Success rates varies from clinic to clinic all over the world depending on population to population. Similarly it varies from clinic to clinic in India. There are several factors which determine the success in a IVF treatment. Some of the factors are.
Type of Fertility Problem
There are some medical conditions where the success rates are very good while in some the success rates are not so good for such as tubal blockage cases give good results in IVF as compared to recurrent miscarriage condition or thin endometrium. In women, The uterine abnormalities, exposure to DES (a synthetic estrogen), fibroids and long lasting effects of latent tuberculosis also effect IVF success rates negatively.
While some male factor infertility may also impact IVF success rate but with the advent of ICSI and other sperm selection procedures the effect on success rate is sufficiently reduced. Some other factors affecting fertility rates are:
Age of the Patient
The age of the patient is important in determining the success rate of IVF. The older the women the lesser the chances of success in IVF. The important determinant in this is the age of the egg. Both the quantity and quality of egg goes down with age. An experienced doctor decides about the protocol of ovarian stimulation, the number of embryos to be transferred and so on. WE generally can transfer upto 5 embryos in such cases.
Duration of infertility:
The duration of infertility is also an important determinant of success rate in IVF. As the duration of infertility is closely tied to increase of the age of women, there is a corresponding decrease in the success rate. The way out may be egg donation.
Previous Pregnancy or Recurrent Miscarriage:
History of previous pregnancy and recurrent miscarriage can be a cause of caution even before the treatment is started. Such patients are slightly difficult and the success rate in such cases are low. It is difficult for such patients to deliver a live baby. Factors such as history of recurrent miscarriage or different partners may reduce the success rate.
Ovulation Dysfunction
Ovarian dysfunction is also an important factor determining the success rate. Patients with high level of FSH and low levels of AMH, where, the hormone required for stimulation is high, the success rates are generally low.
Dual Infertility Factors
In cases where both husband and wife have a infertility factor, the chances of success in a IVF cycle is very low. Such cases also lower the success rate in such cases.
Use of Donor Eggs /Embryos
In case the women is over 35-40 years of age, donor eggs from a young female are good alternative for success in IVF cycle. Factors like egg quality and age of the patient are important. The success rate with donor eggs in patients over forty years of age increases the success rate to 55%.
In case of dual factor infertility, the embryo transfer offers a good chance to improve the chances of success in IVF. The success rates are as high as egg donation in embryo donation.
Life Style
Life style and habits have a role in the success of IVF treatment.
Smoking
Stop smoking at least three months before the start of treatment, to improve the chances of pregnancy. Following are some other factors which are affected. Smokers need
- Higher dose of hormone to stimulate the ovary, which in turn lowers the success rate in IVF .
- Smoking also reduces the implantation rate.
- Smokers need more number of IVF cycles to get a baby.
- The fertilization rates are also low in smokers.
Even in men, smoking results in low sperm count, low motility and high abnormal sperms.
Obesity
Obesity is associated with lower success rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Women with a very low body weight also likely to experience a lower success rate in IVF than women whose body weight falls in the normal range.
In men, obesity is a associated with low sperm count and motility. Weight loss also helps improve semen quality and erectile dysfunction.
Exercise
Moderate exercise, is associated with the higher pregnancy rates in women. However, Vigorous exercise is not recommended. Similarly exercise has beneficial effect in case of men. One hour of exercise three times a week results in improved sperm count motility and normal sperm count.
Caffeine Intake
Excessive caffeine intake is associated with a delay in time to conception. Consumption of even moderate amounts of caffeine (200-300 mg/day) is associated with lower pregnancy rate and higher rate of miscarriage
Alcohol Consumption
Extreme alcohol intake has been associated with decreased fertility four drinks per week is associated with decreased success rate in IVF.
Heavy alcohol consumption in men is associated with decreased sperm count, motility, and percent of normal appearing sperm. Semen parameters have been shown to improve after three months of abstinence from alcohol.
Recreational Drugs
Women who use marijuana appear to be likely to experience infertility. In men, marijuana has been found to increase ejaculation problems and impotence as well as reduce sperm count and motility. Most negative effects from recreational drugs have been shown to be reversed by discontinuing their use.
Excessive Use of Cell Phone
In animal studies, there are reports indicating harmful effects on ovaries, uterus and even embryos due to electromagnetic radiation.
Sperms exposed to such radiation also show reduced motility and increase in abnormal sperms count.
These abnormalities seem to be directly related to the amount of radiation. But, there is no evidence that use of cell phones by women or men is associated with infertility.
In addition to all this:
some studies, have shown tight under garments in men show in increase scrotal temperature raising concern that it may impair sperm production. At present, there is no such evidence that tight clothing is associated with infertility in men. Same goes hot baths, or hot tubs.
We know understand that some lifestyle factors affect fertility. Others may not be supported by scientific data. In general, the best approach is to do everything in moderation.
If you have question call Dr. Aastha Gupta at 9818195903.