Can You Improve Your IVF Outcomes?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that’s been heralded as a fantastic solution to infertility. The process involves creating embryos outside of the body using harvested eggs and a sperm sample. A selected embryo is then implanted at the ideal moment, and the woman is monitored for pregnancy. While effective, IVF is not guaranteed. The procedure has a 20-40% success rate and often requires multiple attempts. Repeated implantation failure (RIF) is also possible. To improve IVF outcomes, fertility clinics may recommend donor eggs or sperm.

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Why IVF fails

In vitro fertilization is a complex process that needs multiple factors to go well for a successful cycle. Should a single step fail, the overall cycle can be deemed unsuccessful. Most unsuccessful cases are due to embryo implantation failure. The embryo fails to implant and develop due to uterine lining problems or an issue with the embryo. Poor embryo quality due to chromosomal abnormalities is another common cause of RIF. Problems with egg or sperm quality all affect fertilization rates. Some men may have poor sperm motility or morphology. Women may have reduced egg quality due to a diminished ovarian reserve. Underlying health conditions, like endometriosis or even stress, can also lead to poor IVF outcomes.

The power of a donor

In many cases, the root cause of unsuccessful IVF cycles can be traced to sperm and egg quality. A semen analysis can reveal markers that may reduce success rates. Women can also have issues with egg quality and quantity. A donor provides a sperm or egg sample to improve the quality of the resulting embryo. The sperm or egg sample can come from a family member or friend. In most cases, the donor sample comes from a fertility bank. These facilities have cryopreserved donations that are thoroughly tested for quality. Considering a donor can significantly improve pregnancy and live birth chances.

How donors help improve IVF outcomes

Success rates for IVF are primarily dependent on sperm and egg quality. Donor eggs can bypass any issues discovered with egg quality, while donor sperm can bypass many of the sperm quality issues present in individuals with male-factor infertility. Donor samples are checked for quality and any chromosomal abnormalities. Studies show that IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients have significantly improved outcomes with donor sperm. A recent study also revealed that 42% of cases using a fresh donor egg resulted in a live birth.

Important factors in your decision

Considering a donor for family building is a difficult decision. Couples must navigate the emotional stress that sperm or egg may be the reason why pregnancy is difficult. There’s also the fact that at least 1 parent will not be biologically linked to the child. There are also additional financial, legal, and ethical considerations. Donor samples receive thorough testing, but there is still the chance of the child being born with a rare or unscreened condition. The fertility team will discuss all possible risks before proceeding.

A helping hand increases your IVF success rate

In vitro fertilization failure or reduced success rates from poor embryos can happen to any hopeful couple. Tests can reveal an underlying issue with eggs or sperm, leading to non-viable embryos. The next best step is to create embryos using donor eggs or sperm. These high-quality vetted samples can improve embryo quality, leading to higher implantation and pregnancy rates. Discuss the benefits and risks with a fertility specialist and take the next step in starting or growing a family with confidence.

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