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3 Failed IVF Cycles: What’s Next?


If you’ve faced the heartbreaking reality of three failed IVF cycles, you’re not alone. Many couples undergo multiple rounds of IVF before achieving success, while others need to explore alternative paths to parenthood.

Here’s what you need to know: three failed IVF cycles doesn’t mean the end of your journey.

Contact us online now if you’re ready to explore surrogacy as a path to parenthood.

In this article, we’ll break down:

3 Failed IVF Cycles: What’s Next?

When you’ve experienced multiple failed IVF cycles, it’s important to evaluate your next steps carefully. Here are some practical steps to consider:

1. Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is a potential path to parenthood if you’ve experienced three failed IVF attempts. This option allows you to have a biological connection to your child while a surrogate carries the pregnancy.

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.

If you have embryos from previous IVF cycles, they can be used for surrogacy. If not, you can create new embryos using your eggs and sperm, donor eggs and sperm, or even donor embryos available through a clinic or embryo bank. Rather than transferring the embryo to your or your partner’s uterus, it will be transferred to a gestational surrogate, who will carry the pregnancy to term on your behalf.

Surrogacy may be an option if you have:

  • Medical conditions affecting your uterus
  • A history of surgeries or hysterectomy
  • Health risks that make pregnancy unsafe
  • Unexplained infertility
  • Advanced maternal age

Ready to learn more about surrogacy? Connect with a professional today to explore how this option can help you achieve your dream of parenthood.

2. Seek a Second Opinion

If IVF keeps failing and you’ve already had three failed IVF transfers, consider consulting a different fertility specialist. A fresh perspective may reveal new insights or offer alternative treatment options.

3. Undergo Additional Testing

After three failed IVF cycles, more advanced testing may be recommended. This could include:

  • Genetic testing of embryos to identify chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy to evaluate uterine health.
  • Immune system testing to identify potential immune-related causes.

4. Consider Egg Donation or Embryo Donation

If egg quality is the main issue, egg donation may offer a higher chance of success. Similarly, embryo donation allows you to adopt embryos from another couple, potentially increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

Why Does IVF Keep Failing?

Embryo quality is one of the leading causes of repeated IVF failure. Not all embryos are genetically viable, which means they may not be able to implant in the uterus or continue to grow into a healthy pregnancy. Genetic screening, such as PGT (preimplantation genetic testing), can sometimes help identify viable embryos, but it doesn’t guarantee success.

Another common reason IVF keeps failing is problems with the uterus, such as thin or poorly developed uterine lining, fibroids, or polyps. These issues can prevent successful implantation of the embryo. Your fertility specialist may suggest tests like a hysteroscopy to check the health of your uterus.

IVF success also depends on hormonal balance. If your body doesn’t respond well to the medications used to stimulate egg production, or if hormone levels are off during the luteal phase, it can impact implantation and pregnancy.

Coping After Three Failed IVF Cycles

Three failed IVF attempts can be emotionally overwhelming, leading to feelings of grief, frustration and hopelessness. It’s crucial to take care of your emotional health during this time. Here are some strategies for coping:

  • Allow Yourself to Grieve

    IVF failures are losses, and it’s okay to grieve those failed attempts. Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself time to process them.

  • Seek Counseling or Support Groups

    You don’t have to go through this alone. Fertility counselors and support groups can offer a safe space to share your experiences and connect with others who understand the emotional toll of infertility.

  • Take Breaks When Needed

    IVF can be physically and emotionally draining. Don’t hesitate to take a break between cycles or when you feel overwhelmed. It’s essential to prioritize your mental health.

    Infertility Reddit Forums

    Mental Health Support Groups

    Infertility Counseling

    What’s Next for You?

    Each family-building journey is unique, and even though your road may be different from what you initially imagined, surrogacy can help you achieve your dream.

    Take time to weigh your options and consult with fertility specialists who can offer new insights or recommend alternative approaches. Above all, focus on caring for yourself emotionally and physically as you navigate the next steps. Ready to take the next step toward surrogacy? Fill out our online contact form to speak with a professional.

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