IVF
Recurrent IVF Failure: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing one or more failed IVF attempts is one of the most challenging and discouraging moments for couples. After investing so much time, emotion, and effort, a negative result brings the difficult questions: "Why didn't it work?" and "What now?" It's crucial to know that a failed attempt is not the end. When analyzed correctly, it provides valuable data that can guide us toward success in the next attempt.
Failure is Not an End, It's Data: Understanding the Causes
The reasons behind recurrent IVF failures typically fall into two main categories: factors related to the embryo and factors related to the uterus. To draw a new roadmap to success, both areas must be systematically investigated.
Embryo-Related Factors: Genetic Health is a Priority
The most common reason for IVF failures (around 50-60%) is chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) within the embryo itself. An embryo may look high-quality, but it can still be genetically unhealthy, leading to implantation failure or early pregnancy loss.
Solution: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGT-A)
Our most powerful tool to overcome this is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGT). With this method, embryos are genetically screened before being transferred. Transferring only chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos significantly increases the chance of pregnancy and reduces the risk of recurrent miscarriage.
Uterine-Related Factors: Improving the Implantation Environment
Sometimes, the embryo is healthy, but the uterine environment isn't suitable for implantation. This requires a detailed investigation.
Anatomical Problems
Issues inside the uterus like polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or a congenital septum can physically block the embryo from implanting. These problems can be both diagnosed and treated during a simple procedure called a Hysteroscopy.
Endometrial Receptivity (The Uterus's Ability to Implant)
The uterine lining (endometrium) has a specific "window of implantation" when it is ready to accept an embryo. In some women, this window may be shifted. Modern tests like the ERA test can help us pinpoint this personal window to determine the most accurate day for transfer.
Immunological and Thrombophilic Factors
In rarer cases, the mother's immune system may reject the embryo, or a predisposition to blood clotting (thrombophilia) can cause recurrent failures. These conditions are investigated with detailed blood tests and can be managed with appropriate medical treatments.
Drawing a New, Personalized Roadmap
The key to overcoming recurrent IVF failure is to abandon the "one-size-fits-all" approach. It requires a careful analysis of all data from past attempts, using advanced diagnostic tools to find the missing pieces, and creating a completely new, personalized treatment protocol.
Remember, past failures do not define your future chances of success. With proper investigation and a personalized strategy, there is always hope. To get an expert perspective and find a new solution, you can get a second opinion appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. If the same treatment protocol is repeated without investigating an underlying cause, the result is usually failure again. Each failed attempt should be seen as a learning opportunity to personalize the next treatment plan.
While it is not always mandatory, PGT is the most effective method to rule out genetic problems, which are the most common cause of failure, especially in cases of advanced maternal age or when embryo quality is suspected.
Although lifestyle is not the main cause on its own, factors like smoking and excess weight can negatively affect egg, sperm, and embryo quality, thereby reducing the chances of success. Healthy lifestyle habits are important at every stage of treatment.
