Failed In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Cycles: Causes and Treatment Options
The team here at The Center for Fertility and Gynecology is committed to helping patients in the greater Los Angeles area start the families that they have always wanted to have. This is often achieved through in vitro fertilization (IVF), an effective treatment for male and female infertility.
Even though many patients experience success through IVF, there is a chance that the procedure will not work. Below we detail some of the most common reasons why IVF treatment may fail.
Problems with Egg Quality
The quality of a patient's eggs can make a major difference with regard to the success of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. If there is some issue with the health or viability of a patient's eggs, the chances for success are lower.
Problems with Sperm Quality
Sperm quality can also have a significant impact on the success of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. This is why sperm may be carefully selected and washed during the IVF process, and the selected sperm may be directly implanted into the egg as well.
Laboratory and Fertility Specialist Errors
In rare instances, errors on the part of the fertility center or a fertility specialist can lead to a failure of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Modern technology and advanced techniques have helped reduced the already low possibility of fertility doctor error.
Problems with the Selected Embryos
The quality of the embryos can have a unique effect on the results of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. If the embryos are implanted too soon (i.e., before proper cellular division) or at some other poorly timed moment, the chances of successful pregnancy are reduced.
Issues During the Embryo Transfer Stage
Embryo transfer is the stage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in which the embryos are placed in a catheter and introduced into a woman's uterus. Errors during this phase of IVF treatment can harm the quality and viability of the embryos and lead to failure.
Problems During Embryo Implantation
Even if the embryo transfer is successful, it's important for the embryos to properly implant along the lining of the uterus in order to develop. Sometimes the embryos implant on a different part of the reproductive system, such as the fallopian tubes.
Issues with the Uterus and Uterine Lining
In rare instances, the uterus or the uterine lining can lead to in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure. It's important that fertility specialists consider the possibility of uterus or uterine lining issues before the transfer phase is even initiated.
How Fertility Specialists Can Help You with These Matters
Modern techniques in fertility treatment allow fertility specialists to use advanced tools as well as the latest and safest medications to improve the chances of a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. For some patients, an additional IVF treatment will prove successful if the previous attempt at becoming pregnant proved unsuccessful.
During your consultation, we will discuss all of your treatment options in full detail, making sure that you are aware of various means of boosting the potential success of your fertility procedure.
Speak with The Center for Fertility and Gynecology
If you would like to learn more about in vitro fertilization (IVF) and what you can do to ensure the success of your treatment, be sure to contact our team of fertility specialists today. The entire team hear at The Center for Fertility and Gynecology looks forward to your visit and helping you start the family that you have always wanted.