IVF Failure: Treatment is possible
4 January 2024IVF Failure: Treatment is possible
Facing an unsuccessful IVF attempt can be an emotionally challenging experience for couples aspiring to conceive. The disappointment that follows might lead many to believe that further treatment or chances of success are not possible. At Bavishi Fertility Institute, we understand the depth of these emotions, but it’s crucial to dispel the myth that IVF failure signifies the end of the parenthood journey. In this blog, we aim to shed light on the possibilities and treatment options available even after an unsuccessful IVF attempt.
Understanding IVF Failure
IVF failure is defined as the lack of a successful pregnancy after a complete IVF cycle. Complete IVF cycle means using all available embryos from one egg collection in fresh and or frozen cycle. It’s essential for couples to recognize that IVF is a complex process with variable success rates. Factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and the specific cause of infertility can contribute to the outcome. It’s not uncommon for couples to face disappointment, but it’s equally important to stay informed and hopeful.
Causes of IVF failure
In Vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex process, and several factors can contribute to its failure. Here are some common reasons for IVF failure:
- Age of the Woman: Advanced maternal age is a significant factor in IVF success. As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decline, making it more challenging to achieve a successful pregnancy.
- Poor Egg Quality: The quality of eggs retrieved during the IVF process is crucial. If the eggs are of poor quality, they may not fertilize properly or implant successfully.
- Poor Sperm Quality: Male factor infertility, including poor sperm quality or low sperm count, can contribute to IVF failure. In some cases, using assisted reproductive techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may help overcome sperm-related issues.
- Embryo Quality: The quality of embryos transferred during IVF is crucial for success. If the embryos have chromosomal abnormalities or other developmental issues, they may fail to implant or result in early pregnancy loss.
- Uterine Factors: Uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids, polyps, or structural issues, can affect implantation. An abnormal uterine environment may prevent the embryo from attaching to the uterine lining.
- Endometrial Receptivity: The receptivity of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is critical for successful implantation. If the endometrium is not adequately prepared or is not receptive, implantation may fail.
- Ovarian Response: Variability in how a woman’s ovaries respond to fertility medications used in IVF can impact the number and quality of eggs retrieved. In some cases, women may have a poor response to ovarian stimulation.
- Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can negatively impact fertility and IVF success rates. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for optimal reproductive health.
- Implantation Failure: Even if fertilization is successful, the embryo must implant into the uterine lining for a pregnancy to occur. Factors such as embryo-endometrial synchronization and immune system issues can contribute to implantation failure.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic abnormalities in either the egg, sperm, or embryos can lead to IVF failure. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be used to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.
- IVF Lab Factors: IVF success depends on important things in the lab, like good embryo quality, how freezing affects them, the environment for growth, steady incubation, careful techniques, and keeping good quality control. The lab staff’s know-how and things specific to the patient, like how ovaries respond, also matter for IVF results.
IVF Failure evaluation
First step is to evaluate the Ivf cycle: We compare expected versus actual response of key performance indicators, KPIs. Example are number of eggs, mature egg percentage, fertilisation rate, embryo quality, et cetera. Depending on the area identified, we can consider treatment to address it.
- Less number of eggs: Possible treatment options are modifying stimulation protocol, ovarian rejuvenation, dual stimulation, long stimulation protocol, customised stimulation protocols.
- Poor fertilisation rate: Possible treatment options to improve fertilising capacity of Sperm PICSI,IMSI.
- Egg spindle view ICSI.
- Selecting the best embryo for transfer.
- PGT , blastocyst culture or AI based embryo selection.
Second step is to rule out maternal factors: Additional blood test maybe done to check, immunological factors or factors affecting clotting mechanisms or genetic factors. This is usually advised in patients of recurrent IVF failure.
Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy is evaluating uterus by help with a long thin scope. It is one of the few techniques which have consistently shown improvement in IVF Success ratio…..Read more
When IVF Fails, What’s Next?
Grieving After IVF Failure
Experiencing grief after a failed IVF cycle is entirely normal. It’s essential to acknowledge these emotions and give yourself the time and space to heal. Seeking emotional support from IVF support groups, friends, family, or professionals can play a crucial role in the recovery process.
