How Clinics Mislead Patients into Unnecessary Treatment
Patient: Dr. Malpani, my wife and I have been trying to conceive for a year without success. We recently attended a free infertility camp where they did some tests. The doctor there immediately recommended IVF. Should we go ahead with it?
Dr. Malpani: Not necessarily. Many corporate IVF clinics push IVF as a default solution rather than diagnosing the actual issue properly. What tests did they do, and what were the results?
Patient: They did a semen analysis and told me I have "teratospermia"—abnormal sperm shape. They said this means my sperm cannot fertilise the egg naturally, so we need IVF with ICSI.
Dr. Malpani: That’s a very common trick used to push couples into IVF. Did they provide a detailed morphology report or just verbally say it was abnormal?
Patient: No, they just mentioned it was abnormal and said ICSI would solve the problem.
Dr. Malpani: That’s a red flag. A single semen analysis is not enough to diagnose infertility. Sperm shape can vary, and many men with so-called "teratospermia" conceive naturally.
Patient: But they said the tests were accurate, and the doctor seemed very confident about IVF being the only option.
Dr. Malpani: That’s because many corporate IVF clinics operate as businesses first and medical centres second. Their focus is on converting every patient into an IVF case, not on giving you the best possible advice. Did they mention any natural treatment options before jumping to IVF?
Patient: No, they just said my condition is serious and that waiting would only reduce our chances. They also said the free camp offer would cover part of the IVF cost if we decided quickly.
Dr. Malpani: That’s another classic sales tactic. They create a sense of urgency to make you feel like you’ll miss out on a special deal. But real medical treatment should never be a sales pitch.
Patient: So, are you saying my sperm could be fine and that we don’t need IVF?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly! You need a proper evaluation, not a rushed IVF recommendation. The real question is:
- Has your wife been properly evaluated?
- Have you repeated the semen analysis at a trusted lab?
- Have you tried simple lifestyle changes or mild treatments first?
Patient: No, they didn’t even check my wife thoroughly. They just told us IVF was our best chance.
Dr. Malpani: That’s wrong and unethical. Infertility is a couple’s issue, not just the man’s or the woman’s. Any clinic that jumps to IVF without investigating both partners properly is misleading you.
Patient: I feel cheated now. What should we do next?
Dr. Malpani: First, get a second opinion from an ethical fertility specialist—not one associated with corporate IVF chains. Also, try natural conception for a little longer, unless there’s a real medical reason for IVF.
Patient: But if we do end up needing IVF, how do we choose a good clinic?
Dr. Malpani: A good IVF clinic will:
- Explain why you need IVF with proper evidence.
- Explore alternative treatments first.
- Not pressure you into quick decisions
- Provide transparent pricing without sales tactics.
- Have high success rates from good lab practices, not unnecessary procedures.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani! I feel much more informed now. I’ll definitely seek a second opinion before making any decisions.
Dr. Malpani: That’s the right approach! Stay informed, ask questions, and don’t let anyone take advantage of your hopes.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani. This has been so helpful. How can I consult with you for a second opinion?