The Implantation Failure Scam
Patient: Dr. Malpani, I recently had an IVF cycle that failed, and my doctor said it was due to implantation failure. They suggested that I either repeat the cycle, use donor eggs, or undergo additional tests like PGD or ERA. Is this really necessary?
Dr. Malpani: I understand how distressing a failed IVF cycle can be. Let's discuss this in detail. When doctors attribute a failed IVF cycle to implantation failure, they're often suggesting that something went wrong after the embryo was transferred into the uterus. But there's more to this story.
Patient: What do you mean? Isn't implantation failure a common reason for IVF failures?
Dr. Malpani: The term 'implantation failure' is frequently used, but it's often a misleading diagnosis. The harsh reality is that the most common reason for what doctors call 'implantation failure' in Indian IVF clinics is actually poor-quality embryos. If the embryos are not viable, they won't implant, no matter what you do.
Patient: Are you saying that my embryos might have been of poor quality?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. Unfortunately, many clinics don't provide patients with the full picture. They often withhold important information, like the quality of the embryos or even photos of them. If you had access to those photos, you could see for yourself if the embryos were capable of implanting.
Patient: Why would doctors hide this information?
Dr. Malpani: It's a combination of factors. Some doctors might not want to admit that the embryos were of poor quality because it reflects poorly on the clinic's capabilities. Others might believe that withholding this information keeps the process simpler for the patient. However, I believe this practice is unfair and misleading.
Patient: What can I do to ensure I'm not misled like this again?
Dr. Malpani: The key is transparency. You should only go to clinics that routinely and proactively provide embryo photos to all their patients. It's a straightforward way to assess the quality of the embryos being transferred. You can find out if a clinic follows this practice even before paying your consultation fee by simply asking the receptionist.
Patient: So, if a clinic refuses to share embryo photos, that's a red flag?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely. A clinic that is transparent about the quality of the embryos and the procedures they follow is likely to be more trustworthy. If a doctor transfers good-quality embryos and they still don't implant, then a diagnosis of implantation failure is more credible. Otherwise, it's often just a convenient excuse to cover up poor practices.
Patient: This is eye-opening. Thank you, Dr. Malpani.
Dr. Malpani: You're welcome. Remember, it's your right to be fully informed about your treatment. Protect yourself by asking the right questions and insisting on transparency. This way, you can make sure that your time, money, and energy are well spent on your IVF journey.