One unsuccessful IVF cycle does not mean the end of the road to parenthood. However, repeated IVF failures should not be overlooked or addressed by simply repeating the same treatment protocol, said leading fertility specialists from Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital & IVF Centre, Bengaluru, ahead of World IVF Day.pear.
Drawing on more than 35 years of experience in reproductive medicine, Dr. Vidya V. Bhat, Medical Director, Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital & IVF Centre, said that while IVF has transformed the lives of millions of couples across the world, it continues to be surrounded by myths, unrealistic expectations and social stigma. One of the most common misconceptions, she noted, is that IVF guarantees pregnancy.
"IVF is among the most effective fertility treatments available today, but it is not a guarantee of success. Every embryo does not implant, and every IVF cycle provides valuable clinical insights. Rather than viewing a failed cycle as the end of the journey, we should understand why it happened and use that knowledge to improve the chances of success in future attempts," she said.
Dr. Vidya V. Bhat explained that recurrent IVF failure should trigger a thorough medical evaluation rather than an immediate repeat cycle. Current clinical practice recommends detailed investigations after two or more unsuccessful transfers of good-quality embryos, enabling specialists to identify underlying factors that may have gone undetected earlier.
"Fertility science has advanced significantly over the past decade. We now know that successful implantation depends not only on the quality of the embryo but also on the health of the uterus, hormonal balance, sperm quality, genetics, lifestyle and several other factors. Every couple's fertility journey is unique, and treatment should be equally personalised," she said.
Dr. Vidya V. Bhat highlighted that while embryo quality, particularly with advancing maternal age, remains one of the most important factors for IVF success, several other conditions can reduce the chances of implantation. These include uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, chronic endometrial inflammation, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, uncontrolled diabetes and hormonal imbalances.
Dr. Vidya V. Bhat said that male fertility is often underestimated. "A routine semen analysis may appear normal, yet underlying sperm DNA damage can affect embryo development and pregnancy outcomes. Fertility is never a woman's responsibility alone. Both partners must undergo a comprehensive evaluation to maximise the chances of success," she said.
Lifestyle, she said, plays a much larger role than many couples realise. Maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can significantly improve both egg and sperm quality.
"While we cannot change age, there are many factors that couples can optimise before beginning another IVF cycle. Good reproductive health starts well before embryo transfer. Even modest lifestyle changes, combined with the right medical treatment, can make a meaningful difference," she said.
Speaking about recent advances in reproductive medicine, Dr. Vidya V. Bhat said IVF has become increasingly personalised. Sophisticated embryo culture systems, improved embryo selection techniques, selective genetic testing and advanced imaging technologies are helping fertility specialists better understand why implantation sometimes fails.
"The future of fertility treatment lies in precision medicine. Artificial intelligence is beginning to assist embryologists in selecting embryos with greater accuracy, while ongoing research is deepening our understanding of the complex interaction between the embryo and the uterus during implantation," she said.
Dr. Vibha Bhat, Consultant Gynaecologist and Infertility specialist, Radhakrishna Multispeciality Hospital & IVF Centre. advised couples against rushing into another IVF cycle immediately after an unsuccessful attempt. "A brief pause can often be beneficial. It allows us to review previous treatment, reassess embryo quality, evaluate uterine health, investigate hormonal and metabolic disorders, and examine sperm quality more closely.
Repeating the same treatment without understanding the cause of failure may simply lead to the same outcome," she said. On the occasion of World IVF Day, Dr. Vidya V. Bhat encouraged couples facing recurrent IVF failure not to lose hope. "Over the past 35 years, I have seen many couples who believed parenthood was beyond their reach eventually welcome healthy babies.
Recurrent IVF failure is not the end of the journey. In fact, it is often the point where we ask better questions, make more informed decisions and find better solutions. With today's advances in reproductive medicine and a personalised approach to care, there is every reason to remain hopeful."