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Intended Parents

Why Does IVF Fail?

Your Options Moving Forward

While IVF can offer a path to parenthood, it isn’t always successful, and the reasons behind these failures can feel frustratingly unclear.

Whether you are already undergoing treatment or considering IVF, knowing why IVF fails can help you create a plan that puts you on the right track toward making your dreams of parenthood come true.

To learn what your next steps are after failed IVF, check out this article.

Here, we’ll cover:

Why Does IVF Fail?

The IVF process is complex, and a variety of factors can influence whether a cycle is successful or not. Here are some of the most common reasons why IVF fails:

1. Embryo Quality

Even if high-quality embryos are created, they may still fail to implant or develop. Embryo quality can be affected by both the egg and sperm. But why does IVF fail with good embryos? Some embryos may look healthy in the lab but may have chromosomal abnormalities that prevent successful implantation.

  • Embryo Grading: While grading helps assess the likelihood of an embryo’s success, it’s not foolproof. Even good-quality embryos can fail if there are underlying issues.
  • Genetic Testing: Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can sometimes reveal genetic issues, but it’s not a guarantee for success. In some cases, even after PGT, implantation may not occur.

2. Age

Age is another reason for IVF failure. For women over 35, egg quality declines, which can lead to poor embryo quality or chromosomal issues. The chances of IVF success generally decrease as a woman ages, making failed IVF after 40 more common.

  • Egg Quality: Older eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, which can prevent embryos from implanting or result in miscarriage.
  • Egg Donation: If age is a factor, using donor eggs may increase the chances of success, but it’s important to assess whether other factors (like uterine health) are also at play.

3. Uterine or Ovarian Issues

A healthy uterus and ovaries are essential for IVF success. Conditions like fibroids, polyps, and scar tissue in the uterus can prevent embryos from implanting. Similarly, ovarian conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or diminished ovarian reserve can reduce the chances of successful IVF.

  • Endometriosis and IVF failure: This condition can cause inflammation and scarring in the reproductive system, which may affect the uterine lining and embryo implantation.
  • PCOS and IVF failure: While women with PCOS can produce many eggs during IVF, the quality of these eggs may be lower, leading to reduced success rates.

4. Unexplained Infertility and Failed IVF

In some cases, couples face infertility without a clear medical explanation. This can make IVF even more challenging, as there may be no obvious factors to address. While IVF is often recommended for couples facing unexplained infertility, it doesn’t always guarantee success.

Without a clear reason for infertility, doctors may find it harder to pinpoint and address the factors preventing conception. Despite having good-quality embryos and a healthy uterine environment, implantation may fail repeatedly without an identifiable cause.

5. Immune or Blood Clotting Disorders

Some individuals may have underlying immune system or blood clotting disorders that interfere with embryo implantation.

These issues often go undiagnosed unless specifically tested for, and they can contribute to recurrent IVF failure.

Check out this article to learn more about moving on from IVF.

Options After Failed IVF
  • Second Opinion

    If IVF has failed multiple times, getting a second opinion can offer fresh insights. Different clinics may suggest alternative treatment methods or identify issues that weren’t previously considered, such as immune-related factors or subtle uterine abnormalities.

  • PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing)

    If chromosomal abnormalities are suspected, PGT can help ensure that only healthy embryos are transferred.

  • Donor Eggs or Embryos

    For those experiencing repeated failure due to age or poor egg/embryo quality, donor eggs or embryos might be a solution.

  • Fertility Supplements/Acupuncture

    Some studies suggest that supplements or holistic treatments may improve egg quality or uterine receptivity.

    If you’ve already attempted one or more of these options, then surrogacy can be an option for you.

    Why Consider Surrogacy?

    Surrogacy involves working with a healthy surrogate who carries the pregnancy on your behalf, ensuring that a healthy environment supports the embryo’s development. It can be a family-building option if IVF has failed repeatedly due to uterine issues, unexplained infertility or other medical concerns that make it difficult for you to carry a pregnancy.

    If you have remaining embryos from IVF, surrogacy can be a faster, more direct route to parenthood. Since your embryos are already created, you can skip another IVF cycle and instead match with a carefully vetted surrogate who can carry your child.

    Surrogates undergo extensive screening to ensure they are fully prepared—both physically and emotionally—to support a healthy pregnancy. This rigorous process includes:

    Many couples who have struggled with IVF find renewed hope and success through surrogacy, bringing them closer to the family they’ve dreamed of.

    If you’re ready to consider surrogacy, reach out to our team today to speak with a professional.

    How to Cope With the Emotional Toll of IVF Failure

    The emotional toll of a failed IVF cycle can be overwhelming. You’ve invested time, energy, and hope into a process that didn’t work, and it’s natural to feel grief, frustration or even anger.

    Here are some ways to navigate these emotions:

    • Explore Counseling

      Fertility struggles can be isolating. Speaking with a counselor or therapist can help you process your emotions and gain clarity on how to move forward.

    • Find Support Groups

      Connecting with others who have experienced IVF failure can provide a sense of community and comfort. 

    • Focus on Self-Care

      Allow yourself to grieve, but also take time for self-care. Whether that’s through hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, make space for activities that bring you peace.

      There Are Still Paths to Parenthood

      If you’ve faced the heartbreak of failed IVF cycles, it’s essential to remember that this doesn’t mean the end of your journey. With surrogacy you can still build the family you’ve always dreamed of.

      Even if you’re not ready to take the next step yet, we’re here to guide you through the options available or connect you with the emotional support you need during this time. Fill out our contact form now to speak with a professional.

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