Patient:”Dr. Malpani, I’m feeling devastated. My IVF cycle failed, and I can’t stop wondering—did I do something wrong? Or did my doctor mess up?”*
Dr. Malpani: I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through this. I know how disheartening it can be when an IVF cycle doesn’t go as planned. It’s natural to start questioning everything, but let’s take a step back and understand that IVF is a complex process with many variables. The first thing I want you to know is that this is not your fault, and it’s rarely a case of anyone ‘messing up.'”*
Understanding the Complexity of IVF
Patient:”But it’s hard not to feel like I failed in some way.”
Dr. Malpani: I completely understand that feeling, but it’s important to remember that IVF is not a perfect science. Even in the best of hands and with optimal conditions, the success rate of IVF is not 100%. This is because we’re dealing with biology, which inherently comes with uncertainties. Factors like embryo quality, the receptivity of the uterus, and even genetics play a role, and many of these are beyond our control. So, when an IVF cycle fails, it’s not about you doing something wrong.”
The Role of the Doctor
Patient:”But what about my doctor? Is it possible they made a mistake?”
Dr. Malpani:”It’s a valid concern to have. As patients, we trust our doctors to guide us through this process, and it’s natural to wonder if something was overlooked. Most doctors strive to do their best with the knowledge and tools available. However, medicine is not an exact science. IVF involves a series of complex steps, from stimulating your ovaries to retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in the lab, and then transferring the embryos into the uterus. There are multiple points where things can go wrong, and sometimes, despite doing everything right, the outcome is not what we hoped for.”
Common Reasons for IVF Failure
Patient:”So what are some common reasons for IVF failure, then?”
Dr. Malpani:”There are several potential reasons why an IVF cycle might not succeed:
1. Embryo Quality: Not all embryos have the potential to develop into a healthy pregnancy. Even if they look perfect under the microscope, some may have genetic abnormalities that prevent them from implanting.
2. Uterine Receptivity: Sometimes, the uterus may not be in the optimal condition for embryo implantation. This could be due to factors like the thickness of the endometrial lining or the timing of the transfer.
3. Laboratory Conditions: The success of IVF also depends on the quality of the laboratory where the embryos are created. Even small variations in lab conditions can impact embryo development.
4. Timing and Technique: The timing of the embryo transfer and the technique used can also play a role. However, these factors are usually well within the control of an experienced IVF clinic.
It’s important to note that these are just some of the potential factors, and often, it’s not possible to pinpoint a single cause for failure.”
What to Do Next?
Patient:”It’s so frustrating not knowing why it didn’t work. What can we do differently next time?”
Dr. Malpani:”I understand your frustration, and it’s absolutely valid. When an IVF cycle fails, the next step is to try and learn from it. Your doctor can review the cycle in detail to identify any areas for improvement. This might include looking at the stimulation protocol, the quality of the embryos, and the timing of the transfer. It’s important that you get photos of your embryos, because these provide objective evidence of the quality of medical care you have received. You can see what embryos should look like at www.drmalpani.com/knowledge-center/ivf/embryos
The goal is to gather as much information as possible to increase the chances of success in future cycles.”
Self-Blame and Moving Forward
Patient:”I keep wondering if there was something I could have done differently—maybe I stressed too much, or didn’t follow the instructions perfectly?”
Dr. Malpani:”It’s very common for patients to feel this way, but please don’t blame yourself. Stress, while not ideal, is not going to cause an IVF cycle to fail. Similarly, minor deviations in day-to-day activities rarely impact the outcome. IVF is a physically and emotionally demanding process, and it’s natural to be anxious. The best thing you can do moving forward is to take care of yourself and continue to work closely with your doctor to make the best decisions for your next steps.”
Seeking a Second Opinion
Patient:”I feel like I need to understand more about why this happened. Is it worth getting a second opinion?”
Dr. Malpani:”Absolutely. Getting a second opinion can provide a fresh perspective and may offer insights that help you feel more confident about your next steps. You can also get answers to all your queries from Dr. Malpani instantly at https://www.drmalpani.com/chat-w-chatbot/index.html