Factors that Affect IVF Success Rates

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most effective and the most successful of all assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. ART procedures are innovations that have been developed to help resolve infertility cases. IVF treatment is a set of precise procedures which are carried out to help with infertility, prevent the passage of genetic problems and help in the conception of a child. It is quite common and is widely practiced almost everywhere in the world.

The process of IVF starts with the induction of the ovary to produce multiple eggs. The mature eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized in the laboratory with already-collected sperm. After fertilization, the embryo is grown for some days before they are transferred into the uterus of the woman. Altogether, the IVF treatment procedure is completed around roughly three weeks. The process can be longer, especially if the individual steps are divided into separate procedures.

IVF relies on proper timing and being very accurate in the procedure. All of the different steps significantly impact the result of the treatment, which is a healthy live baby. It is important to ensure that the process is successful, especially on the first try. This is because the treatment requires significant emotional, physical, financial, and legal involvement which goes for many other infertility treatments in general. As much as possible, all the factors that are known that can affect the outcome of IVF must be identified and controlled even before the treatment is commenced.

What are the Factors that Affect IVF Success Rates?

Some of these factors that may affect the outcome of an IVF treatment include:

• Age – It is assumed that women that are between the ages of 24-34 are supposed to have the best chances of having a successful IVF treatment. This is because this is when women are considered to be at their most fertile stage. However, after the woman clocks 40 years of age, the chances of a successful IVF treatment begin to severely reduce.
• History of previous pregnancy – A couple that has had a previously successful pregnancy stands a better chance of achieving positive results with IVF treatments. However, a medical history of fertility-related problems and multiple miscarriages may make the treatment much more difficult.
• Quality of the egg, sperm, and embryo – The egg, sperm, and embryo quality are the biological factors that affect the success rates of an IVF treatment procedure. The age of the couple has a negative correlation with the success rates that are seen in IVF. It also has a significant impact on the quality of the egg and embryo that is gotten. As a woman ages, her ovarian reserve and the quality of the remaining eggs decrease.

These fewer lower-quality eggs in the ovaries cause a decline in the success rates of fertility treatments including IVF. After the age of 35, there is a faster loss of ovarian follicles and eggs, which significantly reduces the reproductive potential of the woman. If the male partner has issues with their sperm, it may cause a decline in the success rates of the treatment. An alternative is the use of a sperm donor to boost these success rates. The quality of the eggs, the sperm cells, and the embryos are all dependent on the already listed factors. Sperm quality, ovarian reserve, and the stimulation protocol can affect embryo quality. It is also important to note that if the patient’s egg quality is compromised, the use of a donor’s egg is recommended to boost the chances of success of the treatment.

• Uterine receptivity – This factor, like embryo quality, has a vital role in the successful outcome of pregnancy, especially in assisted reproduction. Factors that influence this receptivity include the uterine lining thickness, the outline of the uterine cavity, and immunological factors.
• Embryo transfer – Many IVF fertility experts believe strongly that the actual embryo transfer procedure is one of the most critical and essential parts of the entire IVF treatment procedure. Together with a healthy embryo and successful uterine implantation, a hitch-free transfer is vital. Any issue or problem with the timing of this transfer can negatively affect the success of the IVF process.

What are the patient factors that can affect the success rates of an IVF treatment?

Some of the factors that are under the patient’s control that can affect the success of an IVF procedure include:

• Exercise – Light exercise is recommended for couples that are undergoing IVF treatment procedures. Stressful and strenuous activities significantly reduce the success rates of the treatment. Light yoga, walking, and reduced runs (20km or less per week) are recommended. High-impact exercises like jumping, lifting, etc., are prohibited.
• Sleep – People who get 7-8 hours of sleep every night have a higher chance of successful IVF treatments than the ones that don’t. Sleep is the period that the body repairs and recharges itself. This can significantly improve the chances of IVF success and ensure a successful pregnancy. Melatonin can be prescribed by a fertility doctor depending on the sleeping patterns of an individual as it can help improve the sleeping of an individual. Melatonin can also increase the chances of successful implantation of an embryo.
• Nutrition – Healthy diet is very important for individuals that want to get an IVF treatment. It is advised that there should be no drastic changes in the diet throughout the IVF treatment process. The recommended diet by experts is a Mediterranean diet for about six months before the treatment. This may boost the clinical outcomes of the procedure. This diet includes fish, vegetables, small amounts of red meat, whole grains, and legumes. Fruits should also be included in the diet. They must avoid processed and packaged food and significantly reduce their coffee intake. The diet should also be continued after the transfer and implantation of the embryo.
• Sex – The couple should abstain from sexual activity for some days before the treatment. The male should abstain for 3-4 days before the day for sperm collection, while the female should avoid deep penetration which may bruise the cervix.