What leads to IVF treatment failures?

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, stands out as a widely recognized method that helps couples globally achieve their dream of parenthood. The common inquiry, "What leads to IVF failures?" often arises as we come across numerous success stories associated with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) shared by acquaintances, family, or online. Conversely, failed IVF attempts are rarely talked about, mostly because it's emotionally challenging when hoping to become parents. This blog post aims to confront the social taboo and explore potential reasons for the potential lack of success in IVF.

IVF treatments may face difficulties for various reasons. Here are some common factors contributing to the lack of success in an IVF cycle.

After a single round of IVF and Embryo Transfer, the pregnancy rate could potentially reach 60%. However, even in more efficient facilities, some couples face recurrent IVF failures. Reasons for recurrent implantation failure (RIF) can range from diminished endometrial receptivity to embryonic abnormalities or other contributing factors. Conditions like a thin endometrium, altered expression of adhesive molecules, and immunological factors may compromise endometrial receptivity. Conversely, genetic disorders in either the male or female, as well as sperm defects, are among the embryonic causes that can result in implantation failure.

Embryo Quality

The primary cause of an IVF failure is the quality of the embryo. In the laboratory setting of IVF therapy, the male sperm and female eggs unite to form an embryo. However, many embryos have flaws that prevent them from successfully implanting in the uterus after transfer. Even seemingly healthy embryos in the lab might have growth-blocking abnormalities.

Ovarian Response

In some women, fertility drugs may not stimulate the ovaries as effectively as expected, resulting in insufficient egg production. This inadequacy may lead to a scarcity of embryos for screening and eventual implantation, especially for women over 37 or with elevated FSH levels. Such instances increase the likelihood of IVF failure. To address this, your reproductive endocrinologist may modify the fertility drug regimen for the subsequent IVF cycle.

Implantation Issues

This refers to the unsuccessful attachment of embryos to the uterus. Causes include a thin endometrial lining, uterine polyps, premature rise in progesterone levels, or uterine infections. Implantation problems are typically beyond one's control.

Female Age

An aging woman's ovarian reserve reduces the number and quality of her eggs. IVF success rates are impacted by this reduction, since just 25% of transplanted embryos result in live births. This is heavily influenced by the age of the woman's eggs, with women under 35 having an implantation rate of about 45% and women between 40 and 42 having an implantation rate of about 15%.

Quality of Sperm

Sperm quality is as crucial as egg quality. Poor sperm quality can hinder fertilization or produce low-quality embryos that fail to implant or do not develop. Sperm must be mobile, abundant, and of high quality, with "sperm motility" referring to the tail's ability to propel itself to the female egg. Both sperm and egg receptors enhance their interaction, leading to fertilization.

Chromosomal and Genetic Causes

Embryos with chromosomal abnormalities can lead to IVF failure as the body may reject them. These abnormalities may occur during early embryonic division or be inherited. Older women are more likely to have eggs with genetic abnormalities, contributing to lower IVF success rates.

Selection of Embryos

Embryologists play a crucial role in choosing embryos for transfer, but distinguishing chromosomally normal from defective embryos remains challenging. IVF success heavily relies on embryologists' expertise and methods.

Issues with Embryo Transfer

The delicate, non-surgical process of embryo transfer can significantly impact IVF success. Precise placement of embryos within the uterus is crucial, and determining the optimal implantation spot may be challenging without a trial transfer.

IVF Lab Factors

IVF labs maintain precisely regulated conditions mimicking the female reproductive system. Strict control of oxygen, carbon dioxide, PH levels, and other variables is essential. Even slight deviations in these levels can alter the environment, leading to embryo demise and preventing fertilization.

Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during IVF can enhance conception chances. Practices such as maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, and regular exercise contribute positively to the IVF process.

How to prevent IVF failure?

Maintaining a healthy body mass index and engaging in regular exercise are essential for higher treatment success rates. Being underweight (BMI ≤ 19) or overweight (BMI > 35) may reduce the chance of implant success. When a person's BMI is high, even a small weight loss may improve fertility and the health of the fetus.

Reducing stress during an IVF cycle might be difficult. Regular yoga and meditation practice can help you feel refreshed and prepare your mind for a healthy pregnancy.

Ensure that the mother is getting the 7-8 hours of good sleep that are suggested to promote a healthy pregnancy through the restorative properties of nature.

According to some research, taking supplements including vitamin D, CoQ10, and DHEA may improve the outcomes of in vitro fertilization treatments.

Conclusion

Even with the aforementioned difficulties, in vitro fertilization is still quite successful. At Vriksh Fertility, our embryologists work constantly to optimize the conditions that gametes and embryos are exposed to. They keep up with the latest research and make the required modifications to our lab. They also conduct daily quality control and assessment procedures to guarantee that our equipment is always running as efficiently as possible. Our physicians and embryologists would be happy to help if you have additional queries.