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10 IVF Failure Reasons and How to Improve Success Rates
Aug 05, 2025
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a hopeful path toward parenthood for many couples. Yet, despite advanced technology and expert care, not all IVF cycles result in pregnancy. Understanding the possible IVF failure reasons can help couples prepare better and improve their chances of success.
Read on to know more about the reasons, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Disclaimer: This blog aims to provide general information and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate help.
Read on to know more about the reasons, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Egg Quality Decline and Chromosomal Errors
With age, eggs accumulate DNA errors. After the mid-thirties, the chance of an egg carrying the wrong number of chromosomes rises. Such eggs may not fertilize, stop growing by day 3 or day 5, or may lead to early pregnancy loss.How is it detected?
- Ovarian reserve tests, such as AMH and antral follicle count
- Embryo growth patterns and grading in the lab
- Preimplantation genetic testing, when appropriate
Treatment options
- Tailored stimulation to recruit the healthiest cohort
- Coenzyme and micronutrient support as advised by the clinician
- Considering donor eggs when the reserve and quality are severely limited
Sperm Parameters and DNA Fragmentation
Low count, low motility, abnormal forms, or high DNA fragmentation reduce fertilization and can impair embryo development.How is it detected?
- Semen analysis with strict morphology
- DNA fragmentation tests when indicated
Treatment options
- ICSI to place a healthy sperm directly into the egg
- Advanced selection methods, like microfluidic sorting
- Addressing infections, varicocele, heat exposure, smoking, and alcohol
Embryo Development and Aneuploidy
An embryo may look good under the microscope yet carry chromosomal errors. These embryos often fail to implant.How is it detected?
- Day 5 blastocyst assessment
- Preimplantation genetic testing to screen for chromosomal errors when clinically justified
Treatment options
- Extended culture to blastocyst to allow natural selection
- Choosing a single high-quality embryo to reduce uterine load
- Optimizing culture conditions and avoiding unnecessary manipulation
Uterine Cavity Problems and Endometrial Lining
Polyps, fibroids that distort the cavity, adhesions, or a septum can hinder attachment. A thin or irregular lining also reduces receptivity.How is it detected?
- High-resolution ultrasound and saline infusion sonography
- Hysteroscopy to visualize and treat intrauterine issues
Treatment options
- Hysteroscopic removal of polyps or adhesions
- Myomectomy for select cavity-distorting fibroids
- Protocols to improve lining thickness and uniformity before transfer
Window of Implantation and Receptivity Mismatch
Even with a good embryo and a normal cavity, the endometrium must be receptive at the right time. A mistimed transfer, infection, or altered immune activity can cause failure.How is it detected?
- Cycle mapping and luteal hormone monitoring
- Screening and treatment for chronic endometritis when suspected
- Receptivity assessment tests in select recurrent failure cases
Treatment options
- Precisely timed frozen embryo transfer
- Adequate luteal support with progesterone and adjuncts
- Treating infections and correcting underlying inflammation
Maternal Age and Ovarian Reserve
Age lowers both egg number and quality. The chance of chromosomal errors rises, while the response to stimulation falls.How is it detected?
- AMH, FSH, LH, and ultrasound markers
- Response patterns in any prior cycles
Treatment options
- Early fertility planning and egg freezing at a younger age
- Modified stimulation with appropriate triggers and adjuvants
- Donor egg counselling when chances with self-eggs are very low
Lifestyle, Body Weight, and Metabolic Health
Obesity, undernutrition, smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep, and chronic stress affect hormones, egg and sperm health, and implantation.How is it detected?
- BMI, waist measures, blood sugar and insulin markers, thyroid profile, vitamin D
- History of sleep patterns, tobacco, and alcohol
Treatment options
- Weight optimisation and balanced nutrition
- Stopping tobacco and limiting alcohol
- Regular physical activity and stress reduction
Hormonal Disorders Such as PCOS and Thyroid Disease
PCOS, thyroid imbalance, and uncontrolled diabetes disturb ovulation, endometrial growth, and embryo implantation.How is it detected?
- Hormone panels and glucose tolerance testing
- Ultrasound findings consistent with PCOS
- Thyroid function tests
Treatment options
- Cycle regulation, insulin-sensitising measures, thyroid correction
- Step-wise stimulation with careful monitoring
- Luteal phase support tailored to the cycle type
Poor Response to Ovarian Stimulation
Some ovaries recruit few follicles despite medicines. Fewer eggs mean fewer embryos to select from.How is it detected?
- Low AMH and low antral follicle count
- Weak response to ovarian stimulation in a prior cycle
Treatment options
- Changing the protocol, priming strategies, or trigger type
- Dual stimulation approaches in select cases
- Considering donor eggs if the response remains consistently poor
Laboratory Conditions and Clinical Protocols
Embryos are sensitive to temperature, pH, culture media, and handling. Even small deviations can reduce viability. Transfer technique and catheter placement also affect outcomes. How is it detected?- Consistent lab quality checks and documented outcomes
- Ultrasound-guided transfer with minimal trauma
Treatment options
- Centres with transparent practices, audited outcomes, and trained embryologists
- Adhering to single embryo transfer when advised
- Using a gentle, ultrasound-guided transfer
How to Improve IVF Success Rates
- Start with a complete workup rather than repeating past plans blindly.
- Match the cycle type to biology: fresh or frozen transfer, natural or programmed lining.
- Build embryo quality upstream — optimise egg and sperm health, consider genetic testing where indicated.
- Invest in lifestyle and metabolic health. Weight, sleep, nutrition, and stress care are not optional.
- Select the right fertility centre — one with modern labs, personalised protocols, and transparent communication.
Choosing the Best IVF Centre in Bangalore
For couples considering IVF in Bangalore, the choice of centre can make a measurable difference in outcomes. The best IVF centre in Bangalore is one that brings together three pillars:- Experienced specialists who individualise treatment instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Advanced laboratory standards — consistent embryo culture quality, meticulous temperature and pH monitoring, and ultrasound-guided transfers.
- Transparent results and counselling so couples understand probabilities and options, rather than being sold promises.
Disclaimer: This blog aims to provide general information and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate help.
FAQs
1) Our IVF failed even though scans looked “normal.” What actually goes wrong most often?
Usually chromosomes, timing, or the uterus—not just luck. Common culprits: age-related egg/embryo errors, a mistimed transfer, lining or cavity issues, or sperm DNA damage.2) How do we know if egg quality or embryo chromosomes were the problem?
Clues come from age and how embryos grew to day 5. Your team may suggest genetic screening of embryos (when justified) to avoid transferring chromosomally abnormal ones.3) Can sperm look “okay” yet still cause IVF to fail?
Yes. A routine semen report can miss DNA fragmentation or subtle function issues. Options include ICSI, better sperm selection, and fixing risks like infection, heat, or smoking.4) What can we change before the next attempt to raise success?
Match the cycle to biology (fresh vs frozen), nail the timing of progesterone and transfer, adjust stimulation, treat uterine problems or infections, and tighten lifestyle basics (sleep, weight, tobacco/alcohol). Choose a lab with audited outcomes and ultrasound-guided transfer.Related BlogView More
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