Research has shown that an empty gestational sac, or blighted ovum, occurs in 50% of miscarriages during the first three months, and is usually the result of chromosomal abnormalities, or weak sperm or fertilized ova.
Blighted Ovum
A blighted ovum starts like a normal pregnancy, beginning with the fertilization of an ovum by a sperm (either naturally through sexual intercourse or through assisted reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination). However, after implantation in the uterus, the fetus stops developing at an early stage, while the fetal tissues continue to grow, forming the gestational sac and its surrounding membranes, but without a fetus inside. Therefore, it is called an anembryonic pregnancy.
Blighted Ovum Meaning
A blighted ovum is a fertilized ovum that is not viable for development and is defective from the inside.
Causes of Blighted Ovum
The causes of a blighted ovum can be divided into two main categories:
- The first is related to internal factors concerning the woman’s body, ovaries, and Ovum quality.
- The second is related to external factors, usually involving a problem with the trigger shot, one of the most critical steps in the IVF process.
So, the causes of a blighted ovum may include:
Birth Defect
Some scientists suggest that a blighted ovum may result from a congenital defect in the ovary’s ability to produce fully mature ova . A woman may be diagnosed with this condition if more than one IVF procedure is performed and, each time, the follicles are found to be empty.
Ovum Development Disorder
It is normal for a woman to experience empty ova during one of her life cycles, due to an incomplete or abnormal growth cycle of the Ovum
. Studies have shown that between 0.5% to 2% of women suffer from empty ovum syndrome or blighted ovum.
Wrong Timing of the Trigger Shot
The trigger shot is a critical step in IVF and must be administered at the precise time recommended. It is responsible for releasing the ova from the follicles. If not taken on time, the ova may be released prematurely, making it impossible to extract them correctly.
Corrupted Trigger Shot
Sometimes, all stimulants are effective, but the trigger injection itself may contain a defect in its active ingredient. This may lead to the premature release of the Ovum
so that only the outer follicle is retrieved during extraction.
Trigger Injection Error
During administration of the trigger shot, some of the fluid containing the active ingredient may leak, impairing Ovum
development. This happens because the ova does not receive the full dose of stimulants and active ingredients. Therefore, the injection must be given correctly.
Blighted Ovum Symptoms
A blighted ovum usually does not cause specific symptoms. In most cases, it is discovered by the doctor during a routine ultrasound when the woman is about six weeks pregnant. In a normal pregnancy, the fetus is visible, but with a blighted ovum, the gestational sac appears empty.
However, research shows that blighted ovum symptoms, or empty gestational sac symptoms, are similar to those of early pregnancy, such as:
- Cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
- Missed menstrual period
- Blighted Ovum Discharge
In some cases, a blighted ovum may cause light brown vaginal discharge. However, this is not a common symptom.
What Does a Blighted Ovum Look Like on Ultrasound?
Many couples are curious to know what a blighted ovum looks like on ultrasound. In short, the ovum consists of an outer layer that contains the nucleus, which is the foundation of the ovum. A blighted ovum appears on ultrasound as an outer layer without an internal nucleus.
To further clarify, we can compare the Ovum
to a chicken ovum, which has an outer layer (the ovum white) and an inner part (the yolk), which is primarily responsible for nourishing the chick until it hatches. Similarly, in the case of empty ova, there is an outer follicle, but the nucleus responsible for forming the embryo is absent.
Blighted Ovum Treatment
- If a miscarriage does not occur naturally, doctors usually choose one of the following treatment options:
- Dilation and curettage procedure (D&C)
- Medication such as misoprostol to induce a miscarriage
- Chances of Blighted Ovum
Several factors may contribute to the chances of a blighted ovum, most notably the woman’s age. As a woman gets older, the likelihood of releasing poor-quality ova increases. Other contributing factors include:
- Smoking
- Weight gain
- Alcohol consumption
- Premature ovarian failure
- Immune system disorders
- Exposure to chemotherapy or radiation
- Prevention
Although it is difficult to predict the occurrence of a blighted ovum, it is possible to improve ovarian efficiency and stimulate the production of high-quality, mature ova through:
Ovarian Stimulation with Medication
In this case, the doctor may use a long-term stimulation protocol, administering medication over extended periods alongside vitamins to improve ovum quality. One of the most important supplements used is folic acid, known to enhance ovum quality and increase the chance of producing healthy ova.
Natural Ovarian Stimulation
In addition to vitamin E or biotin, natural remedies may help improve ovarian function. One such remedy is a mixture of palm pollen, honey, and black seed, where one tablespoon is taken every morning on an empty stomach.
Successful Pregnancy After Blighted Ovum
There is always a possibility of a successful pregnancy after a blighted ovum, especially in cases of ovum development disorder. This condition is usually temporary, and the ovum returns to normal in subsequent cycles. It is possible that during one fertilization cycle, the ova are released empty or damaged, but in a later cycle, the ova may be healthy, making natural pregnancy possible.
