For many couples, in vitro fertilization offers the best chances at getting pregnant in spite of infertility. Although IVF is a powerful procedure that has been successful for millions of couples worldwide, in vitro fertilization does not always work. This is due to several factors, not all of which can be controlled. Below, we will take a look at why IVF does not always work, the factors that can cause a cycle to be unsuccessful, and the methods doctors can use to maximize the chances of success.‍

Why IVF Does Not Always Work

‍A number of factors determine whether or not IVF will be successful, including:

• Ovarian response to stimulation - Some women respond well to fertility medications, while others do not produce as many eggs as intended, and still others may develop side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). If a woman is not able to produce enough eggs, the cycle may not be able to proceed.
• Fertilization failure - Problems with either the sperm or eggs or both can interfere with fertilization. Injecting sperm directly into an egg (ICSI) can bypass most fertilization barriers.
• Quality of eggs / embryos - Typically, many human embryos have abnormalities which prevent them from developing into viable pregnancies. These include chromosomal, genetic, morphologic and metabolic abnormlities. Doctors can screen for certain chromosomal and structural abnormalities before performing an embryo transfer but there are no tests available for all types of embryo problems.
• Whether implantation occurs - Once an embryo is transferred, even if it is normal, it may or not implant in the uterus, based on a wide variety of factors, including the state of the uterine lining.
• Chance - Just as with a natural fertility cycle, during IVF, chance is a major factor that determines whether pregnancy occurs during a given month. Even with all factors seemingly optimal, not getting pregnant is always possible with IVF.

Methods for Increasing the Effectiveness of IVF

Your doctor may recommend several methods to increase the chances of success with IVF, including:

• ICSI - Even when the male partner has a normal semen analysis, there is a 5-15% chance that fertilization will fail. Routine use of ICSI can eliminate the vast majority of these failures.
• Blastocyst transfer -  Some embryo do not have the capacity to develop normally. The longer an embryo is observed, the greater the chance that the IVF team will be able to identify these non-viable embryos and select the best embryos for transfer to the uterus.
• Preimplantation screening - Screening embryos for chromosome abnormalities before transferring them can prevent the transfer of abnormal embryos which is one of the largest causes of implantation failure.
• Deferred transfer - There is mounting evidence that the uterine lining may not be as receptive to an embryo during the IVF stimulation. Freezing the embryos and replacing them at a later time may therefore improve the odds of implantation.

Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about your infertility. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540.