After a failed IVF cycle, the most common question patients ask is, “Why did my cycle fail?” It’s a perfectly reasonable question, as they understandably hope that by identifying the cause of the failure, they can increase their chances of success in the next cycle. They seek a detailed root cause analysis to uncover the underlying problem and address it. However, this approach is not always practical, even though it may seem logical.
The reason lies in the discrepancy between our ability to bypass problems in reproductive medicine and our ability to pinpoint them. In many cases, we cannot definitively determine the reason for a failed cycle. Yet, repeating the same treatment cycle often results in success in the second attempt, leaving us without a clear explanation.
While this can be frustrating, both IVF doctors and patients need to cultivate humility and acknowledge the limitations of our knowledge. We excel at certain aspects of IVF, such as embryo creation in the lab. However, once the embryo is transferred back to the uterus, we lack control over whether it will implant or not. Similarly, if implantation fails, we may not be able to determine the precise cause.
Patients need to come to terms with this reality. Instead of dwelling on unanswered questions and wasting time and money on unnecessary tests, they should focus on moving forward and trying again, especially if the first cycle was conducted flawlessly. Often, there is no need to modify treatment options or protocols. Patience and perseverance, along with repeating the cycle until it works, are key.
Human reproduction is inherently inefficient, and sometimes, like fertile couples trying to conceive naturally, persistence is the answer. Just as couples may not conceive in the first few months of trying, IVF patients may not achieve pregnancy immediately.
Unfortunately, some doctors, in an attempt to appease patients’ desire for answers, may order unnecessary tests. These tests are often performed more to satisfy patients than to provide answers. While patients may be impressed by expensive, esoteric tests, they rarely lead to increased pregnancy rates. In fact, they primarily benefit the clinic’s bottom line.
The reality is that tests like ERA and PGD do not significantly improve pregnancy rates. So, setting realistic expectations and understanding what a doctor can and cannot do is crucial. Avoid placing unreasonable demands on the doctor.
If the cycle analysis indicates that a top-quality blastocyst was transferred into a perfectly receptive endometrium with a smooth transfer, patience and repeated attempts are often the best course of action. Desperate requests for additional tests or treatment changes will only increase expenses without improving the chances of success.
While this approach may seem counterintuitive and frustrating, it reflects the current state of reproductive medicine. Embracing this reality will facilitate your journey towards parenthood.
The most effective way to increase your chances of having a baby is to undergo more cycles. The cumulative conception rate increases with each attempt, provided the cycles are conducted flawlessly. Analyzing everything done at the point of embryo transfer determines whether the cycle was perfect. If everything went well but pregnancy did not occur, there’s no reason to give up, get discouraged, or waste money on additional tests. Patience and perseverance will lead to success.
Unfortunately, we cannot predict when pregnancy will occur, which can be frustrating and test your fortitude. However, given the limitations of current reproductive medical technology, there is no alternative.
If you are still confused on what to do ? You can get all the information regarding your IVF Treatments from Dr. Malpani directly at https://www.drmalpani.com/chat-w-chatbot/index.html