Understanding IVF
IVF or In-Vitro Fertilization is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) that is a common treatment option for couples struggling with infertility to have a baby. In-vitro means outside the body and fertilization refers to the combining of the sperm and the egg. As the name suggests, the process of fertilization happens outside the woman’s body, in a laboratory dish where the sperm and egg are manually combined and placed inside the womb to grow.
Reasons for Opting IVF Treatments
In recent years, the prevalence of infertility in couples has led to a significant rise in the utilization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), particularly In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Other forms of ART include Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) and Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT). IVF should be offered to women under the age of 43 who have been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for 2 years. IVF can be used to treat infertility in the following patients:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Male factor infertility including decreased sperm count or sperm motility
- Women with ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, uterine fibroids
- Women who have had their fallopian tubes removed
- Individuals with a genetic disorder
- Unexplained infertility
While it is a perfectly viable choice for couples, IVF success rates are not always guaranteed, and couples may experience IVF failures that impact their physical and emotional health. Knowing the root cause behind IVF failures is the key to having a successful procedure.
Causes of IVF Failures
There can be various reasons for IVF failures ranging from physical to lifestyle reasons. Finding the root cause of IVF failures is essential for a successful cycle. Some of the reasons are:
- Ovarian Factors: The quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs play a vital role in determining the success of IVF. As women age, their ovarian reserve reduces and impacts negatively the likelihood of a successful pregnancy through IVF. Similarly, poor egg quality can hinder fertilization and implantation.
- Uterine Factors: The receptivity of the uterus plays a crucial role in the successful implantation of a fertilized embryo. Conditions such as uterine fibroids, polyps, or other structural abnormalities can hinder implantation, resulting in IVF failures.
- Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and unhealthy diet, can negatively impact IVF success rates. These factors can affect hormonal balance and overall health, making it more challenging for IVF to be successful.
Failed IVF - What next?
Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) is when a woman has failed to achieve a successful pregnancy after undergoing three or more In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles with good-quality embryos. This situation can be a very frustrating and emotionally draining experience for couples. Here are some tips that can help you on your way in the IVF journey:
- Focus on Your Physical Health – Maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity affects the hormonal balance and may lead to issues with conception. Get regular exercise and follow a healthy nutritious diet. Improve your intake of essential micronutrients and vitamins such as folic acid, zinc, etc to support conception.
- Take Care of Your Mental Health – High stress increases cortisol which interferes with conception. Practice mindful living, meditate, and get 7-8 hours of sleep. Seek counseling therapy if you feel the need to talk about it with a professional.
- Opt for Complementary Care – Ayurveda provides valuable support to couples undergoing fertility treatments. Ayurveda fertility treatments focus on the root cause of failed IVF cycles and curate a personalized treatment plan. Other complementary therapies such as Yoga and Pranayama are also beneficial. It is always recommended to consult with your fertility specialist to determine the best course of action specific to your condition.
If you are struggling with multiple IVF failures and trying to conceive, book a consultation with our Fertility Experts at AyurVAID Hospitals.
