American Surrogacy Blog

What if a simple test could change your entire fertility journey, saving you years of false hope and disappointment?

That’s why getting a saline sonogram before IVF is so highly recommended. This diagnostic tool could save you time, money, and emotional strain by revealing uterine abnormalities that might prevent successful implantation.

If you’ve been struggling with failed cycles, a saline sonogram could finally provide the answers you’ve been looking for.

And if those answers reveal that carrying a pregnancy may not be possible, you still have options. Fill out our form to learn how surrogacy can succeed where IVF may fail.

What Is a Saline Sonogram and Why Is It Done Before IVF?

A saline sonogram before IVF, also known as a saline infusion sonogram (SIS) or sonohysterography, is a specialized ultrasound that gives your doctor a clearer view of the uterus.

It’s often recommended before beginning IVF to check for hidden abnormalities that could interfere with embryo implantation.

Here’s how it works: a small amount of sterile saline (saltwater) is introduced into the uterus through a thin catheter. This saline expands the uterus slightly, giving the ultrasound waves a clearer field to reveal potential fertility obstacles.

This test can detect critical issues like:

• Uterine fibroids
• Polyps
• Scar tissue
• Abnormal shapes or cavities

Addressing these problems before IVF can dramatically improve your chances of success.

Getting a Saline Sonogram After Failed IVF: What It Can Reveal and What Comes Next

If IVF hasn’t worked for you, a saline sonogram after failed IVF can offer much-needed clarity. It’s often recommended to uncover uterine issues that may not show up on standard imaging but can prevent successful implantation.

If your saline sonogram reveals that carrying a pregnancy isn’t possible or safe, it can feel like a devastating setback but it doesn’t have to be the end of your journey.

If your uterus can’t support a pregnancy, a gestational surrogate can. You’ll be able to use your own embryo, created through IVF, which means your child will be biologically yours.

If your saline sonogram after failed IVF reveals challenges you didn’t expect, know that there is still a path forward. You still have options. Learn more about surrogacy after failed IVF.

What Does a Saline Sonogram Detect That Regular Ultrasounds Don’t?

Ordinary ultrasounds look at the uterus in its “collapsed” state, which is how it typically exists when not pregnant. But this makes it harder to spot internal abnormalities.

In contrast, a saline sonogram before IVF gently expands the uterus with sterile saline, offering a clearer, more detailed view of the uterine lining and structure.

This enhanced visibility makes it easier to detect potential barriers to implantation that standard ultrasounds often miss. .

How to Prepare for a Saline Sonogram

No major preparation is required for a saline sonogram before IVF, but it’s typically scheduled between days 5 and 9 of your menstrual cycle for the clearest view.

Some women experience light cramping or spotting after the test, so wearing a pad on the day of your appointment is a good idea. Your doctor may also recommend taking ibuprofen beforehand to reduce discomfort.

What to Expect During Your Saline Sonogram

The saline sonogram is a quick outpatient procedure that usually takes under 30 minutes. Many patients describe the experience as similar to a Pap smear, with some added cramping when the saline is introduced.

While the procedure is generally painless, it can be emotionally taxing. If you’ve been on a long fertility journey, discovering a uterine abnormality may feel like a setback. Conversely, finding nothing wrong can also be frustrating if you’re still searching for answers.

Remember: a SIS for IVF is a diagnostic tool, not a judgment. Whatever it reveals, you still have options.

Does a Saline Sonogram Hurt?

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Some report mild discomfort or cramping, particularly when the uterus is expanded.

Many compare it to a longer-than-usual Pap smear. Taking a mild pain reliever before the test can help minimize any discomfort.

Common Saline Sonogram Side Effects

There are a few mild side effects from SIS, including:

Mild, short-term side effects are common and typically resolve within a few days. These may include:

• Watery discharge (from the saline)
• Light spotting
• Mild cramping

In rare cases, more serious symptoms, like fever, severe pain or unusual discharge can indicate infection. Contact your doctor if these occur.

What If My Saline Sonogram Reveals a Uterine Abnormality?

