IVF Is Not Working — What Next?

KEY POINTS:

• There are various reasons why IVF might fail, such as egg or sperm quality issues or embryo abnormalities.
• To cope with failed IVF, you can take time for yourself, join a support group, talk with a therapist, spend time with loved ones or reach out for guidance.
• When IVF is no longer viable, you can explore other family-building options like egg or sperm donation and surrogacy.

When starting your in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey, you likely anticipated the moment you’d finally become a parent. Now, after experiencing failed cycles, you might be feeling frustrated, heartbroken and uncertain about what comes next.

It’s important to remember that your journey to parenthood isn’t over just because IVF is not working. There are still paths ahead of you. With the right support, you can find a way forward.

Have embryos left from IVF? These can be used in your surrogacy journey. Already having embryos means you can be quickly matched with a surrogate. Our team is here to guide you through this process — reach out to explore surrogacy today.

In this article, we’ll go over reasons why IVF might not be working, offer strategies to help you cope with failed IVF and discuss what you can do to move on.

How to Cope After Failed IVF

Coping with IVF not working is deeply personal; there’s no “right” way to do it. However, there are some general steps you can take to heal and move forward.

1. Take Time to Process Your Feelings

It’s normal to feel sad, angry or even numb after a failed IVF cycle. Give yourself the space to feel these emotions without judgment. Allow yourself to grieve what could have been before thinking about your next steps.

2. Join a Support Group

Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can be incredibly comforting. You’ll find that you’re not alone, and sharing your story might provide some relief.

3. Talk With a Counselor or Therapist

Sometimes, professional guidance can make a world of difference. A counselor or therapist who specializes in infertility can help you navigate your emotions and provide tools for coping with the stress and disappointment.

4. Lean on Your Support System

Rely on the people who love you, such as your partner, family members or close friends. Let them know what failed IVF support you need, whether it’s a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to.

5. Contact Us for Personalized Guidance

Not sure what to do? We can offer personalized support, educate you on other family-building options and guide you through your next steps. Fill out our form to learn more about your options or read more about how to cope with the emotions of failed IVF.

Why Is IVF Not Working for Me?

Unfortunately, IVF doesn’t come with a guarantee. Even with all the advancements in reproductive technology, success rates vary from person to person. If you’ve experienced failed cycles, know that you are not alone.

Here are some potential reasons why the process might fail:

• Issues with the sperm used in fertilization
• Age-related decline in egg quality or quantity
• Embryo abnormalities that prevent implantation
• Hormonal imbalances affecting the uterus
• A uterine environment that isn’t receptive to embryos

How to Move on After Failed IVF [3 Steps]

Moving on after failed IVF can seem daunting. However, you can regain a sense of control and purpose by coming up with a plan. Here are a few practical steps to consider as you move forward:

1. Prepare for a Follow-Up Appointment With Your Fertility Specialist

During this appointment, your doctor will review your IVF cycle and discuss what may have gone wrong. They’ll also help you understand what can be done differently if you decide to try IVF again.

2. Ask Specific Questions About the IVF Cycle

The right questions can help you make informed decisions. Consider asking your doctor:

• What were the main challenges with this cycle?
• Could my egg or sperm quality have been a factor?
• Are there other treatment options we haven’t considered?

This can help you understand what went wrong and whether trying again is the best option.

3. Explore Family-Building Options With Our Team

Even if you’re giving up on IVF, there are still other ways to fulfill your dream of becoming a parent. Egg donation, sperm donation and gestational surrogacy are all viable options. We can walk you through each one and help you determine what’s best for your unique situation.

Why Is Accepting IVF Failure Important?

It’s natural to want to keep pushing forward, especially after putting so much time and effort into your IVF journey. But sometimes, accepting that IVF is not working is the first step toward finding peace.

Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up on your dream of parenthood — it simply means acknowledging the reality of your current situation and allowing yourself to explore new possibilities.

When you accept that your IVF journey may be over, you create space for healing. You also open the door to other family-building options, such as gestational surrogacy or adoption. This allows you to regain control of your future.

Should I Pursue Surrogacy After Giving Up on IVF?

If IVF is not working and you’re wondering what’s next, gestational surrogacy could be a potential alternative. Here are five steps to help you move on:

1. Consider Your Options and Make an Informed Decision

We can provide you with the information you need to determine if surrogacy is the right path after giving up on IVF. Understanding your physical, emotional and financial readiness is crucial before making a decision.

2. Learn More About the Surrogacy Process

Each part of the surrogacy process requires careful coordination between you, your surrogate, your fertility clinic and your surrogacy agency. It’s important to understand the time, effort and commitment involved so you can feel confident in your choice.

3. Explore Egg or Sperm Donation

You may need an egg or sperm donor depending on your situation. Because donor gametes will make up at least half of your child’s genetics, it’s important to select a donor who aligns with your values, health preferences, and more.

4. Select a Surrogate

You’ll want to choose a surrogate who shares your vision and is prepared for the role. Working with a gestational surrogacy agency can streamline this process by handling the medical screenings, background checks and matching process.

5. Start the Legal Process

The legal aspects of surrogacy are essential to protect everyone involved, especially you and your future child. Surrogacy agreements outline the rights and responsibilities of both you and the surrogate, ensuring that all parties are clear on their expectations.

We’re here to provide the guidance and support you need to make the best decision for your family when IVF is not working. Reach out to us today to explore your options and take the next step toward parenthood.