What to do after multiple failed IVF transfers?

After multiple failed IVF transfers, you can consider getting intrauterine insemination (IUI), getting a donor egg or sperm or surrogacy.

Why did my IVF fail with good embryos?

Your uterus may have pre-existing conditions that are resulting in IVF failures. If your uterus does not provide a nourishing environment for your embryos, it can cause IVF failure.

Is IVF a solution for multiple miscarriages?

If you have faced multiple miscarriages, then IVF may provide a good chance at conception. However, you can get screening or tests to rule out chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders.

Getting Pregnant After Multiple Failed IVF Attempts

In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) provides hope to many couples who are unable to conceive due to personal or medical reasons. With high success rates, IVF results in a healthy pregnancy. In IVF, your doctor will prescribe medication to stimulate the growth of your eggs and then collect them.

The process involves fertilising viable eggs with your partner’s sperm in a controlled lab setting. Embryos develop after successful fertilisation, and your doctor will transfer the most viable one to your uterus. IVF success depends on the implantation of the embryo in your uterus and developing into a healthy baby.

But what if you miscarry or there is no implantation? Although IVFs are successful, there are still some cases where there is no implantation. In some cases, genetic defects in your embryo may lead to miscarriage after implantation.

When the implantation does not result in a healthy pregnancy even after multiple tries, it is considered multiple IVF failures. However, available treatment options can help you achieve pregnancy.

What Is Multiple IVF Failure?

Multiple IVF failures are the unsuccessful attempts at IVF for more than three consecutive times, even after transferring the healthiest embryos. This term applies to both situations when there is no implantation, or you miscarry in the early stage of pregnancy.

There are many reasons for multiple IVF failures, and it does not necessarily mean something is wrong with you. Let’s look at some of these problems below:

Chromosomal problems: One of the reasons for multiple IVF failures is the abnormal chromosomes in your embryo. This results in miscarriage and is also possible during natural conception.

When you and your partner are above 35 years old, the risk of developing chromosomal abnormalities increases. To rule out any chromosomal problems, you can get a preimplantation screening or genetic testing from your doctor. You can get this test before you proceed with the embryo implantation. Some couples skip this test, leading to failed IVF attempts.

Embryo quality: Sometimes, embryos stop developing even if preimplantation screening did not detect any issues. The embryo does not implant when it is unhealthy, and you may not get pregnant. Selecting a poor-quality embryo for implantation will also result in IVF failure, as it gets rejected by your uterus.
Egg quality: If you are above 35 years old, the risk of multiple IVF failures increases. It is difficult for your doctor to retrieve viable eggs from you at this age. Low-quality eggs will not form a healthy embryo, causing implantation issues.
Sperm quality: Your partner’s sperm quality is crucial in developing a healthy embryo. With advancing age, the sperm quality decreases and so does its ability to penetrate the egg during fertilisation. The morphology of sperm is equally important so that you can avoid an IVF failure.
Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, lupus, or thyroiditis affect a significant number of women. Your antibodies will prevent the implantation of an embryo in your uterus. This may also result in multiple IVF failures.
Uterus issues: If you have endometrial lining issues in the uterus, you are likely to face IVF issues. IVF failure also increases when you have uterine polyps, fibroids, an abnormal cervix or an abnormal uterus shape.

Lifestyle choices: Successful embryo implantation depends on your lifestyle choices as well, even in natural conception. Smoking, drinking, a poor nutritional diet and unhealthy weight during your IVF process increase your miscarriage chances.

How to Treat Multiple IVF Failures?

The IVF process is physically demanding, but repeated failure can affect you and your partner emotionally. However, do not lose hope yet because, with available treatments, you can still get pregnant.

Before you start treatment, determining the specific reason for your multiple IVF failures will help you succeed. Your doctor can suggest various tests to find out the reason.

Genetic tests

If you are facing IVF failures, your doctor may suggest that you get preimplantation genetic screening. It assesses the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in both eggs and sperm.

With the help of this test, your doctor can check embryos before transferring them to your uterus. This way, only a healthy embryo will get a chance at implantation, allowing you to conceive.

Uterus evaluation

Your uterus may have underlying issues, resulting in multiple IVF failures. A hysterosalpinogram (HSG) helps your doctor detect issues in the uterus and fallopian tubes.

For issues with your fallopian tubes or uterus, further treatment is necessary before moving on with IVF. Your doctor may also suggest an Endometrial Receptor Assay (ERA) to review the uterine lining for genetic expressions. This helps a specialist to find the best day for your embryo implantation.

Examining sperm quality

Your partner’s sperm quality is an equally important factor in achieving a successful pregnancy. A low sperm count, poor motility or abnormal morphology can cause issues during fertilisation. Testing the sperm quality before proceeding with fertilisation will ensure successful IVF.

Consider a donor or surrogacy

For issues with your eggs or your partner’s sperm, a donor may help you achieve pregnancy. You can either get healthy, viable eggs or sperm from a donor.

Gestational surrogacy is also an option if you are not able to carry the pregnancy due to a uterus or autoimmune issues. Your embryos will be transferred to a healthy surrogate for a full-term pregnancy. However, consult with your doctor and understand the consequences before considering a donor or surrogacy.

Lifestyle changes

Multiple IVF failures can result from lifestyle choices when other tests are normal. Consider a nutrition-rich diet, supplements in case of deficiencies, and staying active unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Getting enough sleep and keeping stress low is also very crucial for a healthy lifestyle.

Support groups and a second opinion

Facing multiple IVF failures can make you emotionally vulnerable. You can consider counselling or connect with others who have also faced multiple IVF failures. Hearing success stories can fill you with positivity and help you prepare for your next IVF sessions.

Also, getting a second opinion can be worth the effort to gain a fresh perspective on the reasons for IVF failure. Once you fully understand the reasons, you can start your treatments.

IVF is very helpful for couples trying to get pregnant but need assistance due to certain reasons. However, repeated failures can feel disheartening. Understanding the exact reasons will help you in getting the right treatment. With many treatment options, your chances of getting pregnant will not diminish.