Modern medical advancements such as Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures have provided a ray of hope to the infertile. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective ART techniques with high success rates but in some cases, couples may experience recurrent IVF failures which can lead to physical distress and emotional turmoil. In such cases, it is essential to seek the guidance of experienced IVF doctors in Siliguri who can determine the root causes behind the failures.
H2- What Is IVF?
IVF is an effective fertility treatment where the mature eggs and sperm are retrieved and then fertilized in a laboratory setting. After fertilization, the mature eggs or embryos are then placed in the uterus for further implantation and a successful pregnancy.
Given below are some of the probable reasons that can lead to recurrent IVF failure.
1. Poor Ovarian Response
One of the key causes of IVF failure is poor ovarian response, where your ovaries fail to respond properly towards the fertility drugs. As a result, ovarian stimulation doesn’t occur, which is also responsible for improper egg production. Poor ovarian response often limits the selection of a viable embryo for fertilization and implantation due to the retrieval of a low number of eggs.
2. Implantation Failure
A successful implantation is the most vital step to attain a healthy pregnancy and if you’re suffering from recurrent implantation failure then the entire IVF cycle will fail automatically. Some of the conditions that can contribute to implantation issues are poor embryo quality, genetic mutations, immunological alterations, and uterine malformations. The IVF doctors may recommend blastocyst culture, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), or laser-assisted hatching to enhance the chances of a successful implantation.
3. Unexplained Infertility
In some cases, despite having normal ovulation, good ovarian reserve, proper sperm quality, and no medical conditions, the IVF cycle may fail. This is mainly caused due to unexplained infertility where the main cause behind infertility hasn’t been detected during the fertility evaluation. Improved timing for intercourse and lifestyle improvements along with precise fertility treatments are essential to overcome this issue.
4. Poor Egg Quality
Another probable cause behind IVF failure is poor egg quality which can be associated with advanced maternal age, hormonal abnormalities, genetics, and environmental factors. Poor egg quality has a high risk of developing chromosomal abnormalities that can stop them from growing into healthy embryos and contribute to failed fertilization. Early miscarriage and recurrent implantation failure can also happen due to the presence of chromosomally abnormal embryos.
5. Male-Factor Infertility
Not only the female health and reproductive factors but IVF failure can also happen due to male-factor infertility. Some of such issues that can lead to improper embryo development and failed fertilization are abnormal sperm morphology, low sperm count, and poor sperm quality. A detailed semen analysis can be performed by the doctor to determine the main cause of male-factor infertility so that it can be treated accordingly.
6. Uterine Abnormalities
Recurrent IVF failures are not only responsible for physical impacts but can also be financially draining due to IVF doctors cost, medications, and diagnostic tests. Herein, uterine abnormalities can be considered as another factor which can cause an IVF failure. The presence of any adhesions or fibroids in the uterus can interfere hugely with the entire pregnancy development phase as it can lead to embryonic implantation failure.
7. Lifestyle Factors
The IVF outcomes can also be negatively impacted due to certain lifestyle factors including excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, smoking, substance use, and obesity. This is why IVF doctors in Siliguri always recommend indulging in a healthy diet, maintaining proper body weight, and stopping smoking a few months before undergoing the IVF cycle to maintain proper egg quality and hormonal balance.
8. Implantation Window
Transferring the mature embryo inside the uterus at the wrong time can lead to IVF failure. This is why it is always essential to determine the implantation window to eliminate the issue of transferring the embryo too early or late during the cycle. The doctor will always observe your endometrial receptivity window to transfer the egg at the perfect time and promote proper synchronization between the uterine lining and embryo.
9. Underlying Health Conditions
Another factor that can complicate the rates of IVF success is underlying health conditions experienced by the woman. Some of the disorders that can lead to IVF failure due to immunological reactions and hormonal imbalances are autoimmune disorders, PCOS, and endometriosis. In some cases, genetic disorders experienced by the man can also contribute to poorer sperm quality and cause an IVF failure.
The IVF doctors in Siliguri will recommend an in-depth evaluation of your medical conditions and infertility history to detect the causes. Some of the highly effective tests that the doctor can also perform to identify the exact reasons behind IVF failure are sperm DNA fragmentation test, uterine evaluation, PGT, and endometrial receptivity assay (ERA).