Why Does IVF Fail with Good Embryos?

• 28 Dec, 2022
• IVF and Infertility
• infertility
• Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Nishi Singh
• Author: Prime IVF Centre

Failed IVF  can unleash an overwhelming torrent of emotions. You felt anticipation while going into the procedure, hoping this would be when your family starts. But sometimes unfortunately, despite having good embryos, your IVF procedure may fail.

In Vitro Fertilisation is an assisted reproductive technology used by infertile couples. In IVF, the fertilisation process takes place outside the female body. For successful implantation, your uterus should be in good health.

Furthermore, conditions associated due to sperm quality of your partner may be the reason behind failed IVF. Even your mental health and other physical illnesses can be responsible for a failed IVF procedure despite good embryos. Here are some essential aspects to know why IVF fails even with good embryos.

Reasons behind the Failure of IVF 

Typically, there are three main reasons why the IVF process fails. They are as follows:

• Conditions associated with the quality of sperm or eggs
• Uterine causes
• Condition of the mother, her illnesses, and the environment

#1. Conditions Associated with the Quality of Sperm

Even in IVF, infertility isn’t just a woman’s problem. A male partner should have healthy sperm to make the IVF process successful. Here are some of the elements of healthy sperm to know:-

Volume:- A healthy sperm count is about 15 millions of every militer of semen. 

Motility:- At-least 40% of sperm should have good motility to fertilize the egg cell

Shape:- Sperm having round head and long tail is considered healthy sperm 

Moreover, the quality of your egg is also responsible for a failed IVF. Abnormal eggs fail to fertilise resulting in failed IVF. Abnormal quality of eggs increases with increasing age of the female partner which may also give rise to genetic disorders in the baby. Recent studies have shown that between 25% and 40% of all eggs were found to be chromosomally abnormal. This number significantly increased as a woman age.

#2. Uterine Causes

Another factor behind IVF failure despite a good embryo is the condition of the uterus. Uterine causes can be broadly classified into two types:

• Structural Problems

The structural problems associated with the uterus are frequent. However, doctors can correct structural issues before the IVF process. Doctors will recommend you undergo a hysteroscopy to identify abnormalities in the uterus.

Even fluid-filled fallopian tubes may contribute to the failure of the IVF process. The fluid from affected fallopian tubes can prevent an embryo from implanting in the uterus. Even fibroids can affect the success rate of IVF despite good embryos.

Fibroids can change the structure of the uterine cavity, which affects the embryo's development when implanted. Endometrial polyps are another reason behind the failure of IVF.

• Endometrial Problems

The success rate of the embryo implantation rate depends greatly on the uterus’s lining. The uterus’s lining is receptive to the embryo for a brief time. In most cases, a normal embryo might not implant because of the faulty uterus lining.

The lining needs to attain a certain thickness of at least 7mm to provide an embryo with a good possibility of implanting. Chronic endometritis is another disorder that affects the success rate of the IVF procedure. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics when you’re suffering from endometritis.

Here are some other reasons why you might have a non-receptive uterus.

1. If the uterus contains fibroids or polyps, then its receptivity will suffer
2. Persistent infection of the uterus
3. Higher concentration of uterine NK cells
4. Blood clotting issues

#3. Condition of the Mother, her Illnesses, and the Environment

The success of the IVF procedure depends largely on the condition of the mother and her associated illnesses. If you are suffering from a chronic illness, the success rate of the IVF process may experience a dip.

Many fertility clinics require a woman to quit smoking at least three months before the commencement of the IVF procedure. Moreover, women who smoke need twice as many IVF cycles to conceive. Furthermore, women who are obese or underweight can experience failed IVF cycles. Therefore, staying healthy is the best way to enhance your chances of conceiving after an IVF procedure.

Once the IVF procedure finishes, the implantation happens after two weeks. If you are facing constant issues related to failed IVF cycles, consult with Dr Nishi Singh. Dr Nishi Singh at Prime IVF Centre will enlighten you about the various stages involved in IVF. She will also let you know about the failed IVF reasons.