4 Questions To Ask Fertility Specialists After IVF Failure

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is an assisted reproductive technology your fertility doctor may recommend to help you conceive. The technology is used when normal birth through intercourse isn’t possible due to issues with male and female reproductive factors. While the procedure is usually successful, IVF failure can occur for various reasons. Here are a few questions to ask your fertility specialist after a failed IVF cycle:

1. What Caused the IVF Cycle To Fail?

A failed IVF cycle may stem from poor embryo quality, uterine receptivity issues, and implantation problems. Poor embryo quality can be a result of genetic abnormalities and developmental potential. Uterine receptivity issues are usually caused by inflammation and endometriosis, which hinders implantation. Your doctor can recommend a BLC-6 test to check for markers of endometriosis.

A positive result means you may have abnormal endometrial tissue growths outside the uterus. Fertility specialists also test for progesterone resistance and hormonal imbalances. Other causes of IVF failure include unforeseen complications, underlying medical conditions, and poor sperm quality. Understanding the causes of failure allows you and the specialist to take precautions and optimize your health for the next cycle.

2. What Can I Do Different for the Next Cycle?

IVF treatments are usually done several times until you successfully conceive. Your fertility specialist will address the causes of failure and recommend lifestyle and medical interventions to improve outcomes for your next cycle.

Ask the specialist what you can do differently before beginning another cycle. Adjustments include regular exercise, dietary changes, and stress management. Your specialist can also recommend medical procedures, such as surgeries to remove abnormal endometrial tissues following a positive BCL-6 test.

Abnormal endometrial tissues block the uterus and fallopian tube, interfering with fertilization and implantation. A fertility specialist also prescribes supplements and vitamins to improve egg quality and uterine health.

If the cause of failure is male factors, your specialist recommends interventions to improve sperm quality. Fertility doctors may adjust medication dosages, egg harvesting, and implantation timing. They also use preimplantation genetic testing to screen for chromosomal abnormalities in embryos.

3. What Are the Odds of Success in the Next Cycle?

Resolving the causes of a failed IVF cycle can increase your chances of success in the future. If the issue is egg or sperm quality, your IVF specialist performs more rigorous tests to select the best quality cells for fertilization. For issues like endometriosis, you may need surgical procedures to remove the abnormal tissues and medication to reduce inflammation. Age, reproductive history, and medical conditions or fertility issues also impact outcomes.

Understanding your unique situation allows you to have realistic expectations and persevere through the challenges of fertility treatment. Find out if you need additional tests or specific changes before attempting another cycle. Your doctor can explain what to expect and how to navigate various challenges throughout treatment.

4. When Should I Try Another Cycle?

Having multiple failed IVF cycles can have physical and emotional health implications. The cycles involve fertility medications and ovarian stimulation, which feature potential side effects. Ask your specialist about the safety of undergoing another cycle and how to prevent risks. The fertility specialist may recommend counseling to address emotional distress. Your body also needs time to recover from the physical demands of the previous and next treatment.

Various tests, including assessing your hormonal balance and further diagnostics, may be required before the next cycle. If a new issue is discovered, the doctor will use medication, surgery, and therapy to resolve it and optimize your chances of success. Follow your doctor’s instructions to return your body to its normal state and prepare for another IVF treatment.

Prevent IVF Failure Today

IVF treatment increases your chances of becoming pregnant, but underlying issues can lead to unforeseen failure. Before your cycle, get comprehensive evaluations to rule out endometriosis, progesterone resistance, hormonal imbalances, and other issues. Contact a fertility specialist today to find out more about BCL-6 tests and fertility evaluations used to prevent IVF failure.