Is Natural Pregnancy Possible After IVF? Here Is What Experts Say

Parenthood¡¯s joyous embrace is not always a smooth journey for some couples. Issues with conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy might arise, leading them to explore options like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IVF stands as a beacon of hope, with success rates hovering between 40 to 60 percent, contingent upon the couple's underlying fertility concerns. Despite IVF, some couples face failed attempts at conception. However, numerous instances demonstrate that couples have achieved natural pregnancies post unsuccessful IVF attempts.

IVF is not the endpoint in this journey. There have been cases where couples, post-failed IVF, experienced the marvel of natural conception. So, yes, there is a possibility for a couple to conceive naturally even after IVF fails. However, exact statistical figures detailing the frequency of this occurrence are lacking. Yet, numerous instances exist where patients have conceived naturally after failed IVF.

Timing for natural pregnancy post IVF

Pregnancy | Photo: Unsplash/Representational Image

After undergoing IVF, there's no mandatory waiting period for couples aiming for natural conception. A single menstrual cycle suffices before initiating attempts for natural pregnancy. It is crucial to counsel patients that the inability to conceive through IVF doesn¡¯t equate to zero chances of conceiving naturally. Encouraging them to persist with natural conception efforts is essential, with no stipulated waiting duration post-failed IVF.

Factors influencing natural pregnancy post IVF

Several factors play roles in determining the feasibility of natural conception post-IVF. Age significantly impacts egg and sperm quality, influencing the chances of natural conception. Overall health status, including factors like BMI (Body Mass Index) and dietary habits, also contributes to the possibility of natural conception.

Understanding the underlying cause of infertility is paramount. For instance, in cases where both fallopian tubes have been surgically removed, the chances of natural pregnancy diminish significantly. However, couples with unexplained infertility or borderline fertility parameters tend to have a better prognosis for natural conception. Patients with conditions like polycystic ovaries also display promising prospects for natural conception.

IVF preparation and natural conception

Pregnancy | Photo: Unsplash/Representational Image

The preparation and evaluation during the IVF process contribute to enhancing the prospects for subsequent natural conception. Evaluations performed during IVF, along with nutritional support, aid in improving egg and sperm quality. Addressing hormonal imbalances throughout the IVF journey prepares the body for pregnancy. Even after failed IVF, the body retains some readiness for natural conception due to the previous IVF preparations.

In summary, while both IVF and natural pregnancies result in the birth of a child, the journey and experiences can differ significantly. IVF pregnancies involve more monitoring and medical intervention throughout the conception process compared to natural pregnancies, which rely on the body's innate processes without external intervention. IVF offers hope, its failure does not signify the end of the road. Couples should remain hopeful about the prospect of natural conception. Considering factors like age, underlying infertility causes, overall health, lifestyle, and diet, guides couples toward informed decisions, potentially influencing the success rate of natural conception post-failed IVF.

About the author: Dr. Srividhya NB is the Director of SSM Hospital. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.