IVF is the process of fertilizing an egg outside the body and implanting the embryo into the uterus to conceive a child. It can bring success to a couple that has struggled to conceive naturally, but it can also be emotionally and financially draining. If you have just experienced IVF failure, there are a few things you can do afterward to help you find success.
What Causes IVF Failure?
There are a few factors that could cause IVF failure, including:
Embryo Implantation Failure
When the embryo does not attach to the uterine lining because of incompatibility, that is called embryo implantation failure. Implantation failure is a common reason for IVF failure. Multiple things can cause implantation failure, including:
- Physical abnormalities
- Uterine infection
- Polyps
- Thin endometrial lining
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility because it is a physical abnormality that can disrupt implantation. It can also be asymptomatic and go undiagnosed. You can take the ReceptivaDx test to see if endometriosis may be the cause of your IVF failure.
Embryo Abnormalities
A healthy embryo requires a healthy egg and healthy sperm. Eggs are fragile and vulnerable to damage while they age. The egg must remain safe and undamaged throughout the IVF process to create a viable embryo. Sperm can also be responsible for embryo abnormalities, but it is less common. While in the clinic, embryos are constantly monitored and graded so that the healthiest ones can be used for implantation. Advanced technology allows medical professionals to see many abnormalities, but some can still go unnoticed. If an embryo has abnormalities, then it may not be able to implant.
What Happens After IVF Failure?
Meet With Your Doctor To Discuss Your Next Steps
After you get a negative pregnancy result, make an appointment to see your fertility doctor. Your doctor will go over your options with you. If this was your first IVF treatment, then your doctor may recommend that you do another round. Two out of three women see success with IVF within three cycles if they start the process before age 35. This means that it is not uncommon for women to undergo multiple rounds of IVF, and it is often recommended by fertility specialists. If you have undergone multiple rounds with no success, your doctor may recommend other options. These options can include using an egg donor or a surrogate. Your specific situation will ultimately determine your next steps.
Determine the Cause
While it is not always possible to determine the cause of IVF failure, identifying why the embryos failed to implant can be helpful on your journey to becoming pregnant.
If you have not ruled out endometriosis, then consider getting the ReceptivaDx test. This test tests for high levels of the BCL6 protein and only requires an endometrial biopsy sample. High levels of BCL6 indicate uterine inflammation, which is most often due to endometriosis. Over 65% of women with unexplained infertility test positive for BCL6. The two main treatment options for endometriosis include hormone therapy and removing visible endometriosis through laparoscopy.
Women who are tested and receive a positive result have a poor IVF prognosis unless the cause of the inflammation is addressed. Research shows that women who tested positive had less than an 18% chance of getting pregnant in the next IVF transfer and less than an 11% chance of it resulting in a live birth. On the other hand, women who tested negative had more than a 70% chance of getting pregnant in the next transfer and more than a 59% chance of having a live birth. If you test positive, you can receive treatment that can help increase your chances of getting pregnant in the next transfer and it resulting in a live birth.
What Can I Do To Help Prevent IVF Failure?
One of the best things you can do to help prevent IVF failure is to find out why the cycle failed. You can also make changes to your lifestyle to help prevent IVF failure.
Lifestyle Changes
Leading a healthier lifestyle can help you find success in your next IVF cycle. Some of the lifestyle changes that you may be asked to make include:
- Eating healthy
- Quitting smoking
- Exercising
- Limiting alcohol
- Reducing stress
- Taking recommended vitamins and supplements
Your partner can also participate in making these lifestyle changes to increase the health of his sperm.
Try a ReceptivaDx Test To Rule Out Endometriosis
If you have experienced IVF failure and haven’t ruled out endometriosis, consider trying a ReceptivaDx test. The test is less invasive, easier, and more affordable than getting a laparoscopic diagnosis. If you test positive, then you may have endometriosis. Once you are diagnosed, you can begin treatment, which can increase your chances of conceiving. Ask your doctor about the ReceptivaDx test, find a center near you, or call us for a free phone consultation.