In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology that helps people who are looking to become pregnant.
Despite the technology’s potential, not all IVF cycles end in a successful pregnancy. Here is how fertility experts determine the causes of IVF failure and try to advance the rate of positive results of subsequent attempts:
Hormonal Profiling
Fertility doctors may perform hormonal profiling to measure levels of hormones like Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen, and Progesterone. Abnormal amounts of these hormones impair ovulation and endometrium preparation for embryo implantation. Through diagnosing hormonal abnormalities, experts can customize treatment plans to address these conditions.
Performing Genetic Testing
Fertility clinics practice pre-implantation Genetic testing (PGT), which screens embryos for chromosomal abnormality before being placed into the womb. Testing can detect anomalies such as aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell), which is a leading cause of IVF failure and pregnancy loss due to miscarriage. Genetic screening examinations conducted on the parents can reveal hereditary conditions that may affect the viability of the embryo. Selecting embryos without genetic defects boosts one’s chances of a successful pregnancy.
Evaluating the Uterus
Specialists may use procedures like hysteroscopies and ultrasounds to explore the uterine cavity for any abnormalities, such as fibroids, polyps, or scar tissues. These abnormalities hinder embryo implantation by distorting the shape of the uterine wall. On some occasions, endometrial receptivity assays are performed to establish the best time for embryo transfer and confirm that a prospective IVF patient has an endometrium conducive for implantation.
Analyzing the Sperm
Advanced analysis of sperm goes beyond the measurement of basic semen quantity to assess fragmentation in DNA that affects embryo growth, implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates. In cases of insufficient sperm, there are recommended procedures, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). To improve fertility preservation results in IVF treatment through ICSI, a female egg is implanted by a single sperm outside of the womb.
Assessing the Immune System
Immunological investigations can detect evidence of autoimmune diseases or increased levels of natural killer (NK) cells in IVF patients. Implantation or fertilization may be prevented by NK cells attacking the embryo or sperm, creating a hostile environment for conception. Modulating the immune response using treatments, such as immunotherapy, can enhance the implantation and successful pregnancy rate.
Reviewing Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Lifestyle and environmental factors, including smoking, alcoholism, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins, all have a negative effect on fertility. Healthcare providers recommend healthy lifestyle changes to enhance reproductive health. By taking this holistic approach, it may increase the chances of future successful IVF cycles.
Developing Personalized Treatment Plans
Once sources behind failed IVF cycles are identified, doctors make personalized treatment plans based on the patient’s characteristics. Plans may involve changing medication regimes, applying the latest reproductive technologies, or modifying one’s way of life. Specifically addressing these issues detected through diagnosis would increase positive outcomes for future pregnancies within IVF cycles.
Hire a Fertility Specialist to Reduce the Likelihood of IVF Failure
Using comprehensive assessments and advanced diagnostic techniques, infertility specialists can identify and address underlying causes to increase IVF success rates. If previous attempts at getting pregnant through IVF have been unsuccessful, consult infertility specialists to plan the next steps toward a successful pregnancy. Specialists provide guidance and personalized options to help improve one’s chances of having a baby in the future.
