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People around you may focus on the positive outcomes, making it harder to talk about the challenges and emotions that come with IVF failure.
In India, IVF has high success rates, and many people use it to conceive. However, not everyone succeeds on their first attempt. A failed IVF can happen for several reasons, such as embryo quality, age, lifestyle, or hormonal imbalances. If this happens, it doesn’t mean the end of your journey. Speaking to your healthcare expert can help you understand what went wrong and guide you on your next steps.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): An Overview
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a medical procedure used to help infertile couples conceive. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. The process involves collecting mature eggs from the ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory. Once fertilised, the resulting embryo is then placed in the uterus to develop.IVF is an advanced assisted reproduction technique that can use either a couple's gametes or donors. Sometimes, a gestational carrier is also used. IVF is generally successful, but it doesn’t always work and repeated failure to implant, issues with embryonic development, or genetic problems can lead to disappointment.
These challenges can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it's important to have personalised support and care throughout the process.
Causes of IVF Failure
IVF may become a source of hope for couples with infertility, yet there are varied factors that might affect its outcome, especially in recurrent IVF failure. Common causes of IVF failure include:Age factor
As you get older, both the number and quality of your eggs naturally decline, which can make it harder to conceive. If you are over 35, your chances of success with IVF are at their highest, with a 47% clinical pregnancy rate. As age increases, these rates tend to drop, which is why early intervention can make a big difference in your fertility journey.Embryo quality
High-quality embryos are a key factor in the success of IVF. While appearing healthy in the lab, they might fail to implant due to concealed flaws. Scoring and advanced time-lapse cameras, also known as embryoscopy, help IVF labs monitor embryonic growth and select the most suitable candidates for transfer.Ovarian response
To help your eggs grow, daily injections of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are usually given. However, if you have a reduced ovarian reserve, your body may not respond as well to the medication. This can result in fewer eggs being produced and may lower your chances of success with IVF.Lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle can help improve your chances of IVF success. Not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are all important steps that can boost your fertility and support a positive outcome from treatment.Implantation issues
Non-implantation can happen due to factors like a uterine infection, a thin endometrium, or uterine polyps. These issues are usually beyond your control, but they can often be identified and managed through proper diagnostic tests and medical support.Immunological issues
Reproductive immunology suggests that if your immune system overreacts, it may reject the embryo, leading to IVF failure. If this is suspected, specific tests can be done, and treatment options are available to help manage the issue.Chromosomal abnormalities
The body may reject chromosomally defective embryos, leading to failure with IVF. These are either inherited or occur during embryonic development. These conditions are detectable through genetic screening and help make an informed decision regarding treatment.Symptoms of IVF Failure
Knowing the signs of a failed IVF can help you to take the appropriate next steps. Even if some of them are not always felt, they can still be recognised in order to have proper expectations and receive the appropriate support.No symptoms
Sometimes, not having any symptoms might make you think that IVF has failed, but that’s not always the case. Some women experience no noticeable symptoms even during a successful pregnancy. So, you can’t rely on the presence or absence of symptoms to know the outcome for sure.Spotting or bleeding
Light bleeding or spotting during your waiting period is also an indication of either implantation failure or menstruation onset. A day or two earlier spotting is likely to be confused with implantation bleeding. However, if the bleeding becomes heavier, it could mean that the IVF hasn’t worked and your period has begun.Cramping
Recurring cramping, like menstrual cramping, is another potential symptom of implantation failure. Although a bit of cramping is normal as the uterus is adapting post-transfer, ongoing pain is a symptom of IVF failure.Negative pregnancy test
A negative pregnancy test, especially if taken on or after your expected period date, is a clear sign that IVF may not have worked. Pregnancy tests check for the hormone hCG, which is only present if implantation has happened. Testing on your due date can give you a more accurate result.Decreased hormone levels
Blood tests that measure hormone levels, such as hCG, are a reliable way to confirm whether IVF has been successful. Low levels of pregnancy hormones can suggest that implantation has not occurred, and these tests are the most accurate method for determining the success of implantation, as they provide precise hormone measurements.Treating IVF Failure
Endometriosis can be a cause of repeated IVF failure, and your ovulation cycle can also affect the success of IVF. However, there are options available to manage this:For endometriosis patients
Endometriosis can significantly affect your chances of pregnancy, especially if you have had repeated IVF failures. It can impact how your ovaries respond and lower your chances of success.Endometriosis might be one of the main reasons for recurrent IVF failure, linked to genetic issues in your reproductive cells and cell damage. These changes can affect the quality of both your eggs and sperm, so treatment should focus on these specific problems.
