Failed IVF

Anna Aleksandrovna Ryzhova, a well-known reproductive specialist at the IVF reproductive health clinic, with more than 15 years of experience, helped to objectively understand the nuances of this delicate and important issue.

“Yes, sure. Before the IVF program, each couple undergoes a complete comprehensive examination. This is done in order to identify possible causes that can prevent the onset of pregnancy: urogenital infections, pathology of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, changes in hormonal levels, chronic extragenital diseases. And in some cases, the IVF program will be preceded by the preparation of the couple in the form of drug treatment or surgery. All this is being done in order to increase the couple’s chances of getting pregnant and carrying them. “

“The IVF cycle is a complex multi-stage process consisting of several stages. The success of the program as a whole depends on the successful completion of each stage. For the success of the program it is necessary: ​​1. To start the growth of follicles. By prescribing hormonal stimulation, we strive to obtain a large number of eggs. Optimally 8–12. The growth of fewer follicles results in fewer cells and therefore fewer embryos. And this deprives us of the possibility of choice, leaving us no chance to choose the best embryo for transfer. 2. The follicles must reach mature size. But premature ovulation should not occur until the egg is taken from the ovary. 3. The eggs must be removed from the ovaries. 4. The sperm must fertilize the eggs, the embryos must begin to grow and develop properly. 5. Finally, the most important step: the embryos must be implanted in the uterine cavity after transfer. All stages of the program are closely monitored by specialists. “

“The stage of implantation is still a mystery to us: there is no way to determine exactly which embryo will become a child and which will not. Experts can only give a forecast, relying on the appearance of the embryo and its development up to the fifth day of stay in the incubator. The implantation process is complex: a positive result depends both on the embryo itself and on the interaction between the embryo and the endometrium. It is known that the main reason for implantation failures is genetic abnormalities of the embryos. Specialists cannot control the exchange of genetic information between the egg and the sperm. Therefore, just as with natural conception, some of the embryos obtained will have the wrong set of genes. And this fact will not allow the embryo to properly implant and give a positive result in the IVF program. The older the expectant mother is, the more embryos received will contain incorrect genetic information. “

“Don’t be discouraged if pregnancy doesn’t come on the first try. This does not mean that the treatment is not suitable for you or that there is some serious obstacle to achieving the result. Often you just need to repeat the program, get new embryos, among which there will be the very long-awaited one, which will lead to pregnancy. After any unsuccessful attempt, the fertility specialist analyzes each stage of the program, trying to understand the reason for what needs to be changed in the treatment tactics in order to improve the repeat protocol. Particular attention is paid to the quality of embryos and the state of the endometrium. “