How Hyperplasia Influences IVF Success Rates
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most well-known forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The process involves extracting egg and sperm, combining them in a laboratory setting, and then transferring the mature embryos to the uterus in the hopes of implantation. However, a variety of factors, including age, egg quality, and general reproductive health for both men and women, can influence whether implantation occurs. In particular, the thickness of a woman’s endometrial lining in the uterus directly impacts whether an egg will successfully implant.
What is hyperplasia?
Hyperplasia refers to an excessively thick tissue in the body. In theory, this condition can occur in any area of the body. When the condition occurs in the uterus, the problem is called endometrial hyperplasia, referring to the specific type of tissue found in that organ. Typical signs that a woman struggles with this condition would include heavy or abnormal bleeding. In more severe cases, hyperplasia can increase the chances of developing endometrial or uterine cancer. The condition is relatively rare with research suggesting only 133 out of 100,000 women are impacted and is more likely to occur when menopause is beginning or ending.
Hyperplasia and IVF
IVF success can be impacted by so many factors, research does support the reality that an optimal endometrial tissue thickness does exist for implantation. Specific research shows that the condition tends to contribute to infertility diagnoses in women with roughly 3% of participants experiencing hyperplasia. More importantly, research shows inconsistent outcomes for endometrial hyperplasia IVF clients. While implantation can still successfully occur, a higher risk of poor pregnancy outcomes is likely. To achieve implantation, experts tend to recommend using specific protocols to adjust for complications.
Can implantation be successful?
The answer depends on the methodology used during an IVF cycle. Research shows that the early-follicular long (EFL) protocol is statistically a better method than the mid-luteal long protocol (MLP) for hyperplasia clients. Simply put, the ovarian stimulation phase of an IVF cycle needs to be more properly controlled by beginning hormone stimulation earlier in the cycle. Doing so not only helps to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), but improves endometrial receptivity for implantation in women with hyperplasia. Recent research shows that EFL yields a 61.8% live birth rate versus the 43.5% with an MLP protocol.
Overcoming infertility issues
IVF is a proven fertility treatment method that has helped countless people start or grow a family when natural conception hasn’t worked. While other factors such as age, egg quality, weight, and lifestyle behaviors can all influence conception odds, endometrial lining is a critical component. Before beginning IVF, participants will be required to take a complete physical to determine if underlying conditions may be present. People diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia can speak with a fertility expert about best practices to improve conception odds.
