Why does IVF still fail despite having healthy embryos?
Several things can lead to IVF failure. Numerous implantation failures that take place a few days later are one of these causes. When the developing embryo is unable to ensconce itself within the uterine wall, a connection cannot form. Other causes include issues with the embryo’s growth or a high level of genetic variation. IVF failure can be upsetting and draining emotionally, regardless of the underlying cause.
In addition to the aforementioned causes, this article will go into great detail about the causes of IVF failure.
Table of Contents
What is IVF?
During IVF , mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab.Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. Approximately three weeks pass between IVF cycles. When these steps are divided into separate steps, the process can take longer.
Why Does IVF Fail With Good Embryos?
If you’re wondering why your In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles have been unsuccessful, you’re not alone. While many women believe they have a good chance of success, this is untrue. Only 40% of IVF-born live births occur in women under the age of 35. Nevertheless, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success. Read on to discover more.
Age of the Eggs
Egg quality and quantity decline as women age. It’s well known that women have less chance of becoming pregnant as they age due to this fact; however, a decline in egg quantity and particularly quality also affects the chances of a clinical pregnancy or live birth through IVF treatment.
Dr Gorgy, co-founder of The Fertility and Gynaecology Academy, and one of the UK’s most respected fertility consultants, says, “Women under 35 have the highest success rates for IVF, with 47% for clinical pregnancy and 38% for live birth, according to our success rates.”
Ovarian Response
Sometimes a woman’s ovaries don’t react to fertility drugs strongly enough to produce a lot of eggs. A woman may not produce enough eggs to result in a large number of embryos for screening and potential implantation, particularly if she is over 37 or has higher FSH levels. IVF failure is more likely to occur if this takes place. Your reproductive endocrinologist will assess what transpired and might alter your fertility medications for the upcoming IVF cycle.
Lifestyle Factors
Women must give up smoking for at least three months prior to beginning IVF treatment, according to many fertility clinics. Women who smoke are much more likely to miscarry than women who don’t smoke, and they require twice as many IVF cycles to become pregnant. IVF treatments are less likely to be successful in overweight or underweight women. The main thing is to keep your weight in check. If you are overweight, losing even just 10% of your body weight can have a positive impact on your ability to conceive.
Implantation Issues
It follows that the embryos did not successfully implant in the uterus. If there are uterine polyps, progesterone levels rise too quickly, the endometrial lining is too thin, or the uterus is infected, these conditions may all contribute to this. “It is not your fault if an embryo fails to implant,” Dr Gorgy says, “most of the time, implantation issues are beyond anyone’s control. We gather a comprehensive group of tests to check for the possible causes of implantation failure”.
Chromosomal Issues
The failure of IVF can be attributed to embryos with chromosomal abnormalities. This indicates that there is a piece of chromosomal DNA that is either missing, extra, or crooked in the embryo. IVF fails as a result of the body rejecting the embryo. Chromosomal anomalies may be inherited from one of the parents or may develop spontaneously during the early stages of embryonic division.
Dr Gorgy says, “The embryos of women over the age of 35 are the ones most likely to have chromosomal abnormalities. But don’t be deterred by this. We can test the embryos for all 23 pairs of chromosomes for any inherited chromosomal or gene abnormalities and replace only the normal embryos.”
According to the reproductive immunology theory, an embryo or fetus is rejected because the body’s immune system is overactive. It is possible that your immune cells are attacking the embryo if you have undergone IVF cycles but have been unable to become pregnant. If your immune system is acting in this way, reproductive immunology may be able to shed some light on why your IVF cycles have repeatedly failed and, if necessary, offer a treatment strategy.
How to Deal With IVF Failure?
The emotional toll IVF takes on a relationship is one of the most challenging aspects of the procedure. A full-time job could be required to complete the preparation, use fertility medications, monitor the endometrium, and attend regular appointments at the fertility clinic. Many people are left in a state of confusion when the cycle comes to an end. After all, life is so miserable without a child. Couples should spend time discussing their experiences and the loss they feel to cope with the emotional fallout. Maintaining time for yourself is equally important.
Focusing on the advantages is a good way to handle the emotional fallout following an unsuccessful IVF cycle. Developing a deeper connection with loved ones or gaining a better understanding of your body’s capabilities could be examples of this. You can try diverting your attention with something else, like a current hobby or a brand-new one. You might think about infertility counseling if you’re having trouble managing your emotions. But keep in mind that not everyone will have this choice.
It’s important to have support, so if you can’t get it from friends or family, think about contacting local fertility support groups. You’ll be able to deal with your suffering and feel more optimistic if you meet people going through similar things. Finding support from others can also be a healthy outlet for frustration and inspiration. But don’t go through this procedure by yourself! Your partner will be an excellent resource if you’re willing to talk to them.
Summary
If you have tried natural pregnancy methods without success, you might be considering IVF. A failed IVF cycle’s emotional effects can be just as severe as a miscarriage. The temptation to act hastily and without giving it enough thought might be strong. Some simply choose to stop using in vitro fertilization, while others jump right into a new cycle. Following an unsuccessful IVF cycle, neither of these choices is ideal.
