Infertility is an unsettling and difficult issue that affects approximately 10-15% of couples trying to conceive. Infertility is not a single issue, but rather a combination of issues that result in infertility. Sometimes this infertility is difficult to understand and diagnose. Once an understanding is found, it is an opportunity for couples to seek necessary answers and solutions to the issues causing their infertility. Below we explore the six main factors that can impact infertility: age, sperm quality, underlying medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors, and egg viability. Each of these elements plays a significant role in fertility, and a comprehensive understanding of each can be instrumental in overcoming infertility challenges.
There are many factors that can potentially influence the success or failure of an IVF cycle, below we identify 6 of them. Common factors include:
Age: As a woman ages, the quality and quantity of her eggs can decrease, making it more difficult to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Sperm quality: Poor sperm quality can also affect the success of an IVF cycle.
Underlying medical conditions: Conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and fibroids can impact fertility and may require additional treatment.
Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can affect ovulation and the success of IVF treatment.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can all have negative effects on fertility.
Egg viability: The quality of the eggs retrieved during the IVF cycle including chromosomal abnormalities can also impact the success of the treatment.
The majority of these factors are taken into account on your initial work-up. Everyone goes through hormonal blood testing, male factor sperm check, and a rigorous lifestyle review. However, egg quality and underlying medical conditions such as endometriosis are not always automatically tested for. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is offered regularly to older women going through IVF but is often ignored in women under 35. Endometriosis which is a common cause of IVF failure is often missed because the patient is experiencing no obvious symptoms, this is known as silent endometriosis.
With close to 50% of all IVF cycles failing, it is worth educating yourself on all the testing options available and when to ask for them. For inflammatory conditions of the endometrium, a test called ReceptivaDx can identify endometriosis and other common inflammatory conditions like infection, polycystic ovary syndrome that may be linked to your IVF failure. If you are thinking about IVF or are already well into the journey, it is always recommended to do your research and come prepared to ask for what you want. After all, this is your journey, your money, and your hands on the steering wheel!
If you found that these factors could be impacting your fertility, learn more about our test, our process and provide the information to your doctor today. A ReceptivaDX test could be the answer to your unexplained infertility.