The Risks of IVF: Lessons from the Monash IVF Case 

In recent years, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) has become a popular solution for couples struggling with infertility. Yes, IVF is a boon for those who are struggling with infertility…but the truth is far more complex and sometimes troubling. 

IVF is not the be-all, end-all, guaranteed solution that it is marketed as. IVF has a number of risks.

What actually happened:

Monash IVF (one of the leading IVF firms in Australia) introduced a non-invasive pre-implantation genetic testing (NIPGT) technique meant to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. 

Unlike the traditional biopsy method, this test collected DNA from the culture medium surrounding the embryo (instead of the embryo itself) which was supposed to be less invasive. 

It ended up producing false-positive results – which basically means that it mislabelled healthy embryos as “abnormal.”

One of the patients, Danielle Bopping, was misled by these results and decided against implanting her embryo. When she discovered that the results could have been faulty…the time had run out for her to have a biological child. 

Bopping was not the only one affected. Another plaintiff, Michelle Pedersen, also suffered due to the flawed testing. After being told her embryos were unviable, she donated them to research and opted for adoption instead. Later, she learned this could have been a mistake.

Can you imagine going through that?

Hoping, wishing and praying for a child…

Spending tons of money on the latest fertility tech…

only to find out that it could have been wrong?

Monash ended up settling the 700 person class action for AU$56 million. 

This case is a stark reminder of the risks involved in IVF treatments. Not only did these families face the emotional trauma of losing embryos, but many also endured unnecessary additional treatments. 

It’s heartbreaking…but here’s my takeaway from this case:

Take your health in your OWN hands. 

IVF already has a low success rate (about 30%) and I can’t imagine being a couple and finding out you had potential babies that were destroyed by mistake

Before I restored my fertility, my husband and I were told to just do IVF. 

But when you actually learn about the risks of IVF, it’s both super expensive and the failure rate is high. 

  • IVF will not address the root cause of your infertility.
  • IVF will not address the underlying health issues that could turn into bigger problems down the line
  • IVF will not fix your hormonal imbalances.
  • The process of IVF is physically demanding and involves hormone injections, egg retrievals, and embryo transfers. 
  • It also comes with significant emotional and financial stress, especially when treatments fail (happens more often than you think!)
  • Your child will inherit your genes at the time of conception. If your body isn’t healthy, you are likely to pass that on to your child. 

Before you turn to big pharma and tech companies to manage your fertility…it is my personal and honest recommendation to heal your body (and your fertility) naturally.

Your body is MEANT to create children…but it needs your support. Fertility is an outcome of good health, and all women can become healthier.

IS THERE A BETTER WAY?

Nature knows best: The Akhanda Approach to Fertility

Instead of turning to invasive procedures like IVF, consider a holistic approach that supports your body’s natural ability to conceive. At Akhanda, we believe that your body is designed to heal itself when given the right tools and environment.

How to Naturally Support Your Fertility:

  • Balance your hormones: Through a combination of diet, exercise, stress management, and natural supplements, you can regulate your hormones, which are crucial for fertility.
  • Improve egg quality: Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, reducing exposure to toxins, and taking specific supplements can enhance egg quality, making conception more likely.
  • Support gut health: A healthy gut is essential for hormone regulation and overall fertility. Incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and a fiber-rich diet can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
  • Detoxify your body: Reducing exposure to environmental toxins by using natural personal care products, eating organic foods, and filtering water can lower your body’s toxic load and improve fertility.
  • Optimize nutrition: Focus on a nutrient-dense diet that supports reproductive health, including eggs, dairy, red meat, fish, ripe fruits, leafy greens, and nuts/seeds.

The Monash IVF case is a powerful reminder that while modern medicine has its place, it’s not always the best solution for everyone. By supporting your body naturally, you give yourself the best chance of conceiving without the physical, emotional, and financial toll of procedures like IVF. Trust in your body’s ability to heal and conceive naturally, with the right support and care.

We’ve written a comprehensive guide on the TOP 10 ways to heal your fertility naturally. Get it for free here:

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