After your SIS for IVF, your results will be reviewed by your fertility doctor. You may not receive them the same day, but a follow-up consultation will be scheduled to discuss the next steps.

Outcomes can vary:

If no abnormalities are found, your IVF plan can proceed—or pivot to hormonal treatments if necessary.

• If fibroids or polyps are detected, a minor surgery may be scheduled to remove them before beginning IVF.
• If significant scar tissue or structural issues are found, your doctor may recommend exploring alternatives like gestational surrogacy.
• If signs of cancer are discovered, treatment becomes the priority, which may postpone or permanently alter your IVF plans.

No matter the result, the saline sonogram before IVF empowers you with the clarity to make informed decisions.

When IVF Isn’t an Option: How Surrogacy Can Help

Sometimes the results of a saline sonogram before IVF indicate that carrying a pregnancy may not be possible. That’s when surrogacy becomes a powerful option.

In gestational surrogacy, your embryo (created through IVF) is carried by another woman, a pre-screened surrogate who’s already proven she can have healthy pregnancies. Your baby is still biologically yours; the surrogate has no genetic link.

Many intended parents begin their surrogacy journey already having embryos ready. If your IVF journey has reached a crossroads, you may be closer to surrogacy than you think.

You can read some of their stories on our Instagram.

Transitioning from IVF to surrogacy can be an emotional experience. We recognize that, and we’re here for you. Surrogacy works on your own timeline; you’re in control.

How American Surrogacy Can Help

Just like IVF, surrogacy is an emotional and financial investment, but you’re not alone.

American Surrogacy maintains relationships with a network of emotionally and physically screened surrogates, many of whom are ready to match today.

If your saline sonogram before IVF revealed complications, we can help you take the next step toward building your family with speed, compassion and clarity.

You deserve answers. You deserve options. And above all, you deserve a family. Contact us today to learn more about what surrogacy could look like in your situation.

You’ve survived flare-ups, surgeries and setbacks—now, you’re trying to build a family but IVF keeps failing.

Chronic illness can complicate fertility treatments in ways that are physically and emotionally exhausting. But there’s hope.

Surrogacy offers a medically supported alternative for those who cannot carry a pregnancy but still dream of having a biological child.

If you’ve already created embryos through IVF, these can be used on your surrogacy journey. If you’re struggling with Crohn’s and IVF failure, contact us today to get a better view of your new path to parenthood.

Is There a Link Between Crohn’s Disease and IVF Failure?

Studies indicate that people with Crohn’s disease who are in remission or under consistent medical management tend to have IVF pregnancy rates comparable to those without the condition.

That said, certain factors can still interfere with IVF success:

• Chronic inflammation, especially during disease flare-ups, may impair implantation or disrupt hormone balance.
• Some Crohn’s medications may affect egg quality or interact with fertility drugs.
• Scarring from intestinal surgeries or pelvic inflammation could alter reproductive anatomy.

So while Crohn’s disease and IVF may not be inherently incompatible, the underlying autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms of Crohn’s can complicate the picture, particularly in cases where IVF has already failed.

Understanding both the research and your personal health history can help you and your care team make more informed decisions about fertility planning and whether alternatives like surrogacy should be explored.

Learn more about potential causes of IVF failure and what to do next.

Can Crohn’s Cause Infertility?

Crohn’s disease doesn’t directly cause infertility in most cases, but it can create conditions that make conception difficult. Chronic inflammation may impair ovarian function or disrupt hormone balance.

Individuals with Crohn’s who’ve had pelvic or abdominal surgeries may develop scar tissue that impacts the fallopian tubes or other reproductive structures.

And while Crohn’s may not drastically reduce IVF success rates, it can still complicate pregnancy itself.

Understanding the Risks of Getting Pregnant With Crohn’s

Pregnancy can be complicated with Crohn’s disease, particularly during periods of active inflammation. Risks include premature birth, low birth weight and increased complications during delivery.

Certain medications used to control Crohn’s may be contraindicated during pregnancy, while others may need careful monitoring.

If Crohn’s is not well-managed or if previous IVF attempts have failed, continuing to pursue pregnancy may carry significant health risks.

