ticket to early menopause. It doesn’t dip into a hidden stash of eggs set aside for your future. Instead, it works with what the present cycle offers, leaving future cycles untouched.

IVF’s Impact on Ovarian Reserve and Long-Term Health

While we’ve already established that IVF does not induce early menopause by depleting the egg reserve, it’s essential to understand the broader effects of IVF on ovarian health and long-term wellness.

Ovarian Reserve Post-IVF:

• Natural Decline: All women experience a decline in ovarian reserve as they age. IVF does not expedite this process.
• Ovarian Stimulation: The medications used in IVF stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs. It does not “use up” future eggs, but taps into the current cycle’s potential eggs.

Hormonal Balance:

• Estrogen Levels: IVF drugs temporarily elevate estrogen levels, but they return to normal post-treatment.
• No Long-term Hormonal Impact: Several studies indicate that IVF does not lead to long-term hormonal imbalances or impact the natural trajectory towards menopause.

Menopause Timing:

• Genetics Play a Role: The age at which a woman will experience menopause is primarily determined by her genes. If close female relatives, like mothers or sisters, experienced early or late menopause, it might be indicative of when you might expect it.
• IVF Isn’t a Determinant: Women undergoing IVF and those who don’t typically enter menopause around the same age. IVF doesn’t change this onset.

Post-IVF Health Monitoring:

• Regular Check-ups: While IVF doesn’t induce early menopause, regular gynecological check-ups can ensure ovarian and overall reproductive health.
• Staying Informed: Keeping yourself updated with the latest research and findings related to IVF and its long-term effects can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Navigating through the realm of IVF can be an emotional whirlwind. Myths can amplify anxieties. But armed with knowledge and the guidance of trusted experts, women can make informed decisions about their reproductive health. 

Embrace the journey, trust the process, and always seek clarity when in doubt.

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• About Author

  Dr. Supriya Puranik

  Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Dr. Supriya Puranik, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility expert, leads the IVF & Gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. She is committed to helping couples overcome infertility challenges.