If you are younger, removing large endometriotic cysts through surgery could help, although it carries some risks. Fertility treatment is often suggested before surgery. While surgery can improve your chances of pregnancy, success depends on the severity of the condition, the surgeon's skill, and the use of drugs to suppress cyst growth.
For recurrent IVF failure
In addition to traditional IVF, some clinics offer newer treatments like immunotherapy for repeated IVF failure. One such approach involves intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), typically given in multiple doses throughout the IVF cycle.However, it’s important to note that IVIG is considered an off-label and experimental treatment, and its effectiveness is still debated within the medical community. It’s best to consult your fertility specialist to understand the potential benefits and risks before considering this option.
Recurrent IVF failure is a complex condition, influenced by factors such as reduced endometrial receptivity, genetic issues, uterine lining problems, age, obesity, and medical conditions like endometriosis or hydrosalpinges. Managing all these factors can significantly improve your chances of successful implantation and conception.
What to Expect After a Failed IVF
A failed IVF can impact your health and emotions drastically. It's important not to lose hope and to focus on looking after yourself during such a challenging time.Physical Impact
Your body recovers physically from the hormonal treatment and intervention employed during IVF. Irregularities are experienced during the menstrual cycle, e.g., menstruation arrives early or late from the usual schedule or is more painful and heavy.You may experience mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, and fatigue as your hormones adjust. After embryo transfer or egg retrieval, spotting or light cramping can also occur.
Although most physical symptoms should resolve within a week or two, it's important to contact your healthcare expert if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection.
Emotional Impact
It’s normal to feel sorrow and despair when facing the loss of hopes and expectations. Feelings of anger, frustration, or disappointment with your body or the procedure are also common.It's common to feel guilt or blame yourself during IVF, but try to remember that many factors are involved, and not all of them are within your control. While your health choices matter, they are just one part of the bigger picture.
Coping Mechanisms
To cope with these emotions, it is best to talk openly with your partner, a trusted friend, or a counsellor. Fertility counselling provides a private setting in which to struggle with challenging emotions and decide upon a course of action.It’s best to allow yourself a bit of time to grieve and work through your emotions before deciding whether or not to proceed with additional treatment.
A combination of mild exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and engaging in enjoyable activities might restore your health. Therapy with others who are in fertility support groups, either face-to-face or online, might give you confidence and reassurance from others who actually know what you are experiencing.
When To Seek Professional Help
It's important to seek professional help after a failed IVF cycle to understand your next steps and check on your emotional well-being. Here are some key times when you might want to consider professional support:Persistent emotional distress
If you and your partner are struggling with depression, anxiety, or feeling down, it’s important to seek professional help to prevent strain on your relationship. Fertility counsellors and psychologists specialising in reproductive health can support you through this tough time.Multiple failed cycles
If you have experienced two or more unsuccessful IVF cycles, make sure to consult your healthcare professional. You might require a thorough process review, a deeper assessment, and alternative approaches.Unclear reasons for failure
Sometimes, the cause of IVF failure is unclear or unexplained. In these cases, getting a second opinion from another healthcare professional can help analyse the situation.Considering a change in treatment plan
Make sure you are seeking professional guidance while looking for donor eggs, donor sperm or surrogacy to ensure ideal decision-making and personalised treatment according to your requirements.Planning a break or ending treatment
If you are thinking about stopping treatment or taking a break, professional counselling can help you manage both the emotional and practical aspects.IVF failure can be emotionally tough, but recognising signs like the return of your period or a lack of pregnancy symptoms can help manage expectations. The causes can vary, such as poor-quality embryos, uterine issues, hormonal imbalances, or genetic factors. Thankfully, advances in reproductive technology provide new hope.
If your cycle fails, talk to your healthcare professional about the cause and your next steps, whether that means adjusting treatment, considering donor gametes or embryos, or exploring other fertility clinics.
FAQs on IVF Failure: Causes, Solutions & What to Expect Next
- Is it common for the first IVF to become unsuccessful?
The success rate of IVF depends upon several factors, such as age, lifestyle, and history of infertility. For most patients, the success rate of the first IVF usually ranges between 30% and 40%. The probability of successful IVF improves after several cycles. - Does failed IVF impact the outcomes of natural conception?
No, a failed IVF cycle won’t impact your chances of a natural pregnancy. It’s completely normal for you to have a successful pregnancy even after unsuccessful IVF cycles, so it doesn’t mean the end of your path to parenthood.
