Identifying the signs of IVF (in vitro fertilization) failure is based on clinical and diagnostic features. Specialists determine whether the embryo has implanted and if pregnancy is developing normally. These signs help both the patient and the fertility specialist make informed decisions and refine the future treatment plan. Here are some signs of IVF failure:
Hormonal Changes
The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is secreted after the embryo has implanted itself into the uterus. A blood test checks hCG levels to determine pregnancy in the initial stages. Low hCG levels or failure to increase in the days following the embryo transfer means that the embryo has not implanted. Other times it shows that the embryo is not developing as it should. Follow-up tests are often done to check the trend. A declining pattern over the successive tests is one of the first and reliable clinical indicators of IVF failure.
Progesterone and estrogen support the endometrium and prepare a conducive environment for the implantation of an embryo. Fertility specialists closely monitor these hormones throughout the cycle. If the hormones do not reach the required level or if they drop early, the probability of implantation may be reduced.
Gestational Sac
A check-up is done through ultrasound a few weeks after the embryo transfer to confirm the presence of a gestational sac. If the ultrasound does not show a gestational sac, it may mean that implantation did not take place. Sometimes, a sac may be formed but remain empty. Other times, it may fail to develop any further with embryonic development. Ultrasound imaging gives a visual confirmation and helps to identify whether a cycle is on track.
Menstrual Bleeding
Light spotting after the embryo transfer may be normal. Bleeding before a pregnancy test may mean that the embryo did not implant. If the bleeding is similar to a normal menstrual period and is associated with cramping, it may indicate that the body is hormonally resetting. This change occurs when the levels of progesterone and estrogen are low, and it leads to the shedding of the endometrial lining. Hormone tests can help determine whether this change is associated with implantation failure.
The resurgence of symptoms that are usually felt before the onset of menstruation, such as pelvic pain or mood swings, may be a sign that hormonal balance is being restored. These symptoms manifest when progesterone is no longer supporting the endometrial lining. For IVF, this timing may correspond to a failed implantation.
Physical Changes
Some women have physical symptoms in early pregnancy because of hormonal changes. These symptoms can include breast soreness, bloating, or fatigue. Lack of such changes, particularly when accompanied by clinical data, may indicate that the embryo did not implant. This observation by itself is not definitive. When combined with low hormone levels or absence of ultrasound findings, it can help evaluate IVF failure.
Embryo Transfer and Development
IVF cycles may be cancelled before the embryo transfer due to inadequate follicular development, poor quality of the embryos, or problems with the endometrial lining. Although it is not a case of implantation failure, a cycle that has been cancelled is a disruption in the process of the treatment. Understanding the reasons for cancellation, such as poor ovarian response or inadequate endometrium, can assist clinicians in modifying the treatment plan.
Sometimes, early symptoms may indicate that the woman is pregnant, but later, a follow-up ultrasound might reveal that fetal development has stopped. This later-stage failure can be due to chromosomal problems or issues with the uterus. The clinician can assess the contributing factors by identifying these outcomes through imaging and testing. They can determine the next steps in the patient’s care or treatment plan.
Address IVF Failure With a Specialist
Diagnosis of IVF failure involves clinical assessment based on hormonal monitoring and imaging. If you have had multiple IVF cycles or implantation issues, diagnostic tests may offer a solution to enhance the next cycle. To proceed with the fertility process, consult with a specialist who offers advanced molecular diagnostics focused on endometrial receptivity. These tools assist in determining the best time for embryo transfer and provide a more individualized treatment. Engage with professionals who focus on this level of diagnosis to help increase the chances of IVF success.
