The joyful embrace of parenthood isn’t always an easy journey for some couples. Problems may arise with conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy, leading them to explore options such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a ray of hope, with success rates ranging between 40 and 60 percent, depending on the couple’s underlying fertility concerns. Despite IVF, some couples face failed attempts at conception. However, numerous cases show that couples have achieved natural pregnancies after failed IVF attempts.
IVF is not the end point of this journey. There have been cases where couples, after failed IVF, experienced the wonder of natural conception. So, yes, there is a chance for a couple to conceive naturally even after IVF fails. However, there is a lack of exact statistical figures detailing the frequency of this event. However, there are numerous cases in which patients have conceived naturally after failed IVF.
Timing for natural pregnancy after IVF
Pregnancy | Photo: Unsplash/Representative image
After undergoing IVF, there is no mandatory waiting period for couples seeking natural conception. A single menstrual cycle is sufficient before attempting natural pregnancy. It is essential to advise patients that the inability to conceive through IVF does not equate to zero chance of conceiving naturally. It is essential to encourage them to persist in natural conception efforts, without stipulating a waiting period after failed IVF.
Factors that influence natural pregnancy after IVF
Several factors influence determining the feasibility of natural conception after IVF. Age significantly affects the quality of eggs and sperm, which influences the chances of natural conception. General health, including factors such as BMI (body mass index) and eating habits, also contributes to the possibility of natural conception.
Understanding the underlying cause of infertility is paramount. For example, in cases where both fallopian tubes have been surgically removed, the chances of natural pregnancy decrease significantly. However, couples with unexplained infertility or borderline fertility parameters tend to have a better prognosis for natural conception. Patients with diseases such as polycystic ovaries also have promising prospects for natural conception.
Preparation for IVF and natural conception.
Pregnancy | Photo: Unsplash/Representative image
Preparation and evaluation during the IVF process contribute to improving the prospects for a subsequent natural conception. Assessments performed during IVF, along with nutritional support, help improve egg and sperm quality. Addressing hormonal imbalances during the IVF process prepares the body for pregnancy. Even after failed IVF, the body retains some preparation for natural conception thanks to prior preparations for IVF.
In short, while both IVF and natural pregnancies result in the birth of a child, the journey and experiences can differ significantly. IVF pregnancies involve more monitoring and medical intervention throughout the conception process compared to natural pregnancies, which rely on the body’s innate processes without outside intervention. IVF offers hope, its failure does not mean the end of the road. Couples should remain hopeful about the prospect of natural conception. Taking into account factors such as age, underlying causes of infertility, general health, lifestyle and diet guides couples toward informed decisions, potentially influencing the success rate of natural conception after a failed IVF.
About the Author: Dr. Srividhya NB is the Director of SSM Hospital. All views/opinions expressed in the article are those of the author.
Categories: Health
Source: vtt.edu.vn