Multiple IVF failures can devastate intending parents and their families. It can unleash an overwhelming flood of emotions as they see the only hope of starting a family repeatedly crashing. However, it must be noted that IVF failures can happen even when the best fertility specialists are handling the case.
Some of the common reasons for multiple IVF failures are:
Quality of the Embryo
This is one of the most common reasons for a failed IVF cycle. Despite looking good in the lab, many embryos may not be able to implant after it’s transferred to the uterus. Even a minute flaw can cause them to die. It is wrong to pin the blame on the uterus. The embryo simply cannot implant because it’s not healthy enough.
Quality of the Sperm
Unfertilized eggs can lead to IVF failures, and one of the main reasons is abnormalities in the sperm. Choosing the best quality of sperm is vital for the success of an IVF procedure. When the best quality sperms are selected, the chances of reaching the egg and releasing its genetic material to produce an embryo are high. At times, even good-quality sperms may not result in a successful IVR if they lack the enzymes needed to break through the egg’s outer shell and fertilize it.
Response of the Ovaries
Some ovaries may not respond positively to fertility procedures. This results in the failure to produce multiple eggs. If a woman is on the wrong side of 35 or has higher Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, she may not produce enough eggs. When a good number of embryos are not available for screening and implantation, it results in IVF failure.
Chromosomal Abnormalities
This is also one of the key reasons for IVF failure and holds true even for naturally conceived embryos. The instances of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs are high in women in their late 30s, and the problems aggravate as they become older. Men’s sperm also develop these abnormalities as they age. However, they happen at a lower rate than women’s eggs.
Lifestyle Factors
Women undergoing fertility treatment must have a disciplined lifestyle. Doctors recommend that they maintain a steady and healthy body weight. This may entail making drastic changes to lifestyle habits. Women who smoke must stop doing so at least three months before the IVF treatment begins. Those who do may need double the number of IVF cycles to conceive. Also, women who smoke are more likely to suffer a miscarriage than women who don’t.
General Health Issues
The couple must have no significant health issues to improve the chances of success of IVF. It is equally important that they stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs at least three months before the treatment begins. Poor management of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can also lead to complications during the implantation stage and pregnancy. Some autoimmune disorders can also result in miscarriages.
Dr. Nandita P Palshetkar is a leading Mumbai-based fertility specialist with unmatched medical expertise in the field of IVF treatment. She treats her patients using the latest technology available in IVF, resulting in a high rate of success.
