IVF - Why Does It Fail?

Pregnancy is not simple as you think. IVF is a result of various factors acting together. The most important requirements for an IVF to be successful are a functional sperm, healthy egg and a uterus that has the capability for the embryo to get implanted in it. Although these are the biological factors, there are several other technical factors too that contribute to the success of IVF.

These include the use of proper techniques, a clean and proper environment in the lab and the quality of the specialist. Only when all these factors are perfect and unquestionable that IVF becomes successful. Here are some of the factors that lead to IVF failure.

Abnormalities in the egg: The human egg has a tendency to get destroyed with time. It is because in women, with age the spindle apparatus is damaged which leads to unequal distribution of the chromosomes in the egg. Thus the eggs become abnormal. Another reason is that the oocyte is very sensitive. It easily gets affected by the presence of free radicals. Even the presence of reactive species of oxygen can lead to a damage of the oocyte. Not only this, but other metabolic products also create the same effect on the oocyte thus producing a non-viable embryo. According to a research, a huge number of oocyte ranging from 25 to 40% usually get damaged.

Abnormalities in the sperm: The sperm has various characteristics that add to the success of the IVF. The first and foremost thing is the sperm has specific receptors at its head because of which they can bind to the egg. If the receptors are not present the action of binding would not be possible and the sperm would be unsuccessful to fertilize the egg. Even if the sperms have bound properly and have injected its contents into the egg, a chromosomal mixing takes place at this stage. This chromosomal mixing would not be possible if the sperm is abnormal. And it has been proven that sperms have a tendency of being more genetically abnormal than eggs.

The wrong Embryo being selected: Sometimes IVF ends up as a failure due to the selection of the wrong embryo. Medical science has still not developed to that range where it can distinguish between and abnormal and a normal embryo and due to this very reason the embryo selected may turn out to be abnormal leading to the failure of IVF.

Apart from what has been mentioned above, lab conditions do play a very important role. If the pH, humidity, and other factors like light are not up to the mark then IVF is bound to be a failure. Fertilization being such a delicate process can be influenced even by the slightest alterations. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.