Failed IVF Cycles: Reasons Behind The Heartbreaking Miss, Preventive Steps, And More

Failed IVF Cycles: 4 Reasons Behind The Miss

As per Dr Banerjee, IVF failures can be caused by various factors. While these problems can be very heart-wrenching, identifying the underlying cause with the help of an expert can give directions for future planning, keeping hope for a successful pregnancy alive.

The causative reasons behind failed IVF cycles can be:

1) RIF (Repeated Implantation Failure)

In RIF, the embryo cannot stick to the uterine lining within a few days and does not continue to develop.

2) Genetic Abnormalities

Growth or genetic abnormalities in the embryo can result in a futile egg implantation.

3) Low-quality eggs and embryos

This is one of the most common reasons for IVF failure. With increasing age, particularly beyond 35, the eggs lose their quality, reducing the chances of implantation. In addition, even if an embryo is normal on testing in the lab, it may be deficient in the proper genetic potential to sustain its growth.

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4) Sperm Defects

While male infertility problems are less often the reason for failure, these too must be assessed before undergoing IVF. Sperm defects, such as DNA damage, can also result in failed IVF attempts. At times, even with regular semen analysis, men carry defective sperm DNA, and this results in chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos.

6 Steps to Take To Prevent Further Failed IVF Cycles

Following a failed IVF cycle, there are several steps that can be taken to increase the likelihood of success in the subsequent attempt, says Dr Banerjee.

1) Address Underlying Conditions

Any underlying conditions, such as fibroids, polyps, or hormonal imbalances that could interfere with implantation need to be addressed. Hysteroscopy can be used to eliminate these and enhance the uterine conditions, increasing the chances of success. An ovarian stimulation protocol ensures the best egg quality, which is essential for fertilization.

2) Remove Male Infertility Factor

If there is a male infertility factor involved, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can improve the likelihood of successful fertilization. Immune therapy with Intralipids or intravenous IVIG may also aid in eliminating any immune-based issues that might be causing problems with implantation.

3) Ensuring Healthy Embryos

The use of Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Blastocyst Transfer can identify genetically fit embryos, minimizing the risk of miscarriage. Endometrial Receptive Array (ERA) testing can determine the optimal time for embryo transfer to enhance prospects. A karyotype test is a must to identify any chromosomal defect that might be influencing embryo growth or implantation, particularly in repeated failure.

4) Evaluating the Uterus

A 3D ultrasound scan of the pelvis may be helpful in the evaluation of your uterus, detection of any anatomical defects like fibroids or polyps, and determination of the endometrial lining, all of which are important for successful implantation. In addition, a thrombophilia profile should be ordered to determine if any clotting disorders could lead to implantation failure or miscarriage so that specific treatment can be implemented.

5) Hormonal Balance Checks

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and prolactin levels should be tested to verify that there is adequate hormonal balance, as thyroid disease or hyperprolactinemia can affect fertility and the capacity to carry a pregnancy.

6) Lifestyle Changes

Proper diet, weight and stress management, emotional strength, counseling, support groups, and honest communication with partners can enable coping with the emotional strain of IVF failure.

"By addressing these factors, doctors can tailor the treatment approach to optimize conditions for the next IVF cycle, providing a more individualized and potentially more effective outcome. Though IVF results appear to be based on chance, scientific advancement and proactive life adjustments can substantially improve the odds of success," wraps up Dr Kaberi Banerjee.

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