Failed IVF

A failed IVF cycle is a set back to already distressed couples desperately trying for a baby. Since we know the chances of conception in one IVF cycle is between 35-45%, not everyone can get pregnant in the first attempt. But certainly, a thorough review of the failed cycle can prepare us better for the next cycle.

The exact causes of failure remain ambiguous and do not provide much ground for absolute corrections that can lead to guaranteed success for next. But, there are certain findings that a failed IVF cycle offers which can be used as a potent aid to decide the protocol for a subsequent cycle. Here are a few such things:

• Dose of injections used
• Response to the hormone injections- Optimal or Suboptimal
• Blood levels of hormones
• The number of eggs produced
• The quality/ maturity of the eggs
• The quality of semen sample
• The growth pattern and quality of the formed embryos
• The lining of the uterus
• Embryo transfer procedure: easy/ difficult

These help the infertility specialist to tailor the protocol for the next cycle for optimal outcome.

Some women may need pre IVF medications to help in improving the yield and quality of eggs.

There have been some advancements in both clinical and embryological aspects of reproductive medicine that may improve the chances of having a successful cycle after a failed IVF procedure.

Endometrial Scratching

It involves inserting a thin catheter and scratching the uterine lying taking a biopsy to facilitate the growth of lining. This aids in improving the success rate.

Hysteroscopy Pre IVF

This serves as a test to diagnose and simultaneously treat any abnormality in cavity of the uterus. During this endometrial biopsy is taken and serves the purpose of endometrial scratching too. This increases the chances of conception in women who have had failed IVF cycles.

Time-lapse Imaging

Based on a tested imaging technique known as time-lapse photography, this technique is used to closely monitor the development of embryos before transferring into the womb. This helps to choose better embryos for transfer.

Embryo Glue

A media containing hyaluronan that may aid in enhancing the implantation rates. Hyaluronan is a naturally occurring substance in a woman’s uterus, ovaries and tubes and helps to make the uterus stickier that can hold the embryo adequately.

PGS

In this technique, embryos are chosen for transfer after confirming their genetic normalcy. Here in few cells from the embryo are taken and sent for genetic analysis. It is found by various studies that chromosomal abnormalities appear to be an important cause of repeated IVF and pregnancy failures.

Segmental IVF

Egg collection and embryo transfer are done in two different IVF cycles. Freeze all embryos in one cycle and transferring it in the next cycle has found to improve chances of success.

To know more, consult Dr. Rhythm Gupta, IVF Specialist in Delhi at Excel IVF. To book an appointment, call: +91-9868040808 or email: drrhythmgupta@gmail.com