Common IVF issues and challenges

Common problems people experience during IVF

Repeated implantation failure

When embryos fail to implant after multiple attempts. This is also known as ‘recurrent implantation failure’ or RIF. It is important to remember that implantation failure is common, and the chance of failed implantation increases with female age. In Australia on average, 30% of embryo transfers result in pregnancy, meaning 70% do not. Most of the time when embryos fail to implant it is due to genetic or chromosomal problems in the embryo itself. Given how common implantation failure is, many people will go through multiple unsuccessful embryo transfers, often referred to as ‘repeated implantation failure.’

Repeated miscarriage

The loss of two or more pregnancies in a row, typically during the first trimester. This is also known as ‘recurrent pregnancy loss’ or RPL.

Thin lining

When the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is thin near the time of a planned embryo transfer.

Fertilisation problems

When the proportion of eggs that are successfully fertilized by sperm is lower than expected.

Sperm problems

When a semen sample has a low concentration, motility, or morphology (shape).

Older female age

The chance of natural conception of conception from IVF declines as female age increases. This is because of a natural decline in egg quality and quantity.

Low ovarian response

When the ovaries produce fewer eggs than expected during the ovarian stimulation phase of IVF.