IVF is a journey of both challenges and hope. Although it heightens the prospect of pregnancy, success is contingent upon your overall health, medical expertise, and technology. In some instances, despite best efforts, the egg that is fertilized does not implant. While this is disappointing, catching the signs early on makes it possible to take positive action.
Implantation Failure in IVF
Implantation failure is prevalent in IVF, responsible for almost 75% of failures. Some undergo a chemical pregnancy, while others go through recurrent implantation failure (RIF), where two or more cycles fail. It’s sad, but knowing the reason can help you if you are from this issue.
Symptoms of Failed Implantation
There are no telltale symptoms of implantation failure, but some signs may indicate an unsuccessful attempt:
1.) Failed Pregnancy Test:
2.) Arrival of Periods:
Another indication of a failed implantation is when the periods arrive. If you start to experience menstrual symptoms after your implantation, then this may be a sign of a failed implantation. This is not necessarily an absolute sign, though, and can happen. If you notice this symptom, visit your physician and seek advice.
3.) Cramps:
Continuous cramps in the lower abdomen may indicate a failed process and result in menstrual bleeding. Mood swings, breast swelling, nausea, and headaches that accompany the menstruation cycle may reflect failed treatment. If you have severe cramps, check with your doctor thoroughly without fail.
4.) Inconclusive Ultrasound Results:
Ultrasound examination can safely diagnose failed IVF attempts. In a chemical pregnancy, the egg fails to implant or grow after embryo transfer; this can be visualised by ultrasonography. It can also identify a missed miscarriage, which is when the tissue of the miscarriage fails to pass out of the uterus.
5.) No Implantation Bleeding:
Minimal spotting or bleeding occurs 10–14 days after embryo transfer and is often seen as a sign of successful implantation. However, not everyone experiences this. The absence of bleeding can still be a sign of successful implantation without bleeding, as some women don’t bleed during implantation, and other signs like mild cramping can also indicate success.
What Triggers Failed Implantation?
Implantation failure may be a consequence of various medical and lifestyle conditions. Some of the most common reasons for implantation failure are as follows:
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities might occur when developing the embryo during an error of cell division or a spermatic or oogamous mutation. The abnormality might hamper the proper formation of the embryo, and also, abnormalities do occur more as age increases.
Uterine Abnormalities
A receptive uterus is quite crucial for a successful implantation. Abnormalities of the uterus can cause impediments to the implantation process. The following are some uterine anomalies:
- Hydrosalpinx
- Chronic Endometritis
- Mullerian malformation
- Thin endometrium
- Adenomyosis
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are crucial to the processes and functions of the reproductive system. Hormonal imbalance can interfere with ovulation and cause a delay in uterine lining thickening, resulting in failed embryo attachment.
Lifestyle Factors
Some bad habits in lifestyles can be responsible for causing an unsuccessful embryo transfer. Smoking, abnormal eating routines, and heavy drinking are bad habits which can jeopardize implantation.
Smoking kills and changes egg and sperm DNA, bad eating habits affect hormonal balance, and alcoholic drinks make ovulation irregular. Therefore, leave or avoid those habits if you desire a fruitful implantation.
Significant Tests to Check Implantation Failure
Embryo transfer setbacks can be challenging for patients trying to conceive through IVF treatment. Some tests can diagnose failed IVF attempts and help you better understand its causes.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
Most embryos produced during an IVF cycle contain an abnormal number of chromosomes. Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos can lead to a failed implantation. The PGT-A test identifies genetic abnormalities in the embryos.
ERA Test
Most embryos produced during an IVF cycle contain an abnormal number of chromosomes. Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos can lead to a failed implantation. The PGT-A test identifies genetic abnormalities in the embryos.
Hyper Salpingography
Hyper Salpingography is a diagnostic imaging to evaluate the fallopian tubes and the ovarian reserve. It can give very valuable information regarding the presence of any obstruction, polyps, cysts, etc., which can prevent embryos from being delivered to the uterus, leading to failure of implantation.
Tips To Prevent Implantation Failure
Implantation failure is a difficult and unsettling period while undergoing an IVF treatment. One must be mindful of some lifestyle and health habits to follow and those to avoid to avoid a failed implantation. Some tips to avoid implantation failure are:
Change Lifestyle habits
Habits of drinking, smoking, and others damage fertility in men and women. Drinking can harm the sperm, eggs, or even the embryo, thus leading to a failure in implantation. Smoking can also lead to hormonal imbalance in the body, which causes reproductive issues. Therefore, one should avoid such habits.
Have a healthy BMI.
Unhealthy levels of BMI can result in many issues during IVF treatment. Difficulty in implantation and retardation of the IVF procedure may be caused by an underweight or overweight BMI. Maintaining a healthy BMI is essential to avoid failure in implantation.
Take PRP Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves the injection of PRP into the ovaries or uterus. PRP is a plasma in the blood that holds gigantic growth factors and helps in endometrial thickening for implantation and embryonic development.
Screen for underlying medical conditions
It is necessary to conduct a checkup and screen for underlying medical conditions before the implantation process, which could lead to probable implantation failure. The underlying conditions are hormonal imbalance, problems in the uterus, fallopian damage or blockage, diabetes, etc. You can easily prevent an implantation failure with proper screening.
Conclusion
Implantation failure is a devastating setback in your IVF process, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself. Selecting the proper fertility clinic is ideal for going through tough situations.
At our fertility centre, we offer advanced IVF procedures with empathetic care to help you achieve your best possible success. Don’t leave your dreams up to fate—our professionals are here to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule your appointment with our fertility centre today and take the first step toward parenthood!
