Is It Possible To Get Pregnant Naturally After Undergoing IVF?

#KhushKhabriWithIVF: IVF, or In Vitro Fertilisation, is a fertility treatment process used to assist couples with fertility issues in conceiving a child. It works by combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a laboratory, and once fertilised, the resulting embryo is implanted in the woman's uterus to initiate a pregnancy. 

People choose IVF for various reasons, including infertility due to medical conditions, advanced maternal age, blocked fallopian tubes, or low sperm count. However, interestingly, some people go back to having a natural pregnancy after an IVF. Dr Shikha Tandon, Consultant, Birla Fertility and IVF, Gorakhpur, explains why.

Also Read: Signs That Your IVF Process Has Failed: Steps To Take Thereafter

Is Natural Pregnancy Possible After IVF?

“For some people, conceiving naturally after undergoing an IVF procedure is possible,” says Dr Tandon. “While IVF is a highly effective treatment for infertility, it does not permanently prevent natural conception in all cases,” she added. 

A study conducted by scientists at University College London included more than 5000 women, of which 20% who sought assisted conception for their first child were able to become pregnant naturally within three years. The research published in Journal Human Reproduction found that at least one in five women conceived naturally after having a baby using fertility treatment such as IVF. 

Dr Tandon shares a few scenarios where natural conception after IVF might occur:

Spontaneous pregnancy: In some cases, couples who have undergone IVF may still be fertile, and the underlying fertility issues that led to the need for IVF may resolve over time. This can result in natural conception without any medical intervention.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) success: After an IVF cycle, some couples may have excess embryos that are cryopreserved (frozen) for future use. If the couple achieves a successful pregnancy through IVF and still has frozen embryos, they might choose to undergo a frozen embryo transfer in a subsequent cycle. If the FET is successful, the couple may have a natural conception after the initial IVF.

Spontaneous improvement in fertility: In some cases, the IVF process may stimulate the reproductive system or resolve certain fertility issues temporarily, leading to improved natural fertility and the possibility of conceiving without further assistance.

Why People Switch From IVF To Natural Pregnancy?

Here are some reasons why people switch from IVF to natural pregnancy:

Financial considerations: IVF can be a costly and emotionally demanding process. Some individuals or couples may switch to natural pregnancy as a more affordable option, especially if they have limited financial resources or insurance coverage for fertility treatments.

Emotional strain: According to Dr Tandon, the process of IVF can be emotionally challenging due to the uncertainties and ups and downs involved. “Some individuals or couples may decide to take a break from fertility treatments and try to conceive naturally, hoping for a less stressful experience,” she says.

Success of previous IVF: If a couple has already achieved a successful pregnancy through IVF and has embryos remaining from the previous cycle, they might consider trying to conceive naturally before using the frozen embryos in subsequent attempts.

Desire for a natural experience: Dr Tandon says that some individuals or couples may prefer the idea of conceiving naturally and having a more traditional pregnancy experience without medical interventions. This is why they may go back to having a baby naturally rather than resorting to an assisted treatment. 

Also Read: IVF Queries: 6 Questions About IVF Cost That Couples May Want To Ask The Expert

Factors That Promote Natural Pregnancy

Lifestyle choices play a crucial role when it comes to supporting natural pregnancy. These include: 

• Limiting consumption of caffeine
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding alcohol intake
• Saying no to drugs
• Managing your weight
• Planning intercourse according to the time of ovulation
• Getting adequate amount of sleep
• Indulging in physical activity
• Avoiding exposure to toxins
• Taking preventive measures against pollution
• Avoiding stress and taking care of one’s mental health
• Eating a healthy diet inclusive of antioxidants, proteins and fibre
• Avoiding processed food

While IVF is a great option for couples with fertility issues to explore pregnancy, it does not mean that you cannot switch back to natural pregnancy. Ensure that you follow a healthy lifestyle and keep a lookout for your overall health.