Overtreatment in IVF: A Senior Fertility Specialist’s Perspective
By Prof. (Dr.) Abha Majumdar Having spent more than 40 years in reproductive medicine—and having had the privilege of helping deliver North India’s first IVF baby at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in 1991—I have seen firsthand the incredible evolution of fertility treatments. While science and technology have advanced rapidly, one core principle must remain unchanged: Do what is necessary, not what is excessive. This conviction is why we need an honest conversation about a growing concern in modern fertility care: overtreatment in IVF, specifically the routine use of unproven “treatment add-ons.” When “More” is Mistaken for “Better” In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are established, core treatments that have been proven effective for most patients. However, overtreatment happens when we mistake more intervention for better care. It can take many forms: Starting IVF too early, even when natural conception remains possible. Ordering excessi...