Empowering IVF Patients: The Importance of Asking Questions and Speaking Up

Patient: Dr. Malpani, I’ve done a few IVF cycles at other clinics, but honestly, I don’t have much information about what they did. They didn’t give me any records or photos of the embryos.

Dr. Malpani: That’s concerning. It bothers me when I see intelligent, educated patients who go through IVF but have no idea about the details of their treatment. Do you know what doses of medication they gave you?

Patient: No, they provided the injections at the clinic, so I never knew the exact doses. And I never got any ultrasound records either; the doctor would just make notes.

Dr. Malpani: That’s a problem. You should always have access to your medical records, especially with IVF. Knowing the quality and number of embryos is crucial. Did they give you any embryo photos?

Patient: No, they just showed me on the TV screen. The doctor said they transferred two good-quality embryos, but I didn’t get any documentation or photos.

Dr. Malpani: Not having embryo photos is unacceptable. Every good IVF clinic takes photographs of the embryos because it’s one of the most important parts of the process. Every microscope has a camera—why would they hide that information from you?

Patient: I never really thought to ask. I didn’t want to upset the doctor.

Dr. Malpani: Many patients feel that way, but it’s essential to speak up. You’re paying for these treatments, and if you don’t get the information you need, you could be wasting time, money, and energy. Not to mention, repeated failed cycles can make you lose confidence in all IVF doctors.

Patient: I was on a three-cycle package, and by the third cycle, I felt trapped. I didn’t want to rock the boat, so I just stayed quiet.

Dr. Malpani: That’s a common tactic some clinics use—offering packages to keep patients from speaking up. But staying silent doesn’t help you, and it definitely won’t improve your chances of success. You deserve to have all the information, and if your clinic isn’t transparent, it’s time to find a better one.

Patient: You’re right. I wish I had spoken up earlier.

Dr. Malpani: It’s not too late. Moving forward, make sure you ask for all your records, photos, and explanations. If a clinic isn’t willing to provide them, walk out—there are good clinics that will treat you with the transparency and respect you deserve.If you have more questions or need clarification, please don't hesitate to ask. I’m Dr. Malpani, and you can always visit our website at www.drmalpani.com I’d be happy to offer you a free second opinion as well. If you ever feel like you need a second opinion or more support, feel free to reach out. You can get a free second opinion at www.drmalpani.com/free-second-opinion or schedule a video consultation at bit.ly/consult-drmalpani for just ₹3000. I’m here to help you through this journey.