In vitro fertilization, in short, IVF provides hope for many couples around the world who are facing infertility issues. While this Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) has enabled countless individuals to realize their dreams of becoming parents, it does not ensure success for everyone. It is, therefore, important that couples understand the potential causes of IVF failure so that they can prepare and work closely with their fertility specialists to optimize their chances of success. In this article, we strive to explore the common causes of IVF failure and offer insights into how these challenges can be addressed.

#1: Quality of Embryo

For successful outcomes through the IVF process, embryo quality is of utmost importance. This is because high-quality embryos are more likely to implant and result in a successful pregnancy. However, several factors can affect embryo quality. They include:

Genetic Abnormalities: Embryos with chromosomal abnormalities are less likely to implant and develop into healthy pregnancies. These abnormalities can occur naturally and increase with maternal age.

Developmental Issues: Embryos that do not develop at the expected rate or exhibit irregular cell division are less likely to result in a successful pregnancy.

Laboratory Conditions: The conditions in the laboratory under which embryo culturing is done can also impact its quality. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully control factors such as temperature, humidity, and culture media.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), a technique employed during IVF, helps evaluate embryos and identify genetically normal embryos before transfer to the uterus. This increases the chances of success.

#2: Uterine Receptivity

The uterus must be receptive for an embryo to implant successfully. Some of the factors influencing uterine receptivity are:

Endometrial Thickness: An optimal endometrial lining thickness (typically 8 to 14 mm) is essential for implantation. A lining that is too thin or too thick hinders implantation.

Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances can affect the development and receptivity of the endometrial lining. Proper hormonal support is crucial during the IVF cycle.

Uterine Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps, or scar tissue can interfere with implantation. These issues may need to be addressed surgically before attempting IVF.

Endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA), a test used to measure certain endometrium characteristics, helps determine the optimal timing for embryo transfer and enhances the chances of successful implantation.

#3: Quality of Sperm

The quality of sperm plays a crucial role in fertilisation and the development of the embryo. Poor sperm quality listed below can lead to IVF failure:

Low Sperm Count: A low number of sperm reduces the likelihood of successful fertilisation.

Poor Sperm Motility: The sperm must be able to swim effectively to reach and fertilise the egg.

Morphological Defects: Abnormal sperm shape can impair the ability to fertilise an egg and result in poor embryo quality.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an IVF procedure wherein a single sperm cell is directly injected into an egg’s cytoplasm. This helps to overcome some sperm quality issues and improve fertilization rates.

#4: Age and Ovarian Reserve

A woman’s age and ovarian reserve significantly impact the success of the IVF procedure. As women age, the quantity and quality of their eggs decline, leading to a reduction in success rates. The major factors that need to be considered are:

Age-Related Decline: Women over the age of 35 may experience reduced fertility and higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities in their eggs.

Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A lower number of available eggs can limit the success of IVF cycles. This can be assessed through tests such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC).

Egg donation is an option that women with significantly diminished ovarian reserve or age-related fertility decline can consider to overcome the problems. This helps to improve IVF success rates.

#5: Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices and overall health also influence the outcome of the IVF procedure. Factors that can negatively impact IVF success include:

Smoking: Smoking can reduce fertility, impair egg and sperm quality, and negatively affect the uterine environment.

Obesity: Excess weight can lead to hormonal imbalances, lower egg quality, and complications during pregnancy.

Stress: High levels of stress can impact hormonal balance and overall reproductive health.

Therefore, it is best to adopt a healthy lifestyle by following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding harmful substances to enhance IVF success.

IVF failure can be attributed to a number of factors, including embryo quality, uterine receptivity, sperm quality, age, ovarian reserve, and lifestyle choices. By understanding these causes and working closely with a fertility specialist, couples can take proactive steps to address these challenges and improve their chances of success.

Aanvi Fertility and Women’s Center

Are you suffering from fertility issues? Are you looking for comprehensive solutions to achieve your parenthood dream? Call Aanvi Fertility and Women’s Center in Tilaknagar, the best clinic for IVF treatment, today and schedule an appointment. With a team of IVF specialists, state-of-the-art facilities, and compassionate care, Aanvi can help you overcome your fertility issues and make your dream come true.