In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has transformed reproductive medicine, offering new possibilities to millions of people facing infertility. Yet, despite decades of scientific progress and continuous improvements in medical procedures, IVF remains surrounded by misconceptions, fears and misleading information. From concerns about the safety of fertility treatments to unrealistic expectations about their success rates, misinformation can significantly influence how individuals understand reproductive health and make important decisions about their future.
Why is IVF still perceived by some as unnatural or dangerous? What can fertility treatments realistically achieve, and what are their limitations? And how can medical professionals communicate complex scientific information in ways that are accessible, transparent and reassuring without creating false expectations?
These questions are explored in an interview with Mykola Gryshchenko, Professor at Kharkiv National University in Ukraine and specialist in reproductive medicine and in vitro fertilisation, conducted by Cesare Ceccato, journalist at Focus Europe Italia, within the framework of the European project CONSPIRE – CONSPIracism and RAdicalisation Risks in Europe.
Funded by the Erasmus+ programme and coordinated by the University of Turin, CONSPIRE brings together European universities and CESUE/Focus Europe to investigate conspiracy theories, misinformation and radicalisation risks while developing innovative educational approaches to strengthen critical thinking, media literacy and democratic participation. Running from 2024 to 2027, the project combines academic research, non-formal education, participatory workshops and community engagement. This interview is part of the Conspiracy Pills, a series of contributions from academics and professionals designed to help students and wider audiences better understand how misinformation emerges, spreads and influences public perceptions of complex social and scientific issues.
Drawing on his extensive clinical experience in reproductive medicine, Gryshchenko explains how IVF works, clarifying the medical procedures involved and addressing some of the most widespread misconceptions surrounding fertility treatments. He discusses the actual risks associated with ovarian stimulation and multiple pregnancies, as well as the technological advances and clinical practices that have improved patient safety.
Particular attention is devoted to the gap between scientific possibilities and public expectations. As Gryshchenko emphasises, IVF is neither a guaranteed solution to infertility nor a procedure capable of overcoming every biological limitation. Factors such as age, egg quality and individual medical conditions remain crucial in determining treatment outcomes. Similarly, genetic testing cannot guarantee a healthy pregnancy or eliminate every possible risk, despite misleading claims that sometimes circulate online.
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Beyond the medical aspects, the conversation examines why reproductive health is particularly vulnerable to misinformation. Fertility treatments often involve deeply personal experiences, emotional uncertainty and significant financial commitments. In this context, sensational stories, exaggerated promises and commercially motivated claims can spread more easily than balanced scientific explanations, especially through social media.
The interview also highlights the responsibility of doctors, researchers and healthcare professionals in countering misleading narratives. Communicating medical evidence in clear and accessible language, explaining risks and probabilities, acknowledging uncertainty and engaging directly with patients’ concerns are essential steps towards building public trust.
Ultimately, the discussion reinforces a central principle: combating health misinformation requires not only scientific expertise, but also empathy, transparency and effective communication. Understanding the difference between what medicine can offer and what it cannot guarantee is fundamental to enabling informed and responsible decisions.
In line with the objectives of CONSPIRE, this conversation demonstrates how scientific literacy and critical thinking can help individuals navigate an increasingly complex information environment. By separating IVF myths from medical facts, Gryshchenko offers a valuable contribution to a broader European effort to promote evidence-based knowledge, strengthen trust in science and empower citizens to make informed choices about their health.
Foto di copertina: La Kharkiv National Medical University (in Ucraino: Харківський національний медичний університет) prima dei bombardamenti del marzo 2022 che l’hanno gravemente danneggiata. Copyright Kharkiv National Medical University.
