Why IVF Fails and What to Do About It: A Guide to Overcoming Repeated IVF Failures at Simran IVF

IVF (in vitro fertilization) is one of the most advanced fertility treatments available today. However, it is important to recognize that IVF is not a cure for infertility—it is a process of creating new life, and like all medical procedures, it comes with its own set of challenges. The success rate of IVF varies, but typically it ranges from 40% to 50% in women under 35 years of age. This success rate can decrease significantly with age and underlying infertility factors. When IVF fails, it is important to identify the root cause of the failure and adopt appropriate strategies to improve the chances of success.

At Simran IVF in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, we understand that repeated IVF failures can be incredibly disheartening, but our experienced team is dedicated to working closely with each patient to find the best possible solution. In this article, we explore the primary reasons for IVF failure and how Simran IVF’s personalized approach to treatment can help you overcome these challenges.

Understanding the Causes of IVF Failure

IVF failure can occur for several reasons, and identifying the underlying cause is critical in addressing the issue. Broadly, IVF failures can be categorized into four primary factors:

1. Embryonic Factors
2. Endometrial Factors
3. Body Environment
4. Laboratory Factors

Embryonic Factors

Embryonic factors are one of the most common causes of IVF failure. These issues can stem from several sources:

• Egg Quality: The health of the eggs is paramount to the success of IVF. Conditions like endometriosis, premature ovarian failure, poor ovarian reserve, or severe polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to poor egg quality. Eggs that are of suboptimal quality are less likely to fertilize or implant successfully.

• Sperm Quality: Male infertility can also be a major factor. If the sperm count is low or the sperm has low motility or abnormal morphology, it can reduce the chances of successful fertilization. In cases of severe male infertility, advanced techniques like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may be necessary.

• Lab Conditions: The IVF lab must meet stringent conditions to optimize embryo development. Issues in lab quality, such as improper temperature regulation, inadequate incubators, and poor culture media, can affect the growth and viability of embryos. At Simran IVF, we ensure that our labs are equipped with the latest technology, including high-quality incubators, laminar flow hoods, and HEPA filters, to maintain the ideal environment for embryo development.

Endometrial Factors

The condition of the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, plays a crucial role in the implantation of the embryo. Several endometrial issues can cause implantation failure:

• Thin Endometrium: A thin endometrial lining, often caused by intrauterine adhesions, infections, or previous surgeries, can hinder embryo implantation. In these cases, treatments such as intrauterine PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or GCSF (Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor) may be used to help promote endometrial growth.

• Polyps or Fibroids: Intrauterine polyps or large fibroids can interfere with embryo implantation. In such cases, laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery may be performed to remove these obstacles before proceeding with IVF.

• Infections or Inflammation: Infections like tuberculosis or chronic bacterial infections can affect the endometrium and lead to repeated IVF failures. Testing for infections and addressing them promptly is essential.

At Simran IVF, we conduct thorough evaluations of the endometrium through diagnostic tools like 3D ultrasounds and hysteroscopies to identify any potential issues.

Body Environment

The overall health and environment of the body can also contribute to IVF failure. Factors such as:

• Hydrosalpinx (blocked fallopian tubes)
• Large Ovarian Cysts
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APLA) or elevated natural killer cells can interfere with the success of IVF.
• Immune Disorders: Immunological factors such as thrombophilia and autoimmunity may increase the likelihood of miscarriage or implantation failure.

Managing these health conditions is critical for IVF success. At Simran IVF, we provide comprehensive care and counsel patients on the necessary lifestyle changes or treatments that may improve fertility outcomes.

Laboratory Factors

Lastly, IVF success depends heavily on the laboratory environment. The IVF process requires precision, and every stage, from egg retrieval to embryo culture, must be handled under strict conditions. At Simran IVF, our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a high success rate. We also prioritize continuous quality control and quality assurance (QC & QA) systems to ensure optimal results.

Overcoming Repeated IVF Failures at Simran IVF

At Simran IVF, we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to fertility treatment, especially for patients experiencing repeated IVF failures. When you come to us, our team conducts a thorough evaluation to understand the root cause of your IVF failure. We take into account factors like egg and sperm quality, endometrial health, and overall body environment.

In many cases, we recommend performing advanced diagnostic procedures, such as 3D ultrasounds or laparoscopy, to rule out any anatomical or structural issues that may be hindering your fertility. If necessary, we proceed with surgery to correct any abnormalities before embarking on a new IVF cycle.

For patients with repeated IVF failures, we often recommend advanced techniques like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), embryo pooling, and genetic screening. We may also employ endometrial scratching and assisted laser hatching to improve implantation rates.

Additionally, for patients with conditions like low sperm count or high sperm DNA fragmentation, we use advanced sperm selection methods, including IMSI, PICSI, or microfluidics, to select the healthiest sperm. In cases of severely reduced sperm quality, we may opt for TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) or TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction).