Motherhood is a moment desired and expected by hundreds of women. But the reality is that for some it becomes a hard road full of obstacles. Assisted reproduction is one of the most avant-garde fields of medicine, in which research and technology are put at the service of our patients’ dreams. For this reason, at IVI we are specialists in highly complex assisted reproduction, to be able to treat even the most difficult cases and achieve what they long for.
Implantation failure or repeat abortions
We speak of implantation failure when it is not possible for the patient to become pregnant, after the transfer of 2 euploid embryos. This type of embryos are those that are chromosomally normal – those that contain 46 chromosomes. Implantation failure can also occur in those cases in which pregnancy is not achieved when 4 blastocysts have been transferred. Unfortunately, 5% of IVI patients have ever had it.
On the other hand, a repeat abortion is diagnosed when a woman has had two gestational losses before week 24. In this case, 6% of our patients have experienced two or more previous abortions.
If you are in either of these two situations, at IVI we are specialists in High Complexity Assisted Reproduction and we can help you. We have a study that addresses the matter from two areas: the diagnostic study –with the analysis of personal and family history– and the therapeutic –through a series of tests–.
Diagnostic study for implantation failures or recurrent abortions
- Imaging tests – 3D ultrasound, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy – to detect possible genital organic pathologies
- Analytical tests to determine causes associated with maternal thrombophilias
- Endometrial receptivity test
- Preimplantation Genetic Test (PGT-A) for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities
In the event that this series of tests does not allow our specialists to know the cause of either of these two problems, the reproductive immunology study will be considered in our Immunology Unit. And there are times when these infertility problems, which seem to have no apparent reason, have their origin in immune alterations.
Therapeutic study for implantation failure or recurrent abortion
- Imaging tests – 3D ultrasound, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy – for the treatment of possible genital organic pathologies detected
- Treatment, guided by hematologists specialized in reproductive pathology, against congenital or acquired thrombophilias
- Preimplantation Genetic Test (PGT-A + PGT-SR) or donation of gametes, to prevent the transmission of parental chromosomal abnormalities or embryonic abnormalities, in coordination with the specialists of the Reproductive Genetics Unit of IVI
Being a mother from the age of 40
There are many women who decide to postpone their motherhood – for whatever reason – and, when they decide that it is time, they find themselves with too many difficulties. Age is one of the main obstacles when a woman undergoes assisted reproductive treatment. From the age of 35 there is a decrease in the quality of the oocytes and this increases the chances of generating embryos with aneuploidy. Age also affects the number of oocytes, which can lead to a low ovarian reserve. If this happens, after ovarian stimulation for an IVF cycle, the patient does not generate enough oocytes.
For the cases in which a woman wants to be a mother from the age of 40, the first thing is to carry out a fertility study. For this we have different diagnostic tests, such as 3D ultrasound and the analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The second step will be to make a decision, halfway between the specialist and the patient. Finally, based on the most appropriate treatment that has been chosen, we offer patients different options appropriate to their case.
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGT-A) to select the best embryos, with the aim of achieving a healthy baby in the shortest possible time.
- Oocyte accumulation, for those cases in which there is a low ovarian reserve and a PGT-A has previously been recommended. It may also be advisable for these patients to opt for the DuoStim.
- Egg donation, to rule out the negative impact of age on the quality of the oocytes
Patients with low ovarian response
A woman is considered to be a low responder when optimal ovarian stimulation is not achieved. The main characteristic of these cases is the low number of oocytes. Therefore, the fewer the number of oocytes, the fewer embryos to select and transfer. Therefore, the options of achieving pregnancy in this type of patient are fewer. As we have mentioned before, the age of childbearing is being delayed more and more, so that in the future there will be more women with low responses. But, luckily, we have several options:
- Accumulation of oocytes from various cycles. Thus we manage to combine the possible transfers into one. This technique achieves lower cancellation rates, a higher cumulative rate of newborns, and cycles with a higher number of frozen embryos.
- IVF Genetic PLUS, since the main factor of low responders is the decrease in ovarian reserve, due to age. Although there may also be other causes, which cause a low response and a greater probability of generating aneuploid oocytes. In those cases of low responding women and advanced maternal age, the best is the accumulation of oocytes. This, along with a PGT-A that helps rule out chromosomally abnormal embryos.
In addition, at IVI we are working to offer you the IVI Regenerates Ovary technique in the near future. It involves the application of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF). It is a promising alternative for patients diagnosed with low ovarian reserve, among others.
One of the maxims of IVI and its professionals, throughout its 30-year history, is constant research and innovation. And is that many of the patients who come to our clinics have a difficult history, for different reasons. For them, we are specialists in highly complex assisted reproduction. To be able to give them solutions.
