Natural pregnancy after IVF: myth or reality?

Is a natural pregnancy possible after IVF treatment? According to the UK's National Institute of Health, the likelihood of such an event is around 30%. This data was published in the journal Human Fertility. However, to answer the question "Is a natural pregnancy possible after an unsuccessful IVF?", many individual factors must be considered, and the final conclusion should be given by the treating physician.

What factors influence the possibility of conception after IVF?

The ability for a couple to conceive a child without resorting to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) depends on the cause and form of infertility. IVF is prescribed for the following indications:

• tubal factor;
• endocrine disorders;
• male factor;
• depletion of ovarian reserve;
• idiopathic infertility.

In which cases is a natural pregnancy possible after IVF?

• Age factor. Eggs do not mature in every cycle, but if maturation occurs, fertilization is possible.
• Male factor. When the woman is in good reproductive health and the man's spermogram indicators are at the borderline of acceptable.
• Idiopathic infertility. Despite the complexity of the prognosis, the possibility of conception is not excluded.
• Endocrine disorders. Provided there is successful medical correction of the hormonal environment.

Is a natural pregnancy possible after an IVF failure?

There is a myth that IVF reduces fertility. In fact, the opposite is true: fertility treatment, including the use of assisted reproductive techniques, improves reproductive health and can increase the chances of natural conception.

Why this is possible:

• The couple undergoes a comprehensive diagnosis before starting an IVF program, and the prescribed treatment improves the overall health of the reproductive system.
• The hormonal stimulation administered as part of the IVF program can continue to have a positive effect in the following months.

Effect of different IVF protocols on the chances of natural pregnancy

The type of IVF protocol used can also influence the chances of natural pregnancy:

• IVF with your own eggs and your partner's sperm. The chances of natural conception are higher, especially when temporary or reversible causes of infertility are eliminated.
• IVF with donor eggs. In this case, the ovarian reserve is often reduced, making natural ovulation difficult. However, with minimal ovarian function and adequate hormonal therapy, pregnancy is possible.
• IVF with double donation. The chances are extremely low, as both partners are not biologically involved in the conception process. The possibility of natural conception is practically excluded.

How to assess your chances of conception?

After IVF, many couples hope to conceive without medical intervention. However, it is important to remember that a "break" in attempts can cost valuable time, especially at an advanced reproductive age.

The prospects for natural conception after IVF should be discussed with a reproductive specialist. They will take into account all medical factors, history, age, procedures followed, and experience from previous attempts.

A natural pregnancy after IVF is not an exception and can be a quite possible scenario under certain conditions. The key is not to waste time and to act in close collaboration with your doctor.

For an objective assessment of your chances, consult a reproduction specialist or an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist, for example, at the Natuvitro Clinic.