The reasons behind IVF failures

Even the perfect IVF cycle does not guarantee a pregnancy despite the best efforts of the best IVF doctor. The failure of an IVF cycle can be highly depressing for both doctors and patients. IVF doctors get baffled at why the IVF cycle failed and their competence gets questioned. They try to figure out whether there were other factors involved. Patients with complaints of repeated IVF failures even consider switching clinics as they are emotionally susceptible and need solutions immediately. They woes at the inability to conceive even when seemingly perfect embryos were transferred translates into frustration and extreme distress.

A successful pregnancy by IVF is determined by just two factors: the quality of the embryo created by the doctor in the IVF laboratory and the uterus of the recipient. A top quality embryo is logically expected to develop into a baby in a receptive endometrium, putting the theoretical success rate of IVF at a hundred percent. But the most baffling fact is that even the best embryos in a receptive uterus sometimes, do not implant. This unknown realm depicts the presence of yet another factor. To learn more about this X-Factor in IVF treatment see http://blog.drmalpani.com/2012/09/the-x-factor-in-ivf.html

Can PGD improve the chances of a successful IVF?

While making embryos in the IVF lab at Malpani Fertility Clinic, we aim at transferring a single embryo of a good quality to the recipient’s uterus which may then implant and develop into a healthy baby. However, our expertise at pinpointing which embryo will develop into a baby is limited. We evaluate embryo quality based on their microscopic appearance. Features such as any fragments of the embryo, the equality of the cells, the cell division rate etc. are examined.  Malpani Fertility Clinic then singles out the embryo that appears best and performs the transfer with this top quality embryo. But even this embryo is likely to be genetically abnormal as its appearance cannot guarantee a normal chromosomal make up.

To solve this problem, Malpani Fertilty Clinic carries out Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). The embryo is biopsied and a few cells removed. We check the chromosome copy number of these cells using Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS) . This technique has great potential as it allows us to select genetically normal embryos. It can improve IVF success rates as they have better odds for implantation than genetically abnormal embryos. Learn more about PGD at http://blog.drmalpani.com/2012/09/should-we-be-doing-pgd-for-everyone.html

Bed rest no longer advised for IVF patients

If there’s a time for a woman to question every move she makes, it’s during the 2ww.  Overwhelming concern about the success of the embryo transplant makes her question even the most routine daily activity.  Women frequently ask questions about limiting physical activity or even being commissioned to complete bed rest.  These concerns stem from a fear that physical activity and exertion will affect the outcome of her IVF cycle.  Do not let these fears turn into complaints about IVF cycling.

Many IVF specialists advocate the restriction of women to bed rest after the embryo transfer.  The advancement of the science of IVF now questions the restriction of normal activities and the adage of bed rest.  Reviews of several reliable scientific publications are available that address this concern.

These studies confirm that continuing normal activity does not have an adverse effect on the implantation of the embryo.  There appears to be no correlation with activity level restriction and failed vs. successful embryo implantation.  Recent research identified facts that suggest strict bed rest after embryo transfer may actually decrease the chance of conception.  Dr. Malpani suggests that women carry on with their normal routine and activities and not cheat themselves out of a wonderful experience.  Using prudence and common sense will prevent women from doing something that they then will blame themselves for should the cycle fail. 

Read more at http://www.drmalpani.com/is-bed-rest-after-embryo-transfer-necessary.htm

Surviving the 2ww

During the 2 week wait between embryo transfer and the pregnancy test (called the 2ww), a frequently overwhelming concern with patients is the fate of the embryos transferred into the uterus.  It’s natural for every woman to want to know the outcome of her IVF cycle.  Once the 2ww commences, every minute can feel like hours so it’s understandable for women to feel that the 2ww is the longest 2 weeks of their lives.

It’s not uncommon for women in the 2ww phase to become hypersensitive to even the slightest changes or sensations in their body.  Many women have complaints of symptoms such as tingling in the breast, nipple soreness, a sensation of pulling of the pelvic muscles, frequent urination, vaginal discharge and nausea.  With each new sensation, the question returns to her mind. “Am I pregnant?”  This all important question lingers whether acknowledged or not.  Her endearing spouse adds fuel to the fire by daily queries about how she feels.

Some women find themselves drawn to the vast knowledge of the internet and become almost obsessed with reading reviews and articles about other women and the symptoms they developed during the 2ww.  This behavior can mitigate some of the wait time and it can alleviate some of the anxiety for some women.  Dr. Malpani recommends against this however, because many women will panic if they are not experiencing the same symptoms.  Others imagine that they are pregnant, or at least that they are having the same symptoms they read about.  The IVF clinic is available to help with concerns and should be your first source of information.

Is it possible to experience symptoms so early in the pregnancy that a woman will know she is pregnant before the pregnancy test is performed?  For further information, please read more at http://www.drmalpani.com/the-2-ww-and-ivf.htm  

Who safeguards your embryos? A look behind the scenes into the IVF lab

The IVF lab is the keeper of your precious embryos.  That is why the lab is considered to be the heart of the IVF clinic.  The cherished embryos are grown and safeguarded there with state of the art equipment and by highly skilled embryologists. This behind the scenes setting is a very important part of IVF treatment but most patients do not have a clue about the process of the IVF lab.  Dr. Malpani and Dr. Gundeti welcome patients to take a look behind the scenes of the IVF lab to see exactly what an embryologist does. 

Why bother?  It’s very important that IVF patients have a solid foundation of knowledge in order to understand which of several progressive assisted reproductive technologies is best for them.  It’s important that patients select the very best IVF clinic to optimize their chance of success with conception.  The clinic’s success is intertwined with the quality of the lab so all patients are encouraged to be proactive and do some research for themselves.  Dr. Malpani suggests that patients do not cheat themselves out of a knowledgeable experience when involved in the process of IVF care.  Reviews are available on line for patient perusal. A good foundation of knowledge will prevent complaints later in the process.

Read more at http://www.drmalpani.com/every-patient-needs-to-know-about-the-ivf-lab.htm