Intended Parents

5 Stages of Grief After IVF Failure [And 5 Ways to Cope]


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Facing the reality of a failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle can be one of the most heartbreaking moments in your fertility journey. The emotional rollercoaster of hope and disappointment can leave you feeling raw, vulnerable and overwhelmed.

As difficult as these emotions are, they are completely normal. Grieving after a failed cycle can help you process the loss and consider your next steps.

As you work through how you feel and plan your next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you explore all of your family-building options. If you’re not ready to reach out, that’s okay. You can learn more about moving on after failed IVF.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the stages of grief after failed IVF and share some ways to cope with those emotions.

5 Stages of Grief After Failed IVF

After a failed IVF cycle, you may go through the five stages of grief. Here’s what you might be experiencing:

If you are dealing with emotions beyond grief, contact us to get connected with infertility counseling services. You can also learn more about coping with the emotion of failed IVF.

Dealing With IVF Failure: What’s Next?

If you’ve decided not to pursue another IVF cycle, there are other family-building options to consider. Surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation and adoption are all viable paths that have helped many couples and individuals grow their families.

Surrogacy might be the right option when IVF has proven unsuccessful. This is especially true if you’ve already tried using donated eggs or sperm. Gestational surrogacy allows you to bypass issues related to the uterine environment, which may have been a contributing factor to the failed cycle.

Learn more about how to move from infertility to surrogacy when you’re ready.

5 Ways to Deal With Grief After IVF Failure

Grief after a failed IVF cycle can feel overwhelming, but it is manageable. Here’s how to cope with IVF failure:

1. Seek Professional Counseling

Working with a therapist who specializes in fertility issues can be incredibly helpful. Professional counseling offers a safe space to express your emotions, process your grief and develop individual strategies for coping with IVF failure.

2. Join Support Groups

Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can provide comfort and validation. Members of infertility support groups understand the unique challenges of IVF failure and can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

3. Find Healthy Ways to Process Your Emotions

Finding healthy outlets for your emotions is important if you’re grieving after IVF failure. Activities like journaling, meditating and exercising can help you regain a sense of control over your emotional well-being.

4. Rely on Your Support System

Lean on your partner, friends and family during this time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or share what you’re going through with those you trust so that you can begin to heal.

5. Contact Us to Learn About Your Options

As you process your grief, you may start thinking about what’s next. We’re here to provide guidance on alternative family-building options like surrogacy, gametes donation, embryo donation and adoption. Our team can help you find the best path for your situation.

Resources for Coping With Grief After IVF Failure

If you’re struggling to cope with a failed IVF cycle and grief, there are many resources available to support you. Below are some helpful links to support groups, counseling services and other potential sources of comfort:

Remember: There is no right or wrong way to grieve after IVF failure, and seeking help is a sign of strength. You don’t have to go through this process alone. If you need someone to talk to or want more information about your family-building options, fill out our contact form today. We’re here to help you navigate this emotional time and plan for the next step in your journey.

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