How to protect yourself from IVF clinics that cut corners
Patient: Dr. Malpani, I’ve been feeling anxious about starting IVF. I’ve read so many horror stories online — patients saying they were mistreated or misled. Is that really true?
Dr. Malpani: Unfortunately, yes. As an IVF doctor, I’m both ashamed and frustrated by how badly some IVF patients are treated. Honestly, it upsets me because IVF is such a well-established technique. When done properly, it has a high success rate.
Patient: That’s what I don’t understand. If IVF works so well when done right, why don’t all clinics follow the best practices?
Dr. Malpani: Good question. The sad truth is that some clinics focus more on making money than on providing quality care. They advertise aggressively, promising unrealistic success rates just to attract more patients. Many operate like factories — rushing patients through the process to maximize revenue.
Patient: That sounds terrible. I thought IVF was supposed to be personalized care — how can it become so mechanical?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly! IVF is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Each patient’s journey is unique, and they deserve individual attention. But in these factory-like clinics, patients often feel like just another number — or worse, like ATM machines.
Patient: I can’t imagine how devastating it must be if the IVF cycle fails in such a clinic.
Dr. Malpani: That’s the most heartbreaking part. After a failed cycle, instead of providing answers or guidance, some clinics blame the patient — saying things like, “Your eggs are bad,” or “Your uterus isn’t healthy.” But that’s unfair. Most patients aren’t even given proper feedback about what went wrong or what can be improved.
Patient: That’s awful. Shouldn’t patients at least know what happened during their cycle?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely! Transparency is key. Good IVF clinics routinely provide embryo photos and detailed lab reports. This information helps patients understand the quality of their embryos and the steps taken during the procedure. Sadly, many clinics avoid sharing this data — likely because they’re cutting corners or hiding mistakes.
Patient: No wonder patients feel abandoned and angry afterward.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. This lack of transparency makes patients feel cheated, and they lose trust in IVF altogether. That’s harmful not only for patients but also for good IVF doctors who genuinely want to help.
Patient: So, how can patients avoid falling into the wrong hands?