Overview
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a complex procedure that helps couples experiencing difficulty conceiving. However, IVF treatment even fails with healthy embryos due to several factors, such as genetic, hormonal and environmental changes. This blog explains why does IVF fail with good embryos and some of its common causes.
What Is IVF?
If you have been trying to conceive and faced challenges, IVF can feel like a big step but also a chance to finally grow your family. In simple terms, in vitro fertilisation means taking eggs from your ovaries and combining them with sperm in a laboratory so fertilisation can happen. A few days later, the fertilised embryo is placed back into the uterus, giving it the opportunity to implant and develop into a pregnancy.
IVF is often full of hope and anticipation, but it can also bring stress and uncertainty. Each cycle usually takes about four to six weeks, from stimulating the ovaries to transferring the embryo and the waiting period for results can feel long.
Understanding why does IVF fail with good embryos can help you know what to expect and take steps to improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Who Needs IVF Treatment?
IVF treatment is recommended for people experiencing infertility or certain genetic disorders. It is not usually required if the underlying health issues can be treated with other methods. IVF is commonly offered for conditions such as:
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
- Ovulation disorders
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Previous pelvic or uterine surgery affecting fertility
- Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
- Unexplained infertility
- Genetic disorders
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
What Are The Common Causes Of IVF Failure?
Even when eggs and embryos appear healthy, IVF can fail due to several factors affecting implantation and overall reproductive success. The main reasons why does IVF fail with good embryos include:
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Implantation Issues
The most common reason for IVF failure is that the embryo does not attach to the uterus. Uterine abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps, adhesions or an irregularly shaped uterus can block successful implantation.
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Genetic Factors
Embryos may carry subtle genetic anomalies, such as microdeletions or duplications, that standard testing may not detect. Maternal age also increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, affecting embryo quality.
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Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones like progesterone, estrogen and thyroid hormones are essential for ovary stimulation and preparing the uterus. Imbalances can prevent the embryo from implanting successfully.
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Sperm Quality
Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology or DNA fragmentation can affect embryo quality and reduce implantation chances.
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Uterine Health Issues
Structural problems or low endometrial receptivity can prevent implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage. These include fibroids, polyps, adhesions, scar tissue or congenital uterine abnormalities.
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Lifestyle Factors and Stress
Poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, high stress or being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone balance, sperm and egg quality and overall fertility.
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Lab Conditions and Transfer Technique
IVF success relies on the lab environment, culture media and embryologist expertise. Factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen levels and the timing or method of embryo transfer can influence implantation.
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Other Medical Factors
Immune responses and underlying conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders or PCOS can also reduce the chances of successful implantation.
How To Improve The Success Rate of IVF?
Improving IVF success starts with understanding the reasons for previous failures. Key steps include:
- Comprehensive testing: Genetic screening of embryos, DNA fragmentation analysis and endometrial receptivity tests can identify issues that may reduce implantation chances.
- Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking and alcohol can improve fertility and overall reproductive health.
- Approach a fertility specialist: A skilled specialist can identify the right treatment plan, address underlying issues and provide personalised care to improve your chances.
- Consider advanced treatments: Techniques like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and preimplantation genetic testing can help with severe male factor infertility, recurrent IVF failure or genetic concerns.
- Enhance the uterine environment: Hormonal therapy, hysteroscopic surgery, stress management and moderate exercise can improve endometrial receptivity and support embryo implantation.
- Evaluate the IVF lab: Choosing a well-equipped clinic with an experienced embryology team is important, as lab conditions and handling can directly impact IVF outcomes.
How Can I Find the Solution if IVF fails?
If IVF fails despite healthy embryos, the first step is to consult a fertility specialist. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate next steps.
Common approaches may include:
- Endometrial biopsy: To check for uterine issues that may prevent implantation.
- Immunological testing: To evaluate how the immune system might affect embryo implantation.
- Genetic testing: For deeper insights into embryo health and potential chromosomal issues.
- Lifestyle changes: Improving nutrition, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking or alcohol to support fertility.
- Alternative options: In some cases, using donor eggs or sperm, freezing embryos for future cycles or considering a gestational carrier may be advised.
Conclusion
Even with healthy embryos, IVF does not always lead to pregnancy because many factors, including hormonal balance, uterine health, genetics, sperm quality, age and lifestyle, can affect success. The good news is that understanding these factors gives you more control.
By identifying the underlying causes, making informed lifestyle changes and working closely with a skilled fertility specialist, you can take practical steps to improve your chances. Remember, IVF is a journey and each step you take to optimise your health and treatment plan brings you closer to achieving your goal of parenthood.
Common Questions Asked
Can lifestyle changes really make a difference in IVF success?
Yes, small but consistent changes can improve outcomes. Managing stress, getting regular moderate exercise, eating a balanced diet and ensuring adequate sleep can positively affect hormone balance and reproductive health.
Does age affect the IVF success rate?
Yes, according to data collected, the average percentage of live births per egg retrieval was:
- Younger than 35: 46.7%
- Ages 35 to 37: 34.2%
- Ages 38 to 40: 21.6%
- Ages 41 to 42: 10.6%
- Ages 43 and up: 3.2%
How many IVF cycles are usually needed to succeed?
Success rates improve with multiple cycles. Many couples achieve pregnancy within three IVF cycles, especially when each cycle is optimised with proper testing, lifestyle adjustments and medical support.
What role does the timing of embryo transfer play?
The timing of embryo transfer is crucial. Transferring embryos too early or too late can reduce implantation chances. Your fertility specialist may recommend testing to determine the optimal window for your uterus.
Are there ways to improve embryo quality before transfer?
Yes. Optimising ovarian stimulation, using techniques like ICSI for male factor infertility, and considering preimplantation genetic testing can help select the healthiest embryos for transfer.
Can underlying medical conditions affect IVF even with healthy embryos?
Yes. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and polycystic ovary syndrome can affect implantation and pregnancy. Managing these conditions under medical supervision can improve success rates.
Is there a benefit to frozen embryo transfer over fresh transfer?
In some cases, frozen embryo transfers can be more successful. Freezing allows the uterus to recover from stimulation medications and may provide a more receptive environment for implantation.