Home » Blog » World IVF Day Spotlight: Is There a Link Between IVF and Autism?

🌍 World IVF Day Spotlight: Is There a Link Between IVF and Autism?

Dr. Pujil Gulati, IVF Specialist with over 13 years of experience in Assisted Reproductive Techniques BabyBloom IVF Gurgaon

July 14, 2025

🌈 Introduction

It’s World IVF Day, a time to raise hope for many couples.
But some wonder: Can IVF cause autism?
Let’s look at facts in a simple, easy way.

🔍 What the Big Studies Say

A Swedish study of over 2.5 million babies found no significant link between IVF and autism, although there was a small rise in learning issues—but this risk was low and mostly tied to other factors like twins or early birth
A Finnish study of 4,164 autistic children found no increased risk of autism in IVF babies compared to natural conception

🧬 ICSI vs IVF

ICSI (injecting sperm directly into egg) showed a slightly higher risk of autism and intellectual disability compared to simple IVF—but the risk increase was very small (only a few extra cases per 1,000 births)
Plain IVF without ICSI does not show this risk rise

✅ Why Might It Seem Linked?

Some IVF factors may affect these results, for example:

Older parents, especially fathers, can pass new genetic changes in sperm linked to autism
Multiple pregnancies (twins) or premature birth, which are more common in IVF, also slightly raise autism risk.

👨‍⚕️ What Experts Say

“There’s no clear proof that IVF or ICSI causes autism. Slight risks seem related to fertility issues or parent age—not the clinic procedure itself.”
— IVF Clinic Expert

📝 Summary Table — IVF and Autism

✅ Question	👇 Answer
Does IVF cause autism?	No strong proof. Risk is very small.
Does ICSI matter?	Slightly higher, but still rare in absolute terms.
What else matters?	Age of parents, multiple birth, early birth.
Should you stop IVF?	No. IVF is safe and gives hope to many couples.

💡 World IVF Day Tip for Parents

Ask your doctor if ICSI is needed
Choose single embryo transfer to reduce twin risk
Plan IVF at younger parental age if possible
Follow IVF clinic’s advice and care

💖 Final Thoughts

✅ On World IVF Day, we celebrate hope.
✅ Most big studies say IVF does not raise autism risk significantly.
✅ Small risks are linked to age, multiples, or fertility issues, not IVF itself.
✅ IVF remains a safe, trusted way to become parents.

“IVF brings families’ joy. Autism risk is very small—mostly tied to other factors.”

❓ FAQs

Q. Does IVF cause autism in babies?

Ans: No strong evidence. Studies show no clear link.

Q. Is risk higher with ICSI?

Slightly, but still rare in real-world numbers

Q. Should we avoid IVF for this reason?

Ans: No. IVF is considered safe with low risk.

Q. Can parent age play a role?

Ans: Yes. Older parents, especially dads, carry more genetic risks.

Q. What can reduce risk Case?

Ans: Single embryo transfers, good health, proper IVF care.

✅ Conclusion – IVF Gives Men a Chance to Become Fathers

“Your dream of becoming a dad is possible – IVF can help you reach it.” 👶

OR If you need any information related to IVF, contact our Babybloom IVF Centre or call us at 9266046700 to clear your doubt.