Infertility Counselling
Professional counselling can provide valuable support during this challenging time. Infertility counsellors specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate the emotional toll of fertility treatments, offering coping strategies and guidance.
Bavishi Fertility Institute has years of experience in treating difficult cases means there is always hope! We always custom design highly individualised, personalised, and optimised ovarian stimulation, which can cause a big difference between results.
To get 100% all-around protection for patients of IVF failure, our unique ‘Suraksha Kavach Package’ offers and includes all advanced techniques as a standard.
IVF Support Group
Joining a support group with individuals who have experienced similar challenges can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences, insights, and encouragement within a supportive environment can be empowering.
Additional IVF Cycles
It’s important to recognize that a failed IVF cycle doesn’t mean the end of the parenthood journey. Many couples have achieved success after multiple attempts. Discussing your case with fertility experts can help determine the best course of action for additional cycles.
Many IVF clinics offer multiple cycle packages to increase the cumulative chance of successful pregnancy. This has a unique advantage of enabling clinics to understand your response and optimise approach in the next treatment cycle.
Banishing fertility institute offers Three cycle package and Suraksha Kavach package as part of our infertility treatment packages.
How Many Cycles of IVF Does the Average Person Need?
The number of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles needed for a successful pregnancy can vary widely from person to person. Success rates depend on various factors, including the woman’s age, overall health, the cause of infertility, and the fertility clinic’s expertise.
On average, many couples may achieve success within three IVF cycles, but some may require more attempts. Success rates tend to decline with age, so younger individuals may have higher success rates in fewer cycles. It’s important to note that IVF can be emotionally and physically demanding, and the decision to continue with additional cycles depends on individual circumstances and preferences.
You may check the realistic success ratio in your case by visiting CDC USA website.
Ultimately, the number of IVF cycles needed is a highly individualized aspect of fertility treatment, and consulting with a fertility specialist can provide personalized guidance based on specific circumstances.
Chances of Success in a Second IVF Cycle
The success of a second in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle depends on factors like diagnostic review, treatment plan adjustments, addressing specific issues, emotional and physical preparedness, age, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. While success can’t be guaranteed, consulting with a fertility specialist for personalized advice is crucial for informed decision-making.
Review with your doctor the reasons why IVF failed
Meeting with your fertility doctor for a detailed review after an unsuccessful IVF attempt is a really important step. During this discussion, you and your doctor work together to understand why the cycle didn’t succeed. This involves looking closely at the details of the failed cycle, figuring out any challenges, and deciding on a plan for the next steps.
Additional Options After Failed IVF
Natural Pregnancy After Failed IVF
After a failed IVF attempt, some couples may choose to take a break and attempt natural conception. This approach allows for a more relaxed and less invasive method of trying to conceive. It’s important to address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the IVF failure before attempting natural conception.
Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
PGS is a procedure that involves screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation during IVF. This can help increase the chances of a successful pregnancy by selecting embryos with normal chromosomal makeup. PGS is particularly beneficial for couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages or previous IVF failures.
IVF With Donor Eggs
If a woman’s eggs are of poor quality or quantity, using donor eggs from a younger, healthy donor may be an option. This can significantly improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. The woman undergoing IVF with donor eggs will carry the pregnancy and give birth, but the genetic material comes from the egg donor.
Gestational Surrogacy
In cases where the woman cannot carry a pregnancy or has repeated IVF failures, because of suspected uterine factor gestational surrogacy may be considered. A gestational surrogate, who may or may not be genetically related to the child, carries the pregnancy to term. The intended parents, usually the biological parents, can be involved in the pregnancy and childbirth process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, IVF failure does not mark the end of possibilities for couples dreaming of parenthood. At Bavishi Fertility Institute, we are committed to offering comprehensive support and exploring alternative avenues to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
By understanding the specific factors contributing to IVF failure and adopting a tailored approach to treatment, many couples can overcome setbacks and move closer to realizing their dreams of building a family. Remember, the journey may have its ups and downs, but with the right guidance and persistence, success is indeed possible.