Isha Ambani says her twins were conceived via IVF: Not something you should have to hide

Isha Ambani Piramal, businesswoman and daughter of Indian business magnate Mukesh Ambani, has opened up about taking the In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) route to conceive her twins. She hopes to normalise the conversation around this artificial reproductive treatment (ART) procedure, which is on a rise globally.

In a new candid interview to Vogue India, Isha Ambani says, “I’m very quick to say that my twins were conceived via IVF because that’s how we’ll normalise it, right?” Nobody should feel isolated or ashamed. It’s a difficult process. When you’re going through it, you’re physically exhausted.”

Why not use modern technology to have children: Isha Ambani

Married to businessman Anand Piramal, Isha has two children – son Krishna and daughter AadiyaShakti – who were born in November 2022. The 32-year-old expresses ease as she talks about the virtues of ART in today’s times when women are fighting hard fertility battles. In India alone, an estimated 250,000-300,000 in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments are reportedly conducted annually.

“If there is modern technology in the world today, why not use it to have children? “It should be something you’re excited about, not something you should have to hide. If you can find support groups or other women to talk to, the process can feel much easier,” she adds.

For Isha, the comfort was found closer home. Her mother Nita Ambani herself had twins Isha and son Akash through IVF. Nita Ambani had earlier opened up about her experience with IVF. She was initially told she would never be able to conceive. “At the age of 23, I was shattered when I was told I would never be able to give birth. However, with the help of Dr. Firuza Parikh, who is one of my closest friends, I was able to conceive my twins,” she had said in an interview.

While Isha is enjoying her motherhood journey, she harbours the innate concerns of a mother who is trying to strike a balance between her work and home life. “I’m always thinking that there are these two little babies doing something somewhere and hoping that they’re okay. My doubts range from ‘Am I doing the right thing?’ to ‘Is it okay that we don’t have blackout curtains?’ and everything in between,” she says.

Also read: From Mahhi Vij to Chrissy Teigen, celebrities who’ve opened up about their IVF struggles

What is IVF?

In Vitro Fertilization is an assisted reproductive technique for couples who face a challenge in conceiving naturally. In this procedure, eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the woman’s uterus for a pregnancy to occur.

Couples struggling with infertility due to issues like blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, or male infertility factors, are taking the IVF route to start a family.

Those who also stand a risk of passing genetic disorders, are using this technology to make sure only healthy embryos are implanted.

Other than that, same-sex couples and single parents who require donor eggs, sperm, or surrogacy to conceive, are also widely using IVF.

Also read: Opting for IVF? 9 crucial questions you must ask in your first consultation

Is IVF always successful for pregnancy?

No, IVF is not always a successful procedure. Its success rate may depend on various factors like age and underlying fertility issues, as well as the specific IVF techniques used.

There are also certain risks and side effects involved, some of which include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, and complications from the egg retrieval procedure.

Cost is also an important factor for many couples as IVF can be an expensive treatment.

In case of multiple IVF failures, it can take a physical and mental toll.