IVF in India: Expert Says Treatment is Often Oversold

Gynaecologist and fertility specialist Dr Priyanka Naik recently stated that IVF or In Vitro Fertilisation in India is oversold. Speaking as a fertility doctor, she emphasized that many couples do not actually require IVF to conceive and that lifestyle changes can significantly improve fertility outcomes within a short timeframe.

According to Dr Naik, as many as half of the couples seeking IVF may achieve pregnancy through lifestyle modifications alone, such as improving diet, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol. She noted that these changes can yield results within 90 to 100 days for many individuals.

The specialist, who holds qualifications including MS OBGY, MRCOG (UK), FRM, and FMAS, regularly shares insights on fertility and reproductive health through her social media platforms. In a recent Instagram post, she advised individuals in their 20s and early 30s who are not planning immediate pregnancy but wish to preserve future fertility to consider proactive health measures.

Dr Naik’s comments highlight a growing concern among fertility experts about the overutilization of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, particularly when less invasive and more cost-effective approaches may be sufficient. She advocates for a more personalized and holistic approach to fertility care, prioritizing natural conception where medically appropriate.

Even as IVF remains a vital option for those with diagnosed infertility issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, or failed ovulation induction, Dr Naik stresses the importance of thorough evaluation before proceeding to advanced treatments. She encourages couples to consult qualified specialists who can assess whether IVF is truly necessary or if alternative strategies might succeed first.

Her perspective aligns with broader medical guidance that recommends exhausting less invasive fertility treatments—such as ovulation tracking, timed intercourse, and lifestyle optimization—before moving to IVF, especially in cases of unexplained infertility or mild reproductive challenges.

As fertility awareness grows in India, experts like Dr Naik are calling for greater emphasis on preconception health and informed decision-making to prevent unnecessary medical interventions and reduce emotional and financial strain on couples trying to conceive.