Overview
Many couples face challenges due to infertility, making it difficult for them to experience parenthood. However, they do not have to get disappointed because advanced fertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) have been helping struggling couples or individuals achieve parenthood. However, every therapy has limitations. Some couples may not achieve successful outcomes in their first IVF attempt, the reasons for which can be manifold. IVF failure can be distressing for most, as the procedure requires investment of time and money. In this article, we will discuss what IVF failure is, the reasons for IVF failure, common fertility issues, and how to reduce the risks of IVF failure, among other topics.
Understanding IVF Failure: What Couples Should Know
Couples who face infertility and cannot conceive naturally can opt for IVF to experience parenthood. However, it does not guarantee success on the first attempt. Couples who feel disappointed after a failed IVF cycle should realise that it is not the end. A failed cycle can help identify the reasons for failure and guide necessary improvements for subsequent attempts. Many factors, such as lifestyle, age, egg and sperm quality, and uterine health, influence the outcome of IVF treatment.
Couples can boost their chances of IVF success by gaining the right knowledge, medical support, and emotional backing from fertility experts. Understanding the cause of failure and taking appropriate steps for the next cycle can also increase the likelihood of success.
What is IVF Failure?
An IVF failure occurs when a fertilised embryo prepared in the lab fails to attach correctly to the uterine endometrium and results in a failed pregnancy. IVF is a process in which an egg and sperm are fertilised outside in a lab to form an embryo. A fertilised embryo is then transferred into the uterus of a woman. Many factors affect the successful implantation of the embryo.
Several factors can contribute to the failure of an IVF. Sometimes, embryos do not implant correctly. In some cases, pregnancy may occur, but the embryo does not develop properly after implantation. Another possibility is that the pregnancy is detected via ultrasound but ends prematurely. A doctor can identify the cause of failure by considering these factors. Failure may occur at fertilisation, implantation, or early development stages. This can help in making an accurate diagnosis and taking appropriate steps for further treatment, thereby increasing the success rate in future IVF cycles.
Common infertility issues related to IVF failure
How do age and ovarian reserve affect IVF success?
The age of a woman plays a vital role in IVF success. Another important factor for IVF success is ovarian reserve, which refers to the number and quality of eggs available for fertilisation. The number and quality of eggs decrease with a woman’s age. Poor egg quality reduces the chances of fertilisation and also increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. This results in miscarriage or improper implantation.
Another important factor for IVF failure is hormonal imbalance. Many women suffer from thyroid disorders and other hormonal disorders, such as PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease, and an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone hormones. These hormonal problems can cause defective ovulation, poor egg quality, and poor development of the uterine lining for implantation.
A low ovarian reserve is also a contributing factor to IVF failure. A low ovarian reserve can result in poor ovarian stimulation, resulting in the maturation of only a few eggs.
Male infertility due to low sperm count, abnormal morphology, and poor motility can also contribute to IVF failure. It can affect the healthy embryo development.
After detecting the underlying cause for IVF failure, a doctor can use the right treatment, such as improving egg and sperm quality, hormone therapy, and lifestyle changes, to enhance the chances of IVF success.
Top reasons for IVF failure
IVF failure may occur due to several reasons:
- Egg Quality : A healthy egg is crucial for fertilisation and embryo development. Poor egg quality causes chromosomal abnormalities. Poor egg development results from oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance. Low egg quality can hinder embryo growth, leading to IVF failure.
- Sperm Problems : Healthy sperm are also required for the formation of healthy embryos. Poor sperm quality, motility, and morphology can result in the formation of unhealthy embryos. Advanced diagnostic techniques can help identify and manage such problems by checking sperm quality.
- Lifestyle Factors : Poor sleep pattern is also an essential factor affecting egg and sperm quality. Habits such as excessive alcohol drinking, caffeine intake, smoking, being overweight, and stress can affect the fertility of both partners. Therefore, doctors recommend a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and stress management to improve IVF results.
- Embryo Quality : Embryo quality is checked before transfer. Not all embryos are healthy. Doctors recommend preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to detect genetic abnormalities in embryos before transfer.
- Uterine factors : A healthy uterine lining is important for successful embryo implantation. A thin endometrial lining, scar tissue, fibroids, or polyps can cause improper embryo implantation. A doctor recommends further tests to handle such issues before IVF treatment.
How to reduce the risk of IVF failure
IVF failure risk can be reduced by making the following changes:
- Eating a healthy diet is essential for maintaining optimal egg and sperm health. Couples must eat healthy foods for healthy egg and sperm formation.
- Both partners must quit bad habits such as smoking, alcohol drinking, and caffeine intake.
- Stress should be managed using mindfulness, yoga, and counselling.
- A fertility expert can assess the cause of IVF failure in your case and make a customised treatment plan to achieve success in the next cycle.
- Explore treatments to improve endometrial thickness and embryo implantation and increase the chances of IVF success.
- Exercise is essential for couples to maintain a healthy weight and balance their hormones.
Emotional Impact of IVF Failure
IVF failure can shatter a couple’s hope. They invest time, money, and hope into the process. After an IVF failure, they may face grief, disappointment, and a sense of guilt.
Couples and individuals are advised not to suppress their emotions and talk to their close ones. They can also join support groups and speak with a counsellor to find relief. They can practice yoga, breathing exercises, and mindfulness to manage stress and anxiety.
IVF failure is not the end of a journey, as it is affected by different factors that are not under your control. Maintaining emotional balance and staying connected with your family can make your journey to becoming parents enjoyable.
When to consult your IVF Specialist?
If your IVF cycle fails on the first attempt, you should consult your fertility expert to identify the cause of the failure. The doctor can assess the uterine endometrium, ovarian stimulation, embryo quality, and hormonal levels to determine the reason for IVF failure. If you have experienced multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, your doctor may recommend further tests to diagnose the underlying issue. These may include genetic testing of embryos, hysteroscopy, and endometrial receptivity assessments to provide personalised treatment.
A detailed review and customised treatment can help to improve the results.
Conclusion
IVF failure can make one feel devastated and depressed. However, it is not the end of the journey. A failed IVF cycle can help a fertility expert identify the cause of failure and develop a personalised treatment plan for the couple. Proper guidance, along with lifestyle and dietary changes, the use of advanced fertility treatments, and emotional support, can help achieve success after an initial failure.
Common Questions Asked
How does age affect IVF success?
Yes, women over 35 years old have a lower chance of getting pregnant because the number and quality of eggs start to decrease after 35 years.
Why should I consult a fertility expert after an IVF failure?
You must consult with a fertility expert after an IVF failure to know the reasons for failure and correct them for the next cycle.
How long should couples wait before trying IVF again?
Couples must wait at least one to three months before trying IVF again.
Does embryo quality impact IVF results?
Poor-quality embryos do not grow properly after implantation and can cause IVF failure. Embryo quality depends on the quality of both the egg and sperm, genetic integrity, and the laboratory conditions.
Are there other treatment options other than a failed IVF cycle?
A failed IVF does not mean the end of treatment options because some couples may achieve success after more than one cycle.
How does sperm quality affect IVF success?
Sperm quality is important because healthy sperm are required for the formation of healthy embryos. Poor sperm quality can cause a failed fertilisation or the development of unhealthy embryos.
Is it possible to predict the results of an IVF cycle?
The results of an IVF cycle cannot be predicted, as success depends on various factors.