IVF Failure (Symptoms, Reasons and What Next)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is for hopeful couples who want to be parents. But if one partner is infertile or has any problem, women cannot conceive. However, there are multiple reasons why IVF could fail, such as embryo transportation failure. It is a common cause of unsuccessful IVF treatments. Most people and couples require multiple rounds of IVF to achieve success. There are many reasons and symptoms of IVF failure. In this blog, we will discover what is embryo transplantation failure, the symptoms, and the reasons of IVF failure.

Dr Meenakshi Dua, Director, Gurugram

- 5 min read

Apr 09, 2024

What Is Embryo Implantation Failure?

When a couple goes through IVF, the egg is fertilized using sperms in a laboratory. The embryo is then put into the woman’s uterus in the hopes that it will implant properly and get pregnant. There will undoubtedly be instances where an embryo transfer fails. Let’s take a look at the reasons of IVF failure.

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Reasons for IVF Failure

A failed IVF process can be disheartening for a couple expecting to become parents. However, there can be many reasons for failed embryo transplants. It includes.

1. Genetic or Chromosomal Issues: Humans are not as fertile as other animals. Human embryos can often have chromosomal abnormalities arising during the period of embryogenesis. Women above age of 35y, and genetic disorder carrier are more prone for it. However, by using the PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) method, these can be easily identified before embryo transfer. This can improve IVF success rate upto 70-75%.

2. Uterine abnormalities: Women with multiple fibroid uterus, adenomyosis, intrauterine adhesions are more prone for repeated implantation failure. Adequate control of these conditions prior to embryo transfer can improve pregnancy rates

3. Endometrial receptivity: Human uterus is receptive for an embryo only during window of implantation. It varies from person to person, both its timing and duration. Advanced testing like endometrial receptivity array can help in identifying personalized window of embryo transfer.

4. Lifestyle Factors: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during the IVF procedure is important for successful surgery. Doctors always advise patients to quit smoking, eat a nutritious diet, avoid alcohol, and use stress-management measures. Furthermore, being overweight can also be the reason for successful IVF and implantation.

5. Immunological causes: Embryo is a foreign body and many a times an endometrium can reject it. It’s usually diagnosis of exclusion. Various immunological therapies are available to make conditions more receptive.

What are IVF Failure Symptoms

Common IVF failure symptoms may be –

No Pregnancy Test: The most obvious symptom is a negative pregnancy test after the procedure.
Menstrual Period: If your period starts, it usually means the IVF cycle was not successful.
Spotting: Light bleeding or spotting can sometimes occur if the embryo does not implant properly.
No Pregnancy Symptoms: A lack of typical early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue can indicate IVF failure.
Lower Back Pain: Some women may experience lower back pain similar to menstrual cramps.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges and potential for failure, IVF remains an effective option for many couples struggling with infertility. With advances in technology and medical care, the chances of a successful outcome continue to improve.

Failed implantation is rather frequent, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. Many of these unsuccessful implantations lead to early pregnancy loss, frequently before the woman realizes she is pregnant. This occurs when a pregnancy is identified only by hormonal changes rather than ultrasonography.

It’s vital to remember that a failed implantation does not always indicate a long-term reproductive problem, as many women go on to have successful pregnancies after one or more failed implantations. You can always try the IVF process again but take care of the things you missed out on the first time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How common is it for IVF to fail?

IVF fails in approximately 50% of embryo transfers. Pregnancy or early miscarriage occurs in most cases because the embryo(s) were not genetically/chromosomally correct. Women are born with a certain number of eggs and never make any more eggs their whole life – eggs accumulate genetic errors as a function of time.

2. Can I conceive naturally after failed IVF?

Absolutely. A failed IVF cycle does not mean the end of your journey to parenthood. Many couples experience unsuccessful cycles before achieving a successful pregnancy.

3. What are the signs of failed IVF?

Experiencing cramping or pain after an IVF procedure may be indicative of a failed cycle. However, it’s important to note that mild cramping and discomfort can also be experienced in successful IVF cycles.

4. Is first IVF failure normal?

IVF success rates depend on many factors, such as age and the reasons for infertility. Overall, first-time IVF success rates often fall between 25-30% for most intended parents. However, this probability tends to increase after multiple IVF cycles.