These 11 factors can hinder your IVF success

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is only associated with patients treated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). It is defined as three or more in vitro fertilization (IVF) – embryo transfer failures. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as three or more pregnancy losses.

There are various factors that affect why IVF may not work for you:

1. Mother’s age

The age of the mother is an important factor responsible for the quality of the embryos. Also, the risk of aneuploidy (abnormal chromosome number) increases with age, posing a risk for RIF and RPL.

2. Increased body mass index (BMI)

Body mass index (BMI) more than 25 kg / m22 is related to both conditions. Patients treated with IVF require more doses of gonadotropins, but usually fewer eggs are obtained compared to a normal patient with a body mass index. In addition, egg quality and eventually embryo quality are affected.

3. DNA fragmentation

High sperm DNA fragmentation is associated with poor quality embryos that would either not be implanted or could be terminated early. pregnancy.

4. Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage. Also, several studies have found that smoking lowers estrogen levels in the body and can also affect the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone, leading to RIF.

5. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium grows outside the uterine cavity and secretes certain immune factors that impede implantation and cause RIF.

6. Fibroids

Fibroids can cause both RIF and RPL. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths from the uterine muscle. They can be present inside the cavity (submucosal), in the muscle (intramural) or in the outer part (subserous) of the uterus. Submucosal fibroids should be removed, regardless of size, as they may impede implantation and growth of the child.

Depending on the size, number, and other factors, intramural fibroids may or may not require removal. Subserosal fibroids have been found not to affect implantation or pregnancy.

7. Polyps

Polyps are also non-cancerous growths that radiate from the uterine lining and may interfere with implantation, such as submucosal fibroid. It should be removed before conception, in cases of recurrent miscarriages and before the IVF cycle in cases of RIF.

8. Adenomyosis

This is a condition in which menstruation occurs inside the uterine muscle. Adenomyosis is strongly associated with RIF and RPL. It is associated with changing the uterine environment to make it hostile to the fetus. In addition, adenomyosis increases uterine contractions, which increases the risk of miscarriage. It is even associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in 2nd in 3rd trimesters.

9. Congenital anomalies of the uterus

There are various uterine abnormalities such as unicorn, bicornuate, septate uterus, etc., associated with both RIF and RPL.

10. Thyroid disease

Hypothyroidism is associated with infertility and RPL. Even a small correction in thyroid levels is associated with better pregnancy outcomes.

11. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

APS is a condition in which a small thrombus forms in blood vessels and capillaries. This leads to recurrent miscarriages and may be associated with RIF. Blood tests can be done to determine if a patient has APS. Precautions can be taken to avoid these complications.

In addition to these factors, there are other factors such as infection, thin endometrium, chronic diseases, immune factors, molecular factors, etc. that may be responsible for these conditions.

Both recurrent implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss affect the couple emotionally and financially. This is a condition that is also problematic for the doctors who treat these couples.