Evaluating the relationship between Crohn’s and IVF success rates can help you and your care team determine whether gestational surrogacy is a safer, more viable option.

Is Surrogacy a Good Option If You Have Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s may not drastically reduce IVF success rates, but if IVF continues to fail, it may indicate that other factors are preventing pregnancy from being achieved or sustained, such as uterine conditions, undiagnosed autoimmune activity or unexplained infertility.

In these cases, surrogacy can become not just an option—but the best path forward.

Surrogacy can mean:

• Lower risk compared to carrying a pregnancy with Crohn’s
• Eliminating the risk of Crohn’s flares during pregnancy.
• Avoiding high-risk OB complications (e.g., malnutrition, infection, preterm labor).

Because surrogates undergo intensive physical and psychological screening, pregnancy safety is increased, and surrogates have had previous successful pregnancies, which can add reassurance when you’ve already had a long road.

With professional guidance and medical coordination, American Surrogacy helps intended parents move forward after IVF failures.

Choosing the Right Path After IVF Failure

Experiencing IVF failure is emotionally and physically taxing, especially when compounded by a diagnosis like Crohn’s disease. But failed IVF doesn’t mean the end of your journey to parenthood.

Understanding how Crohn’s and IVF intersect can help explain your experience and inform your next steps.

Whether you’re considering more fertility treatments, seeking a second opinion or exploring surrogacy, you deserve compassionate guidance.

American Surrogacy offers a hopeful and medically sound alternative that may align better with your body’s needs and your family-building dreams.

Why Intended Parents Trust American Surrogacy

American Surrogacy specializes in helping individuals with chronic health conditions like Crohn’s disease transition smoothly into surrogacy.

After IVF failure linked to Crohn’s and IVF complications, we guide you through every step from medical clearance to surrogate matching and legal agreements.

We offer personalized plans, access to experienced surrogates and collaboration with your healthcare providers.

Our team understands the physical and emotional layers that come with Crohn’s and IVF experiences, and we are committed to offering clear, caring support as you build your family in the way that’s safest for you.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If Crohn’s disease and IVF have made your family-building journey more difficult than expected, surrogacy could be the empowering solution you’ve been searching for.

With embryos already created, you may be able to begin the surrogacy process sooner than you think. Contact us today to explore how we can help you turn hope into a plan and your dream of parenthood into reality.

If you’re feeling lost after another failed round of IVF, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options.

MTHFR and IVF failure are often mentioned together in fertility forums, doctor’s offices, and online articles, but the science and the path forward can feel confusing and even contradictory.

If you’re struggling with IVF and suspect MTHFR may be part of the picture, we invite you to speak with a surrogacy specialist today. Get personalized answers and compassionate guidance. Contact us today.

In this article we will share research and discussions about MTHFR and IVF implantation failure and what you can do if you are struggling with infertility.

How Does the MTHFR Gene Mutation
Affect IVF?

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a gene that helps your body process folate, a key nutrient during pregnancy. The most commonly noted and studied gene variations are MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C.

Some small studies suggest that impaired methylation or elevated homocysteine may affect the uterine lining, placental development or embryo quality, leading to what is sometimes referred to as MTHFR implantation failure.

While not everyone with an MTHFR mutation experiences problems, the gene’s role in reproductive health has become a focus for patients facing MTHFR and IVF failure, prompting additional testing and personalized treatment plans.

A full evaluation is essential to understand if and how the gene is playing a role in failed embryo transfers.

Learn more about when it may be time to consider moving on from IVF—and how options like surrogacy can offer new hope for growing your family.

IVF Protocol Adjustments for MTHFR and Implantation Failure

When MTHFR is identified as a possible contributor to IVF failure, many fertility clinics adapt treatment strategies to minimize risk and improve outcomes.

Common adjustments include:

• Switching to methylated prenatal supplements like L-methylfolate, methylcobalamin (B12), and P-5-P (B6) to support methylation and lower homocysteine levels.
• Low-dose aspirin or low molecular weight heparin (Lovenox) should be prescribed to address potential clotting issues that may interfere with implantation or placental development.
• Incorporating immune-modulated IVF protocols, especially in patients with overlapping reproductive immunology concerns.

