Intended Parents

2 Failed IVF Cycles: What’s Next?

Two failed IVF cycles can be devastating for hopeful parents. It’s natural to wonder whether continuing is worth it or if there’s something you’re missing.

The good news is that many couples go on to achieve success after two IVF failures. However, understanding the potential causes is key to helping you decide whether to adjust your IVF approach or move on to an alternative option like surrogacy.

Fill out our online contact form now to speak with a specialist who can provide you with more information about surrogacy based on your situation.

This article explores:

What you need to know after two failed IVF cycles,
Potential causes of IVF failure
Steps to guide your next move

Two Failed IVF Cycles: What’s Next?

Once you’ve identified potential causes of failure, the next step is to explore your options. After two failed IVF cycles, many clinics recommend investigating different approaches that could increase your chances of success.

Surrogacy

For some, surrogacy may be an option worth considering. If uterine issues are a significant barrier, or if you’ve had more than two failed IVF transfers, surrogacy can provide an opportunity to carry your biological child with the help of a surrogate. Potential surrogates go through extensive medical screenings including:

Self-disclosed medical, social and drug history
Reviewing of official medical records and birth records
A complete medical workup to check blood type, hormone levels, pap smear, uterine check, STD testing and more.
Drug testing and blood work to test for infectious disease for both the surrogate and their spouse.

This helps to minimize risks and increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. Unlike IVF, where the embryos are transferred to the intended parent’s uterus, with surrogacy, the embryos are implanted into the surrogate’s uterus.

Surrogacy can be an ideal next step if IVF alone hasn’t worked, as it allows hopeful parents to use their existing embryos with a medically screened surrogate. To learn more about whether surrogacy is right for you after failed IVF attempts, reach out today or explore our article on surrogacy after IVF.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

If genetic abnormalities are the issue, PGT can help ensure that only genetically healthy embryos are transferred. This screening can be crucial, especially for older women or those who have experienced repeated IVF failures. PGT can significantly increase the chances of implantation and a successful pregnancy.

Consider Using Donor Eggs or Embryos

In some cases, using donor eggs or embryos may be the next step. This is especially relevant for women with low ovarian reserves or those whose eggs show poor quality. Donor eggs can offer a fresh opportunity for a successful pregnancy if two previous cycles with your own eggs have failed.

What Causes Two Failed IVF Cycles?

If you’ve gone through two failed IVF cycles or two failed IVF transfers, it’s crucial to pause and evaluate why. Repeated IVF failures often point to underlying issues that need addressing before you try again.

One of the most common reasons IVF fails is due to genetic issues within the embryos themselves. Even high-quality embryos can have genetic abnormalities that prevent successful implantation.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is one option that can help identify viable embryos before transfer. PGT screens for chromosomal abnormalities and can significantly improve your chances of success with a third IVF attempt.

In some cases, the issue may not be with the embryos, but rather the uterus. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometrial lining problems, or a tilted uterus can interfere with implantation, causing repeated IVF failures. A comprehensive evaluation of your uterus—via imaging tests like hysteroscopies or MRIs—may reveal structural or functional issues that need addressing.

Certain immune factors can interfere with successful embryo implantation, making it challenging to achieve a healthy pregnancy. In some cases, a woman’s immune system may mistakenly identify an embryo as a foreign object, launching an immune response that prevents implantation.

This immune response can lessen the chances of IVF success, which is why immune factor testing and possible immune-suppressing treatments are often considered before further IVF attempts.

Hormonal imbalances play a crucial role in the success or failure of IVF cycles, as hormones like estrogen and progesterone prepare the uterus for embryo implantation. If these hormone levels are out of balance, the uterus may not be properly primed to support a pregnancy, making IVF cycles less effective.

Identifying and treating hormone issues can improve IVF outcomes, but persistent imbalances may require a different approach, like surrogacy, where a healthy, balanced surrogate carries the embryo.

Unexplained infertility, where no clear medical reason for infertility is identified, is another common reason IVF cycles fail. Without a clear cause, it’s often difficult to address specific barriers to conception, leaving hopeful parents with few options after repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles.

In these cases, surrogacy offers a new path forward, with a qualified surrogate who has a proven fertility history, helping intended parents overcome the limitations of unexplained infertility.

How to Cope With Two Failed IVF Cycles

Experiencing two failed IVF cycles can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you cope. Here are some strategies to consider:

Infertility Reddit Forums

Reddit offers a variety of forums where you can find support, advice and share your experiences with others who have been through similar situations.

Mental Health Support Groups

Joining a support group can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Consider searching for local support groups or online communities.

Infertility Counseling

Remember, it’s okay to seek help and support during this difficult time. By reaching out to others and exploring available resources, you can find strength and resilience as you navigate your journey toward parenthood.

Your Journey Isn’t Over

If you’ve experienced two failed IVF cycles, it’s normal to feel defeated, but it’s important to remember that success is still possible with surrogacy. Taking the time to evaluate the causes of your failed cycles and consulting with specialists to figure out the best way forward can help you become parents sooner rather than later. Speak with a professional now to get the support you deserve.