Recurrent IVF failure: is third party reproduction the only option?

For many couples experiencing infertility, IVF constitutes the last resort treatment, sometimes after other treatment options have also failed. Unfortunately, IVF is not always successful, and the cause for the implantation failure quite often remains unexplained. Depending on the specific circumstances, the use of donor eggs, donor sperm or even a gestational carrier are often recommended in an effort to achieve a successful outcome. These alternative treatments may not be acceptable to every couple, and many patients often need to find out why their IVF cycles have not been successful. The reasons why some patients fail multiple IVF cycles could be very complex, and it may be difficult to find an answer despite extensive workups. In this article, I will discuss the most common reasons why embryos may not implant, the testing that can be done in an effort to find an answer, and some of the potential treatment options available for what has been called “recurrent implantation failure”. In general, the underlying cause for IVF failure can be attributed to problems with the embryos, the uterine environment, or the patient’s immune system.