Top 9 IVF Success Factors that impact occurrence of Pregnancy

It is evident that IVF involves a great amount of emotional and physical stress for a couple hence it becomes important for one to have top-to-toe information not just about the procedure but crucial factors connected to it. The considerable emotional, physical and financial burden associated with infertility treatment in general and with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in specific, demand that factors known to affect outcome be identified and regulated prior to initiating the treatment.

This article addresses the factors which are responsible in determining the IVF success rate. Below mentioned factors are very important in evaluating the final success of IVF treatment.

• Egg and embryo Quality
• Receptivity of the Uterus
• Embryo Transfer (The “Rate Limiting” Technical Step)

Each of these factors are outlined in detail below:

The most beautiful and precious thing for the people in this whole world is their child. If we practically look at things, then the process of having a baby may seem quite easier. As it takes two heterosexual people to need to copulate that would simultaneously result in a fertilized egg. But this simple process is the hardest thing to achieve for some disadvantaged people. Some people face enormous difficulties in conceiving a child or some may have an infertile partner. Looking at the history, initially, we were not much advanced and didn’t have much resources and knowledge to treat these issues. But as technology is advancing day by day, things are taking a turn and we now live in a modern era that has a solution for almost everything.

With the development in medical science, doctors and scientists have invented many treatments that do not include physical intercourse between men and women to fertilize an egg. One of these treatments is In Vitro Fertilization, also known as IVF or Test Tube Baby. But some people are either confused or hesitate to avail these services because they have fears and doubts like what if this treatment didn’t work out? What if this treatment is not safe? Here are some major factors that affect the success rate of IVF treatment:

Success Factor 1: Age of the Couple

If you are planning to get IVF treatment then you should first consider your age. Using your own eggs is an important thing in IVF treatment. According to sources and international research reports, younger women with good eggs in terms of quality and quantity showed higher success rates whereas in older women low quality and fewer eggs reduced the chances of a successful IVF treatment. Women who were under 35 and started an IVF cycle, out of them, 40 percent gave birth to a healthy baby. Additionally, in older women with age over or above 42, the success rate was only 4 percent.

Success Factor 2: Previous Pregnancy Records

If you had been pregnant before and it was with the same partner, who will be going under IVF treatment, then the chances of your IVF success rates are higher. Factors including recurrent miscarriages or a different partner may result in lower success rate.

Success Factor 3: The Type of Fertility Problems you are diagnosed with

There are also some cases in which few male infertility issues do impact IVF success rates. For example, exposure to fibroid tumors or DES and uterine abnormalities may also lead to decreased IVF success rates. IVF success factors are majorly dependant on ovulation. Some ovarian dysfunctions including FSH levels that indicate very low ovarian reserve might lower the chances of IVF success rate. If you have been infertile for a long time then it may also reduce the chances of IVF success, whereas if the amount of time for which a couple has been infertile is not much, then the chances of IVF success are higher.

Success Factor 4: Use of Donor Eggs

Patients who are in their advancing age can have a depleting ovarian reserve and quality of eggs. It is observed that those opting for donor eggs are at higher chances of having a successful IVF cycle when compared to those who use self eggs.

Success Factor 5: Your Lifestyle and Daily Habits

If you want to improve the chances of having a baby then you should stop smoking and drink right away. Women need to stop these habits at least 3-4 months before they start with IVF treatment. People who smoke a lot need a higher dosage of fertility drugs for stimulating their ovaries.

• Those who smoke regularly have lower implantation rates compared to non-smokers.
• Women who consume excessive alcohol may need more than one IVF cycle and they can also experience failed fertilization cycles.
• Women who are overweight or obese also have increased chances of miscarriage and infertility.
• Women who are underweight also have low chances of IVF success. To increase the chances of pregnancy you need to maintain an ideal weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle which means daily workouts and proper intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereals.

Success Factor 6: The Type of Clinic you Choose for IVF Treatment

If you do not want to risk the chances of your IVF success rate then you should review the IVF centers on the basis of these factors:

• The reputation, experience of other couples with the IVF clinic and its staff
• Live birth rate per IVF cycles
• The ratio of patients who are pregnant with multiple children
• The laboratory that is used by the clinic to perform IVF treatment and the qualification and experience of their staff

Success Factor 7: Experience and Qualification of the Embryologist

An embryologist is a specialist who is responsible for the preparation of the gametes (sperms and ova) for the process of fertilization. He is the one who monitors the developing embryos obtained after fertilization. He also carries out certain additional sophisticated procedures like Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or Testicular Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (TESA) or assisted hatching for achieving better results. An embryologist with great experience and high qualification will have the expertise to perform these processes with perfection.

Success Factor 8: Air Quality During the Process

The air inside the laboratory has to be pure and free from any kind of microorganisms like fungi or bacteria as it can threaten the growing embryos. Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units that have charcoal filters, as well as high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filters, are a must to provide the high-quality air in the room.

Success Factor 9: Temperature and Light

Temperature and light have a special role during the initial stages of the embryo development where ideal temperature condition and filtering away of ultraviolet rays are important to ensure safety from the damage.

IVF is a significant decision of a couple’s life that has the potential of bringing a life-changing turn in their lives. Not only money-wise, but it is an investment that cost them at every level hence one must be well-prepared and informed about the success factors to enhance their chances to the best.