These modifications are often personalized based on genetic testing, hormone profiles and past response to IVF.

If protocol changes fail to overcome recurrent implantation challenges, or if your body struggles to maintain a pregnancy despite healthy embryos, it may be time to consider surrogacy.

Can You Get Pregnant with an MTHFR Mutation?

Yes, you can get pregnant with an MTHFR mutation. However, certain variants, particularly when combined with other risk factors, may increase the likelihood of MTHFR and IVF failure or recurrent pregnancy loss.

The key concern with MTHFR mutations is how they impact folate metabolism and potentially raise homocysteine levels, which in some cases may disrupt embryo implantation or early placental development.

That said, having a mutation does not automatically mean infertility but it does make preconception planning, targeted supplementation (like L-methylfolate) and close monitoring more important.

MTHFR and Folic Acid

One of the most common concerns is that gene variants might affect your body’s ability to process folic acid.

Folic acid is a necessary B vitamin that plays a crucial role in pregnancy, and it is commonly recommended that women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant supplement with folic acid as a part of their prenatal vitamins.

While this concern has drawn a lot of attention, preliminary research shows only small differences in folic acid levels among people with MTHFR gene variants.

Staying Pregnant with MTHFR: What to Know

Staying pregnant with MTHFR is absolutely possible but it may require extra attention to prenatal care, nutrition and circulatory health, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with a homozygous mutation or have elevated homocysteine levels.

The biggest concerns during pregnancy involve MTHFR-related clotting issues, which may increase the risk of placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or late miscarriage.

Your provider might recommend baby aspirin, Lovenox injections, and continued use of methylated folate to support healthy pregnancy progression.

How MTHFR Is Diagnosed During Fertility Testing

Testing for MTHFR mutations is often done via bloodwork or saliva-based genetic testing panels, sometimes alongside broader thrombophilia screenings that assess risk for blood clots.

Especially for patients experiencing MTHFR and IVF failure, these diagnostic tools help build a full picture of how genetic, immunologic, or clotting-related factors may be interfering with embryo implantation.

Some clinics also recommend PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) and reproductive immunology consults for more advanced cases.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Fertility with MTHFR

Your lifestyle choices can play a meaningful role in optimizing fertility outcomes with an MTHFR mutation, especially when preparing for IVF or recovering from failed cycles.

Supportive changes include:

• Folate-rich diet: Increase intake of leafy greens, lentils, beans, citrus fruits, and avocados—all natural sources of L-methylfolate.
• Avoid synthetic folic acid: Found in many processed foods and generic vitamins, synthetic folic acid may not be properly converted in those with MTHFR variants.
• Reduce toxin exposure: Limit alcohol, endocrine disruptors (like BPA and phthalates)and tobacco—all of which can stress detox pathways impacted by MTHFR mutations.
• Stress reduction and sleep hygiene: Chronic stress can suppress reproductive hormone function and worsen methylation imbalances.

Always be sure to talk to your doctor before making any dietary or medicinal changes during your IVF journey.

When to Consider Surrogacy After MTHFR-Related IVF Struggles

For many intended parents who have endured multiple failed IVF cycles, even after optimizing for MTHFR, the emotional and physical toll becomes overwhelming.

In cases where MTHFR implantation failure is suspected, especially when paired with other uterine or clotting factors, surrogacy may represent a medically sound and emotionally healing next step.

If you’ve experienced MTHFR and IVF failure despite supplement protocols and repeated transfers, working with a gestational carrier could offer new hope.

Surrogacy allows you to use your own embryos (if viable), while bypassing potential complications related to implantation and pregnancy.

Why a Pre-Screened Surrogate Makes All the Difference

For intended parents navigating the emotional toll of MTHFR and IVF failure, choosing surrogacy is a deeply personal and often last-resort decision.

With a qualified surrogate, you reduce the risk of sudden disruptions like disqualifications after matching that can derail the process. These disruptions don’t just cost money—they cost time and emotional energy.

