Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan recently appeared on Sania Mirza's podcast Serving It Up With Sania and spoke about her journey of getting IVF procedures in the past. She shared how she went through a tough time emotionally and it was her husband Shirish Kunder's support that kept her going.
“With IVF, because I was carrying triplets, the vomiting was three times worse. I used to have stomach rashes and was constantly in the loo as each child was pressing on my bladder. I couldn’t sleep lying down; I had to sleep on a recliner. Then came the daily injections, either on my thigh or somewhere else. When it didn’t work the first two times, I cried in bed for two days. I was also shooting Om Shanti Om at the same time," the filmmaker shared.
Khan's description of her pain and loss must have resonated with a lot of women out there, even men too, who have experienced failed IVFs. Moneycontrol's team reached out to Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, gynaecologist and IVF expert at Nurture, to understand what are some of the common reasons that explain failure of IVF procedure.
"Farah Khan's admission that she had two unsuccessful IVF procedures in the past reveals an important fact about IVF that even though it is a source of hope to millions of couples with fertility problems, it doesn't always guarantee positive results. IVF failure may be caused by a number of medical, biological and environmental factors even in the most developed clinical conditions," she explained.
Dr Bajaj has listed down common reasons of IVF failures below:
Poor quality of eggs
This is one of the most common reasons of IVF failure and it has close correlation with the age of a woman who's trying to conceive. The higher the age of a woman, the lower the ovarian reserve and the quality of eggs. This poses the risk of having a chromosomal abnormality. These abnormalities frequently result in implanted and early-miscarried embryos. Equally, the quality of the embryo which is determined by the egg and sperm is very important. Embryos which look normal morphologically can still have chromosomal errors that lead to unsuccessful implantation.
Uterine receptivity
This is another important factor. Fibroids or polyps, adhesions or the presence of a thin endometrial lining may disrupt the uterine environment and render it unfavorable for implantation. Another obstacle to embryo attachment may be chronic inflammation or unknown infections in the uterine cavity. Immunological or coagulation-related problems in the body such as abnormal immune response or clotting disorders may disrupt the embryo in some women to be accepted and nourished.
Hormonal imbalances
Another significant cause of the IVF failure is the imbalance in hormones. Ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation may be adversely impacted by such disorders as uncontrolled thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or luteal phase defects. Besides, an uncontrolled insulin concentration or excessive prolactin may disrupt the delicate hormonal balance needed to conceive.
Low sperm motility
Unsuccessful IVFs can also be caused by male-factor infertility. The sperm DNA fragmentation or low sperm motility might compromise embryo development despite successful fertilisation at the beginning of its development. Such issues are still a primary consideration as the sperm selection methods have been enhanced.
Laboratory and procedural factor
Laboratory and procedural factors, including the conditions of embryo culture, the method of embryo transfer, and protocols of handling have significant role to play in the success or failure of IVF procedure. Even small differences can affect the survival of embryos and their ability to implant.
Poor lifestyle choices
In addition to clinical factors, personal factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, overweight, malnutrition and chronic stress can reduce the rate of success as well.
"One should understand that a failed IVF may not mean that the person is infertile. Following the diagnosis, modification of protocols, and emotional assistance, a good number of couples get successful results during subsequent attempts. It is all about finding the root cause, customising the treatment as per individuals involved, and having a positive attitude in the process of healing," Dr Bajaj concluded. In fact, Khan is a proud mother of three children now and she is the perfect example one can look at to draw hope and inspiration.
FAQs on why IVFs fail:
1. Why does IVF sometimes not lead to pregnancy?
Because the embryo may not implant properly in the uterus, even if it looks healthy under the microscope.
2. Can poor egg or sperm quality cause IVF failure?
Yes. Abnormal eggs or sperm can lead to embryos with genetic issues that fail to develop.
3. Does age affect IVF success?
Absolutely. Women over 35 often have lower egg quality, which reduces implantation and pregnancy rates.
4. Can uterine problems make IVF fail?
Yes. Fibroids, polyps, or a thin uterine lining can prevent an embryo from attaching and growing.
5. Does lifestyle matter in IVF success?
Yes. Smoking, obesity, stress, and excessive caffeine or alcohol can all lower success rates.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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