Intended Parents

Unsuccessful IVF: Should I Give Up on Having Kids?


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It can be painful to face the reality of repeated in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures. You might wonder if you’re fighting a losing battle and whether it’s time to give up hope of having a baby.

As difficult as this journey has been, it’s important to remember that your path to parenthood doesn’t have to end with a failed IVF cycle. Your feelings of uncertainty and frustration are valid, but they don’t have to be the final chapter. There are other ways to grow your family.

In this article, we’ll talk about the challenges of deciding what to do next as well as what alternative family-building options are available. If you’re feeling lost, know that we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about your options and get the guidance you need to make the best decision for you.

The Challenges of Infertility: When to Give Up

Deciding when to stop trying IVF can be one of the hardest choices you’ll ever face. There’s the pressure to “keep going” because you’ve already invested so much—financially, emotionally and physically. But every failed cycle can feel like a step further away from your dream.

It’s normal to wonder after IVF if you should give up on having kids. For some people, the emotional and financial strain may outweigh the desire to keep trying. For others, the idea of walking away from IVF feels like giving up on their dream. You might feel conflicted about what to do next.

When Should I Give Up on Having a Baby?

The decision to stop trying IVF or having a baby altogether is personal. There is no “right” time to give up hope of having a baby. Only you can decide what’s best for your family. But if you still have hope of becoming a parent, know that there are alternative paths to explore, such as surrogacy.

Learn more about moving on after failed IVF.

Failed IVF: Should I Try Again?

Before answering this question, you may want to weigh your options. Sometimes, stepping away from IVF opens the door to different possibilities that may lead you to parenthood in a way you hadn’t considered before.

1. Consider How You Feel

Take time to reflect on your dreams and goals. The emotional toll of repeated failure can leave you feeling exhausted and questioning everything. Taking time to pinpoint what you really want can help you feel at peace with your decision.

2. Discuss Things With Your Partner                          

Open and honest communication with your partner is crucial during this time. Talk about your shared goals, your emotional well-being and your financial situation. Here are some important questions to discuss:

3. Seek Your Doctor’s Guidance

A clear conversation with your doctor can provide valuable insight into your situation. Talk about the details of your previous IVF cycles — why they may have failed and what else could be tried. They may offer additional medical options or suggest alternative paths like using donor eggs or sperm.

At What Point Do You Give Up on IVF?

If you’ve gone through multiple failed IVF cycles and have already explored options like donor eggs or sperm, it may be time to consider other family-building routes. However, your doctor is your best guide in helping you understand whether more attempts are worth pursuing or if it’s time to move on.

I’m Trying Not to Give Up With Infertility — What Can I Do? [3 Options]

If you’re feeling uncertain about what to do next, there are other options that could be a better fit for your journey. Each of these options comes with its own set of pros and cons. Consider what feels right for you emotionally, financially and practically. Your dream of parenthood doesn’t have to end with IVF.

Surrogacy

If pregnancy hasn’t been possible, you could use gestational surrogacy. With gestational surrogacy, your embryo (created using your own eggs and sperm, donor eggs or donor sperm) is carried by a surrogate. If you already have embryos from IVF, we can officially match you with a surrogate in an average of one to six months.

This option is great for couples or individuals who have faced repeat IVF failures or medical complications. In order to qualify, surrogates must have had a successful pregnancy and meet specific age, body mass index and health requirements. Additionally, they must pass screening tests to ensure they are physically and mentally ready. You view highly qualified surrogates today and trust that your journey isn’t over.

Egg and Sperm Donation

If the issue lies with egg quality, using a donor egg can significantly increase your chances of IVF success. In this process, a donor provides healthy eggs, which are then fertilized with either your partner’s sperm or donor sperm. The resulting embryos are transferred to your uterus or a surrogate’s.

If you’re experiencing male infertility issues, sperm donation could provide a path to parenthood. This option allows you to use donor sperm to fertilize your or a donor’s eggs through IVF or intrauterine insemination.

Embryo Donation

If you have few or no embryos left, you might not be sure whether another round of IVF is the best option. Multiple cycles can quickly drain your family-building budget. Embryo donation is a more cost-effective alternative that gives you access to embryos donated by couples who have completed their own fertility journeys.

With embryo donation, you can use the donated embryos in another round of IVF, transferring them directly into your uterus, or you can work with a gestational surrogate to carry the pregnancy on your behalf. This flexibility can help you overcome financial or medical challenges that might otherwise limit your path to parenthood.

Support for Families Who Have Given up Hope of Having a Baby

If you’re feeling like you’ve lost hope, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Many others have been where you are and have found strength through support groups and online communities. Here are a few resources that may help:

Remember: Giving up on one path doesn’t mean giving up on parenthood. There are still ways to build the family you’ve always wanted, and support is available when you need it. Reach out for more information on your options.

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