For some people, conceiving naturally is very difficult. This is why many people turn to IVF treatment. Of course, IVF is a roller coaster ride of emotions and should never be taken lightly. What most people don’t talk about is the fact that it does fail for some couples, and in these cases they wonder if it’s really worth the emotional fallout and financial burden. It may even seem as if going back to trying for a natural conception might just be a better option, but is it even possible after failed IVF?
Can You Have a Natural Conception?
After the emotional roller coaster ride of a failed IVF treatment, many women feel as if they can’t conceive at all and simply give up. The truth is that though there may be fertility issues, a natural conception can still happen. It may take time and it may be difficult, but the chances of a natural conception are still present, despite the failed IVF treatment.
There are quite a number of variables affecting fertility and the chances of a natural conception. This may include sperm count, weight, and other factors. Despite a failed IVF treatment, there is still a chance for women in this situation to conceive naturally. However, they do need to remember that the chances may be lower than the average.
What Are the Chances?
It’s really important to remember that just because IVF has failed that it’s not the end of the line. In fact, many women find that even after years of difficulty with their fertility and conception, they suddenly become pregnant when they least expected it. These kinds of stories give hope to many women who are struggling with IVF.
The science and the data support the fact that the body responds differently after each round of IVF and fertility treatment. By the fifth cycle of IVF treatment in Bangkok, the chances of conception and the production of healthier eggs has increased to approximately 40%. After this, the chances remain at a plateau and it’s worth looking at a natural conception instead.
The point here is that the body is not necessarily locked into a fertility cycle that doesn’t change. Many women find that successive IVF treatments change how their body responds positively and that they can consider going on to have a natural conception.
Why Is Natural Conception Possible After Failed IVF?
During a course of IVF treatment, many women notice signs that their body is responding positively. They may produce healthier eggs and find that their fertility increases. This not only makes the chances of an IVF conception more likely, but it also means that a natural conception is more likely if they decide to step away from IVF treatment.
In fact, many couples have a successful natural conception even during their IVF treatment because they are having sexual intercourse more often. They may be struggling to fund repeated IVF treatments and find that this is pushing them to try for a natural conception more often. In this sense, they are taking advantage of the increased levels of fertility provided by the IVF treatment itself.
There are numerous factors at work when it comes to an individual woman’s levels of fertility and the chances of conceiving naturally. This may include any and all of the following, among others:
- Having more sex due to the financial burden of IVF treatment
- The improvement in fertility factors due to IVF treatment
- A stronger uterine lining due to IVF treatment and increased chances of a successful egg implantation
Perhaps the biggest factor of all correlates with numbers. Couples who have sex more often because they want to conceive naturally simply have a higher chance of conception, despite a range of other limiting factors on their fertility. In this context, it really is a numbers game and this can never be discounted. This provides hope for all couples who are struggling and finding it emotionally tough.
What Factors Improve the Chances of Natural Conception?
For most couples, it doesn’t really matter how pregnancy happens, as long as it does happen. Whether IVF or natural, there are a wide range of variables involved in conception and nothing can be discounted. In this sense, it’s not a black or white issue. IVF treatment itself can certainly increase the chances of natural conception, and this means that every couple must take into account a wide range of factors.
So, are there any specific factors that may actually increase the chances of a natural conception? Consider the following:
- IVF treatment: Outlined in detail above, it’s clear from the data that IVF treatment does increase the chances of a natural conception.
- Smoking: Science has long known about the negative health effects of smoking. We know that smoking during pregnancy is not good for the developing baby, but we also now know that smoking does decrease fertility and the chances of conception.
- Caffeine: One of the most popular drinks the world over, an over consumption of caffeinated drinks does cut fertility and affects conception negatively. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s wise to cut out as much caffeine as possible.
- Alcohol: Fertility is not set in stone and can and does change due to many factors, including lifestyle, diet, and behavior. Alcohol does decrease fertility and the chances of conception.
- Weight: Women who are obese or overweight are more likely to have fertility problems. In fact, studies have shown that just by losing several pounds, a woman’s chances of conceiving naturally do increase.
Clearly, there are a wide range of diet, lifestyle, and behavioral factors that affect the fertility of any individual woman. It would be wrong to think that all of the answers lie in IVF treatment and that one should simply stop trying to conceive naturally and alter some lifestyle choices. In this context, it’s always best to continue to get pregnant by natural means and take into account the range of factors that can and do affect fertility.
