In vitro fertilization (IVF) can be recommended for couples or individuals experiencing infertility due to various reasons, such as tubal blockages, male factor infertility, and endometriosis. Individuals may need multiple IVF cycles before they are successful, as some IVF cycles fail to yield a viable pregnancy. Here is more information about IVF failure and its potential symptoms:
Understanding Failed IVF
IVF is a fertility treatment in which an egg and sperm are combined outside the body to create an embryo. Doctors then transfer the embryo into the patient’s uterus, enabling it to attach to the uterine wall and develop into a healthy pregnancy. When the fertilized egg fails to adhere and leaves the body, it becomes a failed implantation.
The success or failure of IVF treatment is not immediately apparent, as implantation may take a few days. Unsuccessful embryo implantation can occur even when all safety measures are considered. The exact causes of IVF failure are not always known, but potential contributing factors include uterine problems, embryo quality, and chromosomal or genetic abnormalities.
Symptoms of a Failed IVF Treatment
Experiencing specific symptoms like bleeding and cramping may suggest failed treatment following an IVF procedure. If a patient suspects IVF failure, they can check with their doctor for comprehensive testing. Here are five possible symptoms of an unsuccessful IVF treatment:
1. Absent or Fading Pregnancy Symptoms
Subtle indicators of successful implantation include breast soreness, bloating, and fatigue. The absence of these early pregnancy signs can be concerning but is not always proof of IVF failure, as pregnancy affects each individual body differently. Fading pregnancy symptoms may also suggest that the pregnancy is not progressing.
2. Negative Pregnancy Test
One indicator of an unsuccessful IVF cycle is a negative pregnancy test result several weeks after the procedure. Pregnancy tests identify the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone, which the female body creates following a successful implantation. After a negative home pregnancy test result, you can check in with your doctor for confirmation and advice on the next steps.
3. Vaginal Bleeding and Pelvic Cramping
The onset of a menstrual period is a sign of IVF failure. If menstruation occurs around the expected time and is consistent with the woman’s usual menstrual cycle, it may suggest that the embryo did not implant. Pain similar to menstrual cramping following IVF treatment may be a sign of failed implantation, indicating that a period is on the way. While vaginal bleeding and cramping can indicate an unsuccessful IVF round, these symptoms can also follow a positive embryo transfer.
4. Inactivity During an Ultrasound
In some situations, a fertilized egg may fail to develop after implantation. This can result in a positive pregnancy test and an absent period but a negative ultrasound. During the ultrasound scan, inactivity and an absent gestational sac may indicate the procedure has failed. An ultrasound can reveal an ectopic pregnancy if the embryo implants in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterine wall. A patient may also have a missed or silent miscarriage if the tissue fails to leave the uterus after the miscarriage.
Identifying Options After IVF Failure
The possible signs of an unsuccessful IVF treatment include absent pregnancy symptoms, vaginal bleeding, and a negative pregnancy test. Patients can schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist to discuss the outcomes of their failed IVF cycle. They may search for additional options and evaluations, such as BCL6 testing, to determine the cause of multiple failed treatments. With the results, individuals can explore other fertility possibilities and treatment choices. Ask a specialist about further testing to help identify the cause of a failed IVF procedure.