Why Multiple IVF Failures Happen: Insights from Dr. Shruti Ghate, Lotus IVF

7/25/2024 10:07:00 AM   Lotus IVF Team   

Multiple IVF failures can be really challenging. Several factors might be at play: embryo quality, uterine environment, hormonal balance, genetic issues, and lifestyle. Your fertility specialist can help assess these areas and make adjustments to improve your chances. Additionally, exploring alternative approaches like acupuncture or dietary changes might be worth considering. Don’t forget the importance of emotional support during this time—counseling or support groups can offer valuable help.

The reasons for repeated IVF failures include:

• Embryo Quality:

  poor embryo quality can contribute to multiple IVF failures. It affects implantation and pregnancy success. Evaluating and addressing embryo quality with your fertility specialist is crucial.

• Uterine Environment:

  Issues like an unhealthy uterine lining or the presence of fibroid or polyps can lead to multiple IVF failures. It's important to evaluate and address these factors with your fertility specialist.

• Hormonal Imbalances:

  Proper hormonal balance is crucial for embryo implantation and pregnancy. Working with your fertility specialist to address any hormonal issues can improve your chances.

• Genetic Issues:

  Affecting embryo implantation and development. Testing for these issues with your fertility specialist can help.

• Lifestyle Issues:

  Some factors like stress, diet, and overall health can impact IVF success. Improving these factors may help increase your chances of success.

When an IVF (in vitro fertilization) cycle fails, it's a challenging and emotional time.

Here’s a general outline of what often happens next:

• Follow-Up Appointment: Meet with your fertility specialist to review the IVF cycle’s outcome, discuss any issues, and explore potential reasons for the failure. 

• Emotional Support:

  Many find it helpful to seek counseling or join support groups to cope with the emotional impact of a failed IVF cycle.

• Medical Review:

  Your doctor may suggest tests to investigate why the IVF failed, such as checking implantation, egg and sperm quality, or uterine lining.

• Treatment Plan:

  Based on the findings, your fertility specialist will discuss potential next steps. This might involve modifying your treatment plan, such as changing medications or trying a different protocol.

• Considerations for Future Cycles:

  You might decide to try another IVF cycle. The specialist will help tailor the approach to address any issues encountered previously.

• Alternative Options:

  If IVF continues to be unsuccessful, you might explore other options like egg/sperm donation, embryo adoption, or considering gestational surrogacy.

• Rest and Recovery:

  Sometimes, it’s beneficial to take a break before starting another cycle to allow yourself and your body to recover.

After an IVF failure, several tests may be conducted to identify potential issues:

• Hormone Tests:

  Evaluate levels of progesterone, estradiol, and thyroid hormones.

• Hysteroscopy:

  Inspect the uterine cavity for abnormalities like polyps, fibroids, or other issues.

• Sonohysterography:

  Use saline and ultrasound to assess the uterine lining and detect structural problems.

• Endometrial Biopsy:

  Examine the uterine lining to check for implantation-related issues.

• Genetic Testing:

  Analyze embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic conditions that could affect implantation or pregnancy.

• Semen Analysis:

  Assess sperm quality, count, motility, and morphology.

• Egg Quality Assessment:

  Evaluate egg quality and ovarian reserve, sometimes through tests like AMH levels.

• Immunological Tests:

  Check for autoimmune disorders that might impact embryo implantation.

The number of IVF cycles needed for success can be influenced by several factors:

The number of IVF cycles required varies widely based on several factors. Younger women generally need fewer cycles due to better egg quality, while older women may require more. Key factors include age, fertility diagnoses like male factor infertility or uterine abnormalities, embryo quality, and individual responses to treatment protocols. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or obesity, and health conditions also play a role. While many achieve success within 2 to 3 cycles, some may need more due to these factors, making ongoing consultation with a fertility specialist crucial for optimizing treatment.

Navigating the Path to Parenthood with LOTUS IVF

At Lotus IVF, we offer personalized solutions for overcoming IVF challenges. Our process includes thorough assessments and advanced diagnostics, such as Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT), to select the best embryos. We provide tailored treatment plans, lifestyle guidance, and emotional counseling to support you throughout the journey. Our commitment to continual monitoring and refined laboratory techniques aims to enhance your chances of success.