Intended Parents

Options After IVF Fails

Next Steps to Consider

Experiencing a failed IVF cycle can be heartbreaking and leave you feeling lost, but it doesn’t mean the end of your journey. You have options and it’s important to remember that it isn’t the end.

If you want to explore your next steps, contact us online now to speak with a professional about your options after failed IVF.

There are many reasons why IVF may fail, and understanding those reasons can help you determine your next steps—whether that’s pursuing another round of IVF or exploring surrogacy. Here we’ll help you understand:

The different paths you can take after failed IVF
How surrogacy can help fulfill your dreams of parenthood
The factors that contribute to IVF Failure
How to cope with IVFR failure

My IVF Failed, Now What? [Options After Failed IVF]

For some, repeated IVF failures may indicate that carrying a pregnancy is no longer possible. Surrogacy offers a unique pathway to parenthood, where a gestational surrogate carries the pregnancy on your behalf. Gestational surrogates are carefully screened to ensure they’re physically prepared for the journey, giving your embryos the best chance to thrive.

Surrogacy has become a successful option for many couples who have experienced multiple failed IVF cycles, allowing them to have a biological child with the help of a surrogate.

For many, the first step after a failed IVF cycle is to consult with their fertility specialist. Your doctor may suggest changes to your treatment plan, like trying different medications, altering stimulation protocols, or using preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.

If you feel physically and emotionally ready, trying another round of IVF may still be a viable option.

Donated eggs or embryos are often used when there are challenges related to egg quality or genetic factors that may be preventing successful implantation and development. By using high-quality, prescreened eggs or embryos, you can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy, while retaining the option to carry and experience pregnancy. This can be an option if you’re ready to explore new paths to building your family.

It’s okay to take time for yourself. Fertility treatments can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Consider pressing pause to focus on emotional healing, taking time to evaluate all options, and determining what is best for your family.

Surrogacy After Failed IVF

While surrogacy may seem expensive, it is often a more cost-effective long-term solution compared to repeated IVF cycles. After multiple failed IVF attempts, the costs can add up quickly without guaranteeing success. Surrogacy offers higher success rates because the surrogate is often a healthy with proven fertility.

Surrogacy can be a powerful alternative because it maximizes the chances of success. Since surrogates are medically screened and selected for their proven fertility, the chances of a successful pregnancy are significantly higher. Using embryos from previous IVF attempts with surrogacy can help bypass the risks of additional IVF rounds, saving emotional, financial and physical resources while bringing you closer to parenthood.

Though the initial investment for surrogacy may be higher, it can ultimately save both time and money—and, most importantly, help you realize your dream of becoming a parent.

I was still mourning the loss of future pregnancies when we decided on surrogacy. The most unexpected thing for me at the birth of our son was not only this overwhelming sense of love for your son; I also had this incredible overwhelming sense of love for our surrogate. How do you say thank you to someone for doing that for you? Our son wouldn’t exist without our surrogate.

- Rebeka, Intended Parent

Why Does IVF Fail?

Many factors can contribute to a failed IVF cycle, and knowing why it happened can help you decide what to do next.

Age
As a woman ages, egg quality declines. Women over 35 may have a harder time achieving a successful pregnancy due to lower ovarian reserve and higher chances of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos.
Embryo Quality
Poor-quality embryos may not implant or develop successfully, even after fertilization.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or uterine abnormalities can also play a role in IVF failure. In some cases, recurrent pregnancy loss may suggest there is an undiagnosed issue.
Sperm Quality
Male factor infertility can contribute to IVF failure, especially if the sperm used is of poor quality or has significant DNA fragmentation.

Consulting with your fertility doctor can help pinpoint the specific factors that may have contributed to your IVF cycle not succeeding. They can also help you understand whether adjustments to the treatment plan might increase your chances if you try again.

How to Cope With a Failed IVF Cycle

The emotional impact of a failed IVF cycle can be profound. Many couples experience feelings of grief, frustration and even guilt. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions and seek support when needed.

Seek Counseling: Speaking to a therapist who specializes in fertility issues can help you process your emotions and make sense of the journey you’ve been on.
Explore Support Groups: Online and in-person support groups can provide a sense of community with others who are going through the same struggles. Hearing from those who have come out the other side can offer a new perspective and a renewed sense of hope.
Practice Self-Care: Give yourself permission to grieve, take breaks when necessary, and focus on activities that nurture your mental health.

What to Do After a IVF Failed

Talk to Your Doctor

Schedule a follow-up consultation with your fertility specialist. Understanding the specifics of why IVF failed is crucial for deciding what comes next.

Consider Testing

If testing hasn’t already been done, your doctor may recommend tests like PGT to assess embryo quality or immune system issues that could impact implantation.

Take Time to Process Your Feelings

It’s okay to feel disappointed and frustrated. Allow yourself the space to process these emotions before making your next decision.

IVF is Not Your Only Option: Moving Forward

A failed IVF cycle can be incredibly disheartening, but it doesn’t mean your dream of parenthood is over. Whether you decide to try IVF again, explore surrogacy, or look into adoption, there are still many alternatives to IVF that you can consider.

To explore your options after failed IVF, fill out our online contact form now to speak with a professional.