Babies are a blessing every couple wishes. However, from the time of planning for a baby to the time of its conception, couples are constantly worried and concerned. When a couple starts planning a baby, and if due to any problem in either male or female reproductive system, they are not able to conceive naturally, therefore, this leads to infertility. And when it comes to infertility treatments, every couple or individual takes a different road while dealing with a failed IVF. There are various options for treating failed IVF cycles, ranging from another IVF cycle to third-party reproductive help to adoption keeping in mind that these treatment options depend on the cause of infertility.
Why IVF Fails
IVF can fail due to any known or unknown factors. However, the most common reason due to which IVF fails is IVF chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos. This indicates that chromosomal DNA is missing, excess, or irregular in the embryo. The embryo is then rejected by the body, resulting in IVF failure.
Reasons Behind IVF Failure
- Quality and quantity of eggs
For successful embryo implantation, the quality and quantity of eggs should be very good.
As women approach their late 30s, their eggs start to diminish in both quantity and quality. There are embryos that may look good in the lab before the transfer, but due to some environmental conditions in the uterus, it affects the chances of conception. For example, the embryo growth may be dropped or stopped due to some genetic defect. In many known cases, the uterus does not allow you to conceive a baby.
- Age of the eggs
The right age of the eggs is more important than the woman’s age. As a woman gets older, her ovarian reserve begins to deteriorate, making it difficult to conceive. In addition, trying for a baby at the right time is essential because a woman, after a period of failed IVF, is heartbroken and starts to lose her self-confidence which may affect her next attempt of the IVF cycle.
- Abnormal sperms
Though the chances of failure due to abnormal sperm are meager as the sperm does not just bump into the egg during fertilisation. The process of fertilisation is quite complex. The conception is successful if and when the tail of the sperm is able to propel through the female reproductive and pairs it well with the egg.
- Failure in embryo implantation
An embryo failure might be caused by one of two factors.
- The first factor is that the embryo’s environment in the uterus wasn’t sufficient to maintain it, and endometrium or scar tissue might all be at blame.
- The second factor of embryo failure would be detecting chromosomal defects in the embryo. Therefore, it is recommended for women over 35 to get examined for chromosomal defective eggs.
- Impact of lifestyle
Smoking has a direct influence on the outcome of IVF procedures. Couples who are planning to conceive are always recommended by their doctors to stop smoking at least three months before trying for a baby. As smoking may increase the chances of miscarriage, genetic defects premature delivery of the baby. Women who are underweight or overweight may also have a risk of IVF failure.
- Number of follicles
IVF may even terminate at an early stage i.e., way before the eggs are taken from the female. However, IVF cannot begin if the stimulation fails to produce enough follicles for egg production.
- Chromosomal issues
Chromosomal abnormalities can cause miscarriages and unsuccessful IVF cycles. Chromosomal abnormalities in women begin to increase in their 30s, and there are chromosomal errors in sperms as well, although they occur at a far slower rate than in women’s eggs. Following a series of failed IVF treatments, your fertility specialist may suggest genetic testing for the next IVF cycle as it aids in determining the correct quantity of chromones.
Causes/Reasons of repeated IVF failures
Uterine abnormalities – This is one of the most common reasons that can result in a failed IVF cycle. Endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, uterine adhesions, septum uterus, and endometrial polyps are all common causes of recurrent IVF failures.
IVF Failure Symptoms
The majority of women who experience IVF failure have no symptoms, but some women may experience the following symptoms:-
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pelvic discomfort
- Menstrual cramps
- Obstruction of the bowels
- History of ectopic pregnancy
What to do After IVF Failure?
After an IVF failure, certain to-do things should be done as a couple to help deal with and heal.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is important as it helps to diagnose if there are any abnormalities or defects in the bay that may have resulted in IVF failure. This test is generally recommended when the couple might have suffered multiple miscarriages or suffered an ectopic pregnancy.
Seek Emotional Support
No couple wants to go through IVF, and having a failed IVF seems like an excessive weight that has been dropped on their shoulders. Couples who have suffered from a failed IVF should visit and consult with a therapist to talk their hearts out, explain what they are feeling, and seek motivation and support.
Give Yourself the Space You Deserve
We know its difficult to cope with failed IVF, but you cannot give up no matter what. So, before planning to go for another attempt take a break. Give yourself the time and space you definitely need to heal. Stressing over failed IVF will not help, in fact it will disturb your hormone levels more.
Conclusion
An unsuccessful IVF cycle isn’t the end of the road. IVF cycles are required by the majority of couples and individuals. Furthermore, there are other alternative options. With a number of cutting-edge programmes offering egg donation, surrogacy, and the newest reproductive technology from across the world, our expert staff at ELITE IVF is here to help you navigate through every step of your fertility journey. It is possible to have the baby of your dreams after a failed IVF attempt. Please contact us right away. We can make your baby’s dreams come true if we work together.
An unsuccessful IVF cycle or failed IVF cycle isnt the end of the road. With the help of cutting-edge technology and world-class fertility services now available can help you in this fertility journey.
If you are still struggling to cope with the failed IVF cycle and need a second opinion, consult with Dr. Prachi Benara at Birla Fertility & IVF.
FAQs:
- What happens to embryos after failed IVF?
If the embryo does not implant it leads to iVF failure and the embryo stops growing and the cells die and start to reabsorb.
- When do you get a period after failed IVF?
If you’ve had a failed IVF, your period will begin on your regular period date or within 5-7 days of when it should have begun.
- Why does ivf fail with good embryos?
The most known cause of IVF failure even with good embryos is when the lining of the uterus is not ready for implantation.
- What could be the most common reason for IVF failure?
Low embryo quality owing to poor egg quality is the most prevalent reason for IVF failure at all ages.
- After a failed IVF, how long should I wait?
It is suggested to wait at least 5-6 weeks after a failed IVF before trying again or as directed by the doctor.
- How many cycles of IVF can be done?
Because every woman’s body is different, the number of cycles should be decided following a thorough medical examination.
