Multiple IVF Failures

Multiple IVF Failures

At New World Fertility Centre, we understand that undergoing multiple IVF cycles can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. IVF involves stimulating the growth of multiple eggs, which are then harvested and fertilized with sperm from your partner or a donor. The resulting embryos are evaluated for quality, and the healthiest embryo is selected for transfer to the uterus. While this is an ideal process, not every cycle results in a successful pregnancy, and some patients experience multiple IVF failures.

Defining Multiple IVF Failures

Repeated IVF failure is defined as having three or more unsuccessful IVF attempts despite using healthy embryos. This term encompasses both situations where pregnancy does not occur and cases where a pregnancy ends in an early miscarriage. Multiple IVF failures can be distressing and costly, and it’s important to understand the potential causes.

Causes of Multiple IVF Failures

Embryo Quality

Embryos that do not develop properly or fail to implant are often the result of undetected issues in preimplantation genetic screening. Healthy embryos are crucial for successful implantation and pregnancy.

Age of Eggs

Egg quality declines with age, which can lead to repeated IVF failures. Women over 35 face greater challenges, with implantation rates dropping from 45% in women under 35 to around 15% in those over 40.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases affect approximately 10% of the population, with women being particularly susceptible. Conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes can impact embryo implantation due to immune system issues.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Chromosomal abnormalities in embryos are common and increase with maternal age. Screening for these abnormalities before implantation can help identify potential issues.

Lifestyle Factors

Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and being underweight or overweight can negatively impact IVF success. Smoking, in particular, increases the risk of miscarriage and may require more IVF cycles to achieve conception.

Common Causes of Repeated IVF Failures

Poor Oocyte Quality: Age-related decline in oocyte quality can affect fertilization and embryo development.

Poor Sperm Quality: Low-quality sperm may struggle to fertilize the egg effectively.

Incorrect Embryo Selection: Choosing an abnormal embryo can lead to implantation failure.

Uterine Issues: Problems such as fibroids, polyps, or an abnormally shaped uterus can affect the success of embryo implantation.

Embryo Transfer Issues: Proper timing and placement during embryo transfer are crucial for success.

Next Steps After IVF Failure

Infertility Counselling: Provides emotional support and helps in coping with the stress of repeated IVF failures.

Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA): A biopsy to assess uterine receptivity for better timing of embryo transfer.

Uterine Evaluation/Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An evaluation to check the health of the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can reduce the risk of failure.

IVF Support Groups: Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can provide support and inspiration.

Additional IVF Cycles: Often necessary, as multiple cycles may be required to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Average Number of IVF Cycles

Dr. Apoorva Mishra, a fertility specialist at New World Fertility Centre, notes that on average, three IVF cycles are needed to conceive using your own eggs. Success depends on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, fallopian tube health, and lifestyle. Women under 35 generally have the highest success rates, while factors like smoking and being overweight can negatively impact the likelihood of success.

Visit New World Fertility Centre today and take the first step towards making your dream of having a child come true.

FAQ

1. What is considered multiple IVF failures?

Multiple IVF failures refer to three or more unsuccessful IVF attempts despite using healthy embryos. This includes situations where no pregnancy occurs and cases where a pregnancy ends in an early miscarriage.

2. What are common causes of multiple IVF failures?

Common causes include poor embryo quality, age-related decline in egg quality, autoimmune disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor nutrition.

3. How does embryo quality impact IVF success?

Embryos that fail to develop or implant are often due to undetected issues in preimplantation genetic screening. Healthy embryos are essential for successful implantation and pregnancy.

4. Does age affect IVF success?

Yes, the quality of eggs declines with age, making it more challenging to achieve a successful pregnancy. Women over 35 face lower implantation rates compared to younger women.

5. Can autoimmune disorders affect IVF outcomes?

Yes, autoimmune disorders can interfere with embryo implantation due to the immune system's response. Conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and lupus are known to impact IVF success.

6. How do chromosomal abnormalities affect IVF?

Chromosomal abnormalities in embryos are a common cause of IVF failure. Screening for these abnormalities before implantation can help identify potential issues and improve the chances of success.

7. What lifestyle factors can influence IVF success?

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and being significantly underweight or overweight can negatively impact IVF success. Lifestyle changes can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

8. What steps can be taken if IVF fails multiple times?

Options include undergoing infertility counselling, conducting an Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA) to determine optimal embryo transfer timing, performing a uterine evaluation or Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check uterine health, and connecting with IVF support groups for emotional support.

9. How many IVF cycles are typically needed to achieve a successful pregnancy?

On average, three IVF cycles are needed to conceive using your own eggs. Factors such as age, ovarian reserve, fallopian tube health, and lifestyle play significant roles in success rates.

10. Can lifestyle changes improve IVF success rates?

Yes, adopting a healthier lifestyle by quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and achieving a healthy weight can positively impact IVF success rates.