Recurrent IVF Failures Causes and Diagnosis
Embarking on the path to parenthood with the assistance of ART like IVF and ICSI can be an emotional whirlwind. While these technologies offer a beacon of hope for couples battling infertility, experiencing multiple unsuccessful cycles can take a heavy toll on one’s spirit.
This webpage delves into the complexities of recurrent IVF and ICSI failures, exploring potential causes, offering support, and discussing options for achieving a successful pregnancy. It must be noted that this topic remains controversial from definition, diagnosis, treatment, etc and is thus debated yearly among fertility experts in international conferences, etc especially in a rapidly evolving field with lots of ongoing clinical research.
Exploring Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) in IVF and ICSI Settings
Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) in IVF and ICSI cycles can be a disheartening experience for couples striving to conceive. Despite multiple attempts, the embryo fails to implant in the uterine lining, leading to unsuccessful pregnancies.
Understanding the complexities and potential reasons behind RIF is crucial for individuals navigating the challenges of assisted reproductive technologies.
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) occurs when 3 attempts of transferring good quality untested embryos repeatedly fail to successfully implant into the uterine lining after undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedures, or 2 attempts of transferring good quality untested embryos genetically tested embryos (with PGT-A: Pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos for aneuploidy).
Despite the transfer of apparently healthy embryos, the absence of pregnancy becomes a recurring pattern, leaving couples frustrated and seeking answers.
What are the causes of Recurrent Implantation Failure?
Here are some of the suggested causes/theories of Implantation Failure in IVF and ICSI:
Problems with embryo quality, genetic issues, or developmental abnormalities can hinder successful implantation
Implantation depends on the receptivity of the uterine lining, which can be affected by fluctuations in hormones like progesterone and oestrogen.
Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo or the parents may contribute to failed implantation.
Certain habits like stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity MAY negatively impact implantation and fertility.
Uterine Conditions such as fibroids, polyps, scarred endometrium, congenital uterine anomalies may pose challenges for embryo attachment or insufficient uterine blood flow can hinder the implantation process. Imaging tests like pelvic ultrasound or hysteroscopy can help diagnose these issues. Also tubal conditions such dilated blocked tubes/ hydrosaplinges can sometimes be encountered, and can be detected by imaging techniques such as pelvic ultrasound, HyCoSy or HSG or laparoscopy.
Imbalances in the immune system sometimes prevent the embryo from being accepted by the mother’s body. In rare cases, specific medications might modulate the immune system and improve implantation success.
These condition can cause complications in the reproductive system, leading to blood clots and impairing the placenta’s ability to nourish the developing foetus.
Despite the precise selection and injection of sperm into the egg during ICSI, poor sperm quality remains a significant factor contributing to IVF/ICSI failures.
Abnormal sperm morphology, low sperm motility, or DNA fragmentation can compromise fertilisation and embryo development, leading to failed implantation or early pregnancy loss.
The quality of the egg is crucial for successful fertilisation and embryo development in ICSI. Advanced maternal age, ovarian reserve decline, or oocyte maturation defects can affect egg quality, resulting in reduced fertilisation rates, embryo quality and ICSI failures.
Diagnosis of Recurrent Implantation Failure
If you experience repeated IVF or ICSI failures, consulting a fertility consultant is crucial. A thorough evaluation can help identify potential causes of RIF. Here’s what you might expect:
- Medical history review: Discuss your medical history, including past surgeries, menstrual cycles, and any previous fertility treatments.
- Blood tests: Hormonal evaluation to factors impacting implantation.
- Imaging tests: Pelvic ultrasound or hysteroscopy, etc to examine the uterine cavity or fallopian tubes for abnormalities.
- Tests for uterine receptivity such as Endometrial Receptivity Assessment (ERA): This procedure evaluates the uterus’s readiness for embryo implantation, helping to optimise treatment protocols.
- Genetic testing: Screening embryos or your and your spouse genetic makeup for chromosomal abnormalities that might hinder implantation.
Treatment Options for Recurrent Implantation Failure: Finding the Right Approach
Tailored strategies are essential to tackle recurrent implantation failure effectively. By implementing a comprehensive approach that combines specialized medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and assisted reproductive techniques, recurrent implantation failure can be effectively addressed, offering hope for achieving successful pregnancy after repeated IVF failure.
Choose Dr Salem El Shawarby for Recurrent IVF and ICSI Failures in Abu Dhabi
Opt for Dr Salem El Shawarby for Recurrent IVF and ICSI Failures in Abu Dhabi. Dr Salem brings over 25 years of expertise to the field. Having honed his skills at leading university hospitals in the UK for 15 years, he offers expert and advanced medical knowledge and personal compassionate care to his patients. Over the years, he has indeed helped a lot of patients to overcome this challenging problem and achieve their dream of successful pregnancies and deliveries.
