Patient: Dr. Malpani, I’ll be honest. I’ve done one IVF cycle at another clinic, and it was such a terrible experience that I’m afraid to try again. I can’t imagine going through all that stress, pain, and disappointment for another round.
Dr. Malpani: I completely understand how you feel. Many patients come to me after a difficult first IVF cycle elsewhere, and their stories are often similar. Unfortunately, your experience isn’t uncommon. But I’d like to break it down and help you see why that happened—and how it can be different this time.
Patient: I appreciate that. To be honest, it wasn’t just the failure that upset me. It felt like the whole process was cold and impersonal. I barely saw the senior doctor after the first consultation, and I felt like I was just part of an assembly line.
Dr. Malpani: That’s a big problem with many IVF clinics. They run on a volume-based model, meaning they try to push through as many patients as possible. The result? Lack of continuity of care. The senior doctor often disappears, and most of your interactions are with assistants or junior doctors who aren’t fully aware of your case.
Patient: Exactly! I kept having to explain my situation to someone new every time. I felt like no one really knew what was happening with my treatment.
Dr. Malpani: I’m sorry you had to go through that. IVF is stressful enough without feeling like you’re left in the dark. A good IVF clinic should treat patients with respect and involve them in the process. Transparency is critical. In our clinic, for example, I personally handle all major parts of the treatment—scans, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. I believe in hands-on care because it makes a big difference to the patient’s experience.
Patient: That makes sense. I also felt like the clinic was more interested in making money than in helping me get pregnant. They kept suggesting extra treatments that I didn’t even understand, and by the end, I’d spent way more than I planned.
Dr. Malpani: This is another unfortunate reality in some clinics. The first IVF cycle often comes with hidden costs. Clinics may start with a basic price but gradually add on “extras” like endometrial scratching, ERA tests, PGT or immune therapy. While some of these may have a role in specific cases, these “add-ons” are often unnecessary for most patients.
Patient: I definitely felt pressured. I didn’t even know if those treatments were necessary, but the doctor made it seem like I’d be sabotaging my chances if I didn’t agree.
Dr. Malpani: That’s what we call over-treatment. Some clinics exploit the emotional vulnerability of IVF patients. The desire to succeed makes patients willing to do whatever the doctor suggests, but it’s important to remember that not all add-ons improve success rates. A good clinic will explain what’s essential and what isn’t—and let you make the final decision.
Patient: I also hated the injections! I had to take so many painful shots—some were so bad I could barely sit. It felt like torture by the end of the cycle.
Dr. Malpani: Ah, the dreaded intramuscular progesterone and low molecular weight heparin injections. They are painful, and many clinics use them routinely. But here’s the thing—they’re often unnecessary. We avoid those injections entirely in our clinic, preferring gentler, equally effective options.
Patient: I didn’t realize there were alternatives. I assumed it was part of the process.
Dr. Malpani: That’s the problem—patients aren’t told they have options. We use vaginal progesterone and other methods that are far less invasive and just as effective. The goal is to make the IVF process as pain-free and stress-free as possible. You shouldn’t have to endure unnecessary physical discomfort on top of the emotional strain.
Patient: I really appreciate this perspective. But I guess I’m still hesitant. After being let down once, how do I trust that things will be different?
Dr. Malpani: That’s completely understandable. Once bitten, twice shy. But I encourage you to approach this with a clean slate. Every IVF cycle is a new opportunity, and success rates often improve with subsequent attempts. The key is finding a clinic that prioritizes compassion, transparency, and evidence-based care.
Patient: I guess it’s about finding the right doctor, isn’t it?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. A doctor who values open communication and empowers you to ask questions will help restore your confidence. IVF should feel like a partnership, not a one-sided relationship where the doctor dictates everything.
Patient: I do want to try again, but I want to feel more in control this time.
Dr. Malpani: That’s the right mindset. Take time to research, ask potential clinics the hard questions, and trust your instincts. The right clinic will make you feel comfortable, respected, and heard. And remember—you deserve to know everything about your treatment. Don’t settle for less.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani. This conversation has given me hope.
Dr. Malpani: I’m glad to hear that. 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 instantly at https://www.drmalpani.com/chat-w-chatbot/index.html