
29/08/2025
FAILED IVF PROCEDURE OR REPEATED MISCARRIAGES
Couples experiencing repeated IVF failure or recurrent pregnancy loss should understand that both male and female factors may contribute. While conventional semen analysis evaluates s***m count, motility, and morphology, it does not assess the genetic integrity of s***m. A man may have normal semen parameters, yet impaired s***m DNA can hinder fertilization, embryo development, or lead to miscarriage. One key test is the S***m DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI), which identifies genetic breaks or abnormalities within s***m cells. High DNA fragmentation significantly reduces the likelihood of successful conception, whether naturally or through IVF.
On the female side, hormonal imbalance and poor endometrial receptivity can also affect implantation and pregnancy sustainability. If the uterine environment cannot adequately nourish the embryo from conception, miscarriage often occurs between 6–8 weeks.
Unfortunately, advanced s***m DNA testing is not widely available in many laboratories, making male factor infertility harder to diagnose. Therefore, men preparing for IVF should request DNA fragmentation testing in addition to routine semen analysis. This deeper evaluation helps identify hidden causes of IVF failure or miscarriage, guiding more targeted fertility treatments and improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
WOJUADE KEHINDE SAMUEL IS THE CEO/ FERTILITY SCIENTIST AT ABIMS FERTILITY AND ANDROLOGY IKEJA, LAGOS.