Understanding The Reasons for Multiple IVF Failures

With  revolutionary advancements in assisted reproductive technology, IVF- in vitro fertilisation has given hope to millions of couples across the globe. However, IVF failures can be heartbreaking for some, and like any medical process, success isn’t guaranteed. Gaining insight into the fundamental causes can help lead to better results and preventative actions. This article delves into the several reasons for multiple IVF failures and looks at possible fixes.

Significant Reasons for IVF Failures

The following are a few significant factors that are generally considered the major reasons for multiple IVF failures:

1. Age: Women’s eggs decline in number and quality, as they get older. During IVF, there may be a lower likelihood of a successful embryo implantation due to this age-related loss in fertility.
2. Ovarian Response: A smaller number of eggs may be retrieved if certain women do not react to the ovulation-stimulating drugs as intended. This may make it less likely that a viable embryo will be obtained for transfer.
3. Embryo Quality: Not every embryo that is selected will necessarily be of the highest quality. Embryo viability may be impacted by chromosomal defects, aberrant cell division patterns, or other developmental problems and can result in failure.
4. Uterine Factors: An essential component in facilitating embryo implantation is the uterus. Unusual anatomical features, polyps, and uterine fibroids can all interfere with implantation and raise the risk of IVF failure.
5. Endometrial Receptivity: For a successful embryo to be implanted, the uterine lining, or endometrium, must be receptive. This sensitivity may be impacted by prior operations or hormonal abnormalities.
6. Sperm Quality: The likelihood of successful fertilisation can be decreased by problems related to sperm quality such as low sperm count, poor motility, or aberrant morphology.
7. Genetic Factors: Infertility or early embryo loss may be caused by genetic disorders in either partner. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is not always a perfect method, although it can occasionally detect certain problems.
8. Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and obesity can all affect the success of conception. As per experts, leading a better lifestyle might increase the success rate of IVF.
9. Prior Infections or Surgeries: Infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease or surgeries like appendectomies can cause adhesions or scar tissue to grow, which can affect the result of IVF cycle.
10. Technical and Laboratory Issues: Results can occasionally be impacted by outside variables associated with the IVF process itself, such as mistakes made in the handling or culture of the embryos or even the skill of the lab staff.

Measures to Prevent Multiple IVF Failures

According to the experts, timely assistance and proper treatment can prevent IVF failures. The following are a few general tips that you can keep in mind:

• Thorough Pre-IVF Assessment

A comprehensive assessment of both partners should be done before starting another IVF round. To detect any obstacles, this may involve hormone tests, uterus examinations, and genetic testing.

• PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies)

PGT-A is helpful for couples experiencing repeated IVF failures. Screening of embryos for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities increases likelihood of choosing a viable embryo for transfer increases, by enabling the.

• Evaluation of Endometrial Receptivity

By revealing the uterus’s ideal implantation window, technologies such as endometrial receptivity analysis can make sure embryo transfer occurs during this window.

• Modifications to Lifestyle

IVF success rates can be increased by leading healthy lifestyles that include a balanced diet, frequent exercise, stress management practices, and abstaining from unhealthy behaviours like smoking and binge drinking.

• Tailored Treatment Plans

Treatment procedures can be customised based on the unique obstacles faced by the couple and the results of their prior IVF cycles. This could entail modifying drug dosages, looking at substitute drugs, or using various IVF methods based on the couple’s requirements.

IVF Failures Symptoms

The following are a few factors that typically indicate failure of IVF cycles. If you have undergone IVF treatment and notice any odd signs, consult your fertility expert immediately for timely assistance. Although there isn’t a set of “symptoms” that specifically indicate IVF failure, there are certain signs that could point to this possibility, some of which are:

• Vaginal Bleeding: It is a common sign that indicates IVF failure. Also, it is typically mistaken as menstrual cycle because of the similar symptoms such as cramps in lower abdomen pelvais region, bloating, and pain in lower back. In addition, the flow of bleeding may vary from one person to another depending on their body.
• Negative Pregnancy Test: A negative pregnancy test is the most obvious indicator of an unsuccessful IVF cycle. If a pregnancy test results in a negative result after the allotted time after embryo transfer, it means that either implantation failed or the pregnancy did not proceed.
• Absence of Pregnancy Symptoms: Women frequently encounter early pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea, exhaustion, or changes in appetite during a successful IVF pregnancy. In the event that these signs are absent, IVF failure may be indicated.
• Beta-hCG Levels Not Increasing Suitably: Pregnancy causes the production of the hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It is normal procedure to use blood testing to track beta-hCG levels following IVF. These levels could indicate an ongoing or approaching IVF failure if they do not rise correctly.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that experiencing one unsuccessful IVF cycle doesn’t necessarily mean future failures are inevitable. Couples who encounter multiple IVF failures may find it emotionally taxing. However, the road can be travelled with renewed hope and a higher likelihood of success by figuring out the underlying causes and putting specific preventive measures in place. Innovative approaches and continuous research hold great potential for the advancement of reproductive medicine, guaranteeing couples receive optimal treatment and support throughout their journey towards fatherhood.  If you have experienced IVF failure and trying for a healthy pregnancy, consult our fertility expert today. You can either call us directly by dialling the above-given number, or you can book an appointment by filling in the details in the appointment form, our coordinator will call you back shortly to understand your query and will connect you with the best fertility expert at Birla Fertility & IVF.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Why do multiple IVF failures occur despite various attempts?

Hormonal imbalances, untreated lifestyle factors, embryo quality, underlying health conditions, and multiple IVF failures are some of the causes of these outcomes. To pinpoint particular causes, a comprehensive analysis is required.

• Are there alternative fertility treatments or approaches after experiencing multiple IVF failures?

Indeed, other procedures like donor egg IVF, gestational surrogacy, or investigating alternative fertility may be taken into consideration based on specific circumstances. For individualised advice, speaking with a fertility professional is essential.

• Can lifestyle changes improve the success of IVF after multiple failures?

Fertility can be positively impacted by leading a healthy lifestyle that includes frequent exercise, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress. However results vary, so it’s best to get tailored guidance from a fertility specialist.

• What role does preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) play in addressing repeated IVF failures?

By assisting in the identification of embryos with normal chromosomes, PGT can lower the risk of unsuccessful implantations. It is a useful choice for couples who are having repeated IVF failures because it provides information on the quality of the embryos and possible genetic problems.