Why IVF Clinics Leave Patients Frustrated — and How We Do Things Differently

Patient: Dr Malpani, my partner and I have been to a few IVF clinics, and honestly, the whole experience has been frustrating. It feels like we’re just one of hundreds going through an assembly line. It’s impersonal, confusing, and opaque. Can you help us understand why this happens?

Dr Malpani: I’m really sorry you’ve had to go through that. Sadly, you’re not alone. Many couples come to me feeling the same way—like they’ve been reduced to a number. It’s a common—and very unfortunate—reality in many IVF setups today. Let’s unpack what went wrong and how we can take a different approach together.

Patient: To start with, we spent hours in the waiting room, and no one explained what was happening. Every visit, we saw a different doctor who had a different opinion. We never knew who was actually managing our case. Is that typical?

Dr Malpani: Unfortunately, yes. Many IVF clinics are built for high-volume patient turnover. This factory-like setup leads to fragmented care—junior doctors come and go, and patients are left confused and anxious. There's often no continuity, which is so essential when you’re undergoing something as sensitive and complex as IVF.

Patient: Exactly! And when we asked questions, we either got evasive answers or were drowned in medical jargon. It felt like they were either hiding something or didn’t want to bother explaining.

Dr Malpani: That’s one of the biggest red flags. True patient care means being transparent and respectful of your right to understand your own treatment. Unfortunately, some doctors use jargon to avoid difficult conversations or simply because they’re too busy to take the time. But the result is always the same—patients feel lost and mistrustful.

Patient: Another thing that bothered us was the senior doctor. We only met him once, during the first consultation. After that, he was nowhere to be seen. It felt like he only showed up for celebrities and VIPs.

Dr Malpani: That’s a common issue. In many clinics, the senior doctor takes on a symbolic role and delegates most of the care to others. Delegation can work—if it’s well coordinated and monitored. But when it leads to patients feeling neglected, it’s a failure of the system. At our clinic, my wife and I handle every case personally because we believe every patient deserves attention—no matter who they are.

Patient: What hurt the most was how they treated us after our IVF cycle failed. No one returned our calls. No explanations. No support. We felt abandoned.

Dr Malpani: That’s heartbreaking—and completely unacceptable. When a cycle fails, that’s when patients need the most support. But because some clinics are obsessed with showcasing only their success stories, they neglect patients who are struggling. At our clinic, we focus on caring for the whole patient, not just the success statistics.

Patient: Then they told us we needed a bunch of new tests before starting another cycle. But if those tests were so important, why didn’t they do them before? It felt like a money-making tactic.

Dr Malpani: You're absolutely right to be sceptical. Many clinics suggest expensive “add-on” tests after a failed cycle, often with little to no evidence that they’ll actually help. While some investigations can be useful, they must be explained clearly and chosen thoughtfully. Otherwise, it’s just financial exploitation disguised as medical advice.

Patient: It’s a relief to know that someone understands. So what makes your clinic different?

Dr Malpani: We keep things simple, honest, and personal. My wife and I handle every case ourselves—so you always know who is responsible for your care. We ensure every patient is fully informed every step of the way. We never sugarcoat bad news or overwhelm you with jargon. And most importantly, we’re here for you even when things don’t go according to plan.

Patient: That’s the kind of approach we’ve been looking for. But how do we make sure we’re making the right decisions this time?

Dr Malpani: We start by reviewing everything you’ve already done—your test results, your previous cycle, and your response to medications. Then we sit down and discuss your options—clearly and openly. IVF isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll craft a plan that makes sense for you, and we’ll make sure you understand and agree with every decision along the way.

Patient: Thank you, Dr Malpani. This conversation has really helped us regain some clarity and confidence.

Dr Malpani: I’m glad to hear that. Please remember—this is your journey, and you have every right to demand respect, clarity, and care. If you’d like a second opinion, feel free to upload your reports on our website—I offer this service free of charge. And if you’d prefer a more detailed consultation, you can book a video call with me for ₹3000. This could save you time, money, and emotional distress by helping you move forward with the right plan.