Understanding IVF Failure: Causes and What Can Be Done

The breakthrough of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has enabled many couples to conceive, but IVF failure remains a challenge with multiple causes—some obvious, others overlooked.

1. Obesity

Women with a BMI above 35 face lower implantation and pregnancy rates. Though obesity may not directly cause IVF failure, it negatively affects ART success rates.

2. Cigarette Smoke

Both active smoking and secondhand tobacco smoke (STS) exposure negatively impact fertility and IVF outcomes.

3. Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids can hinder implantation when they distort the uterine cavity. Intramural fibroids may also affect outcomes, especially in unexplained IVF failure cases.

4. Uterine Anomalies

Conditions like uterine septum are linked to pregnancy loss and may interfere with fertility, though further research is ongoing.

5. Thyroid Dysfunction

Even mildly elevated TSH levels (>2.5 mIU/L) may lead to lower birth weight and increased miscarriage risk during IVF pregnancies.

6. Psychological Stress

High cortisol (“stress hormone”) levels increase miscarriage risk. Reducing stress can potentially improve ART success rates.

7. Embryo Transfer Technique

While not an independent cause, poor embryo transfer technique can affect success and must be carefully considered after repeated failures.

8. Immune Factors and Thrombophilias

Controversial but increasingly studied, immune and blood clotting disorders may impact IVF outcomes and deserve individualized investigation.

Our Twofold Mission

• Reduce the negative impact of modifiable factors through treatment or lifestyle changes.
• Identify hidden factors preventing successful pregnancies.

And this doesn’t end here… stay tuned for our next article diving deeper into infertility and practical treatment approaches.