Doctor, Why Is IVF So Stressful? Can You Make It Easier?
Patient: Dr Malpani, I’ve been reading up about IVF online, and honestly, it seems terrifying. So many women talk about how stressful and exhausting the entire process is. Is it really that bad?
Dr. Malpani: I completely understand your concern—and you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many IVF patients feel that the whole process is overwhelming, both mentally and physically. But here's the truth: a lot of this stress is avoidable—it’s not an inherent part of IVF. It often stems from the way some clinics operate.
Patient: Really? I thought the stress was just part of the package—something I had to brace myself for.
Dr. Malpani: Not necessarily. Let’s break this down. Stress during IVF comes in two forms: physical stress and mental stress.
Patient: Okay. Let's start with physical stress—what causes that?
Dr. Malpani: Physical stress usually comes from things like:
- Repeated trips to the clinic every day for blood tests or ultrasound scans
- Getting multiple injections, especially painful intramuscular ones like progesterone in oil
- Being told to take medications that hurt or bruise
- Spending hours in traffic or sitting in the waiting room for your turn
Some clinics still insist on daily monitoring and painful injections, which can really take a toll on your body.
Patient: That sounds exhausting. Is all that really necessary?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely not. At our clinic, we’ve worked hard to eliminate unnecessary pain points. For example:
- We don’t give intramuscular progesterone injections. We use vaginal progesterone, which is painless and just as effective.
- We don’t use subcutaneous heparin injections, which cause bruising and burning—unless they’re truly indicated, which is rare.
- We teach our patients to self-administer their injections at home. This way, you only need to come to the clinic about three to four times during the entire cycle.
Patient: That’s such a relief to hear. I didn’t even know self-injection was possible. I thought daily clinic visits were standard.
Dr. Malpani: Most patients think so, because they’ve been conditioned by clinics that don’t believe in empowering patients. We think differently. By reducing clinic visits, you save time, avoid traffic, and reduce stress—not just physically but emotionally, too.
Patient: That brings me to mental stress. What makes the IVF process so mentally draining?
Dr. Malpani: The biggest culprit is uncertainty. Most clinics don’t communicate well. Patients are often:
- Kept in the dark about what’s happening during treatment
- Confused by medical jargon
- Not given a clear explanation of what the next step is or why it’s needed
This creates tremendous anxiety because you feel out of control, especially when your future, your money, and your dreams are at stake.
Patient: That’s exactly what I was worried about—feeling clueless. It’s already hard enough emotionally.
Dr. Malpani: You’re right. That’s why at our clinic, we practise what we call “information therapy”.
Patient: What does that mean?
Dr. Malpani: It means we make sure you’re fully informed every step of the way. You’ll know:
- What’s going to happen next
- Why we’re doing each test or giving a particular medication
- What the expected outcome is
We give you a written treatment plan in advance, so you’re never surprised. We also give you photos of your embryos, so you can see the quality for yourself—and have proof that we’re doing high-quality work.
Patient: That makes such a difference. Just being informed would reduce half my anxiety.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. When you’re in control, you feel more relaxed—and when you’re relaxed, your body responds better to treatment. That’s why we call ourselves a stress-free clinic. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a commitment.
Patient: Do you really think reducing stress improves IVF success?
Dr. Malpani: While stress doesn’t directly affect implantation, being less anxious helps you feel emotionally balanced—and that’s important for your overall well-being. Plus, a better experience makes a tough journey more bearable.
Patient: And you’re saying most of the stress IVF patients go through is due to the clinic, not the procedure?
Dr. Malpani: Precisely. Most of it is iatrogenic stress—caused by the medical system itself. When doctors don’t share information, use painful protocols, and treat patients like passive bystanders, it creates a toxic experience. At our clinic, we work hard to do the opposite.
Patient: I wish more doctors thought this way. So much of IVF already feels out of my hands.
Dr. Malpani: And that’s exactly why we believe in putting the power back in your hands. IVF can still be challenging, of course—but it shouldn’t feel like a battle. You deserve compassion, clarity, and control.