Patient: Dr. Malpani, I recently failed an IVF cycle, and I’m trying to figure out what went wrong. I’ve been doing a lot of research, and I came across discussions about embryo photographs. My clinic never gave me any. Is that normal?
Dr. Malpani: Unfortunately, many clinics don’t provide embryo photographs, but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable. The reality is that embryo photographs are one of the few tangible pieces of evidence patients have in order to assess the quality of medical care they’ve received during IVF. It’s crucial information, and any good IVF clinic should be offering it routinely.
Patient: But my clinic assured me that my embryos were of good quality. Isn’t that enough?
Dr. Malpani: Would you accept a diagnosis without seeing a lab report? Or a surgery without a post-op scan? Trust is essential, but transparency builds trust. When a clinic claims the embryos were good but doesn’t provide photos, they’re asking you to take their word for it without proof. That’s not how good medical practice works.
Patient: I see your point. But why would a clinic withhold embryo photographs?
Dr. Malpani: That’s an important question. The truth is, there’s no good reason not to provide them. Every IVF lab uses microscopes equipped with cameras, so capturing an image is neither difficult nor time-consuming. If a clinic is not sharing embryo photos, it raises concerns about their transparency. Are they worried about the poor quality of the embryos they are making because their lab is of poor quality? Do they fear scrutiny? Or are they simply not prioritizing patient education and involvement? These are red flags.
Patient: So, it’s not a common practice for all clinics? I assumed most clinics would do it if it were beneficial.
Dr. Malpani: Actually, globally, good IVF clinics routinely provide embryo photographs as part of their standard operating procedures. It reassures patients, builds confidence in the treatment, and allows for informed discussions. A patient should have the right to see what has been created in the lab. The fact that many clinics in India don’t do this is concerning.
Patient: I never thought about it like that. When I failed my cycle, my doctor just said it was bad luck and that I should try again. Without embryo photos, I have no idea if the cycle really had a fair chance.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. Many patients are left in the dark about what actually happened in their cycle. IVF isn’t just about procedures; it’s about outcomes, and the quality of embryos is a significant indicator of success. If the embryos weren’t good quality, the clinic should explain why. Were the eggs immature? Was fertilization poor? Did the embryos fragment too soon? Without photographs, you don’t have access to this critical information.
Patient: So, if I had embryo photographs, what should I look for?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a great question! A good embryo should have a clear, symmetrical shape with evenly sized blastomeres and minimal fragmentation. If you were undergoing a blastocyst transfer, the embryo should have a well-defined inner cell mass and trophectoderm. By having these images, you could even seek a second opinion to verify if the embryos were indeed of good quality. You can see what embryos should look like at www.drmalpani.com/knowledge-center/ivf/embryos
Patient: I’m feeling frustrated now. When I asked my clinic why my cycle failed, they said it was unexplained. But if I had photos, I could at least try to understand what went wrong.
Dr. Malpani: And that’s why I encourage all patients to demand transparency. You’re investing time, effort, and money into this process. You deserve to know what happened. Any clinic that refuses to provide embryo photographs is withholding information that belongs to you. It’s your right as a patient.
Patient: What should I do now? If I try IVF again, how can I ensure I receive embryo photos?
Dr. Malpani: When selecting a clinic, ask them upfront if they provide embryo photographs as a routine part of their process. If they hesitate or say it’s not necessary, consider it a warning sign. A good clinic will not only provide these photos but will also sit down with you to explain what they mean.
Patient: That makes sense. I feel like I’ve been missing a crucial part of the process. If I had known earlier, I could have made better decisions.
Dr. Malpani: And that’s the key—patient autonomy. My goal is to empower you with knowledge so you can make informed decisions about your treatment. IVF can be stressful enough without feeling like you’re being kept in the dark. A transparent and ethical clinic will always prioritize patient education.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani. This conversation has been eye-opening. I’ll be much more careful when choosing my next clinic.
Dr. Malpani: I’m glad I could help! And remember, if you’d like a second opinion, you can fill out the form on our website with your reports, and I’ll provide a free second opinion here. For direct advice, you can get information to any query related to your IVF treatment from Dr. Malpani’s AI Twin instantly at https://www.drmalpani.com/chat-w-chatbot/index.html