IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a popular artificial reproductive technology (ART) used to treat male and female factor infertility. The success rates of IVF are higher than most ARTs, but not all women who undergo the cycle are successful. If you have questions about your unexplained infertility or if you know someone who has experienced IVF failure, here are some things to consider:
How Successful Is IVF?
Assisted reproductive technologies like IVF have facilitated the birth of millions of healthy babies. However, the procedures can be intensive and costly, and success depends on various factors like age and number of cycles. Although IVF isn’t always successful, working with an experienced fertility expert can boost your odds. At ReceptivaDx, we offer a proactive test for BCL6, which could indicate abnormal endometrial tissues. You can take the test before starting IVF.
A 2019 national report published by SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) revealed age as a critical factor. According to the report, 55% of women under 35 achieved a live birth following one egg retrieval cycle. The percentage dropped to 4.3% for women over 42 years.
Another study by researchers at the University of NSW Australia also revealed the same findings. Here’s a breakdown of their findings on IVF success rates:
- Two out of three women who begin IVF before 35 have a baby within three IVF cycles
- After their first cycle, women younger than 30 have a 44% chance of having a baby. After seven cycles, their odds increase to 69-92%.
- Women between the ages of 40 and 44 have an 11% chance of having a baby after the first IVF cycle. That likelihood increases to 21-37% after eight IVF cycles.
What Influences IVF Success?
Learning how to increase the success rate of IVF is the best thing you can do before beginning treatment. We specialize in infertility treatment, particularly for women with endometriosis. Age, underlying medical conditions, and other factors can impact the likelihood of success of your IVF treatment:
1. Age
Women have all their eggs at birth. The eggs develop and attain maturity right about the time you see the first menses. Each month, mature eggs are released in anticipation of fertilization. The quality and quantity of eggs drop as you age. Younger women have better quality eggs and more supply. Their eggs are also more likely to have normal genetics. Women nearing menopause have older eggs and are more susceptible to Aneuploidy.
Aneuploidy is a genetic abnormality and the most common cause of miscarriages in older women. The likelihood of having this condition increases with age. Women run out of eggs at different ages, but the eggs deplete eventually. A low reserve implies fewer eggs are released per month, even with IVF. Younger women can produce more eggs, which increases the odds of success with IVF treatment.
2. Underlying Conditions
Medical conditions like cancer, endometriosis, diabetes, and thyroid problems can impact fertility. Some underlying conditions make it difficult for the fertilized embryo to implant properly in the uterus. Improper implantation increases the risk of miscarriage and complications. When seeking IVF treatment, you should consider treating any underlying medical conditions that may lower your chances of success.
ReceptivaDx offers a kit to test the levels of BCL6, a gene protein whose levels are associated with endometriosis. The endometrial tissues grow in the uterine wall and are shed during menses. When these tissues grow elsewhere, they can block the path of eggs or cause IVF failure. Treating endometriosis and other medical conditions can increase your chance of success in having a baby through IVF treatment.
3. Lifestyle & Habits
Healthy behaviors can boost your IVF success rates. When considering IVF treatment, your fertility doctor may recommend and prohibit specific habits. Smoking cigarettes and marijuana may affect the quality of eggs and increase the likelihood of IVF failure. Alcohol and drug use are also bad for IVF and pregnancy. You should limit processed foods and get enough quality sleep each night.
Practice stress reduction techniques and talk to your fertility doctor about any concerns. The best way to increase IVF success is to be honest with your doctor and realistic with your expectations. Tests can help you diagnose the possibility of endometriosis and help you complete the necessary treatment before starting IVF. You also need a comprehensive examination and should follow your specialist’s advice throughout IVF treatment.
How Can ReceptivaDx Prevent IVF Failure?
ReceptivaDx can help gauge whether you’re the right candidate for IVF treatment. We offer a global test for all stages of endometriosis, one of the leading causes of unexplained infertility and IVF failure. Many women spend years dealing with pain, infertility, and bowel and bladder symptoms. We provide the test to examine your BCL6 levels and gauge the possibility of endometriosis. Treating such conditions can boost IVF success.