At American Surrogacy, every potential surrogate undergoes a rigorous screening process before ever being matched with a family. This includes:

• Comprehensive medical evaluation
• Mental health screening and psychological clearance
• Background checks
• Prior pregnancy and delivery history review

By choosing an experienced agency with vetted surrogates, you protect yourself from unnecessary heartbreak and accelerate your path toward a successful outcome.

How American Surrogacy Supports Intended Parents with MTHFR

At American Surrogacy, we often work with intended parents who have experienced MTHFR and IVF failure—many of whom have endured years of testing, supplements and cycle after cycle of disappointment.

Whether your clinic suspects MTHFR implantation failure or you’re simply seeking more predictable outcomes, our agency can help.

We offer emotional and logistical support and match you with compassionate, prescreened surrogates who meet rigorous health standards. Your journey doesn’t have to end with failed IVF. We can help you begin a new chapter.

You’re Not Alone in This

Facing MTHFR and IVF failure can leave you feeling isolated, uncertain and emotionally worn down. But you are not alone and this diagnosis doesn’t have to define your fertility story.

Whether you’re still exploring treatment or ready to take the next step, our team is here to help you navigate every option with clarity, empathy, and expertise.

Ready to move forward? Let’s talk about how surrogacy could support your path to parenthood after MTHFR-related fertility challenges. Connect with a surrogacy specialist today.

IVF worked once before—but now, despite doing everything right, the embryo just won’t stick. If your previous pregnancy resulted in a cesarean delivery, research shows that scarring can cause implantation problems after a C-section.

The good news? Options like surrogacy can offer a clear, successful path to parenthood, allowing you to have a biological child without facing repeated implantation setbacks.

If you have embryos from IVF, you can be matched with a surrogate quickly. Contact us today to take your first steps toward parenthood.

In this article, we’ll break down how scarring from a C-section can interfere with conception and what you can do when IVF after C-section doesn’t work.

Does Uterine Scarring From a C-Section Affect Implantation?

Yes, uterine scarring from a C-section can disrupt the normal implantation process.

When the uterus heals after surgery, scar tissue that forms where the incision was made can result in difficulties with the transfer or implantation problems after a C-section. Here’s how:

• The shape of the uterus can change after a cesarean, especially if scar tissue forms at or near the cervix. This, also known as a retroflexed uterus can make it harder to place the embryo in the optimal location.
• Scar tissue can make it difficult for the embryo to implant in the uterine wall
• Difficulties with catheter placement due to resistance from scar tissue can complicate the transfer.
• Reduced blood flow in the scarred area may further lower the chances of implantation, even when everything else looks ideal.

These subtle barriers often go unnoticed until IVF has failed more than once. Even when implantation does occur, uterine scarring increases the risk of miscarriage or abnormal implantation.

How Doctors Diagnose Implantation Problems After a C-Section

If you’ve had a C-section and are struggling to conceive, your doctor may recommend diagnostic testing to better understand what’s going on inside your uterus.

One of the most common culprits of post-C-section infertility is a condition called an isthmocele—a pouch-like defect in the uterine wall where the cesarean incision didn’t fully heal.

To determine if a scar defect is present, your fertility specialist may suggest several imaging tools:

• Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS) for a clearer view of the uterine cavity
• Hysteroscopy to examine the uterine lining directly
• MRI to evaluate scar depth and uterine wall thickness

These tests can help determine if uterine scarring is impacting your ability to conceive—and inform your next steps.

What the Research Tells Us About Post-C-Section Fertility

You’re not alone if you feel like no one warned you that a C-section could affect your fertility down the line. But research is catching up—and the findings are important.

In a retrospective study of 310 women, the pregnancy rate for women with a cesarean-induced uterine niche (isthmocele) was significantly lower compared to women who had a previous vaginal delivery.

These defects can also cause abnormal bleeding, pain, or fluid buildup in the uterus—all factors that may reduce IVF success.

There’s also a rare but serious complication known as a scar ectopic pregnancy.

What happens if there is an ectopic pregnancy in a C-section scar?

A condition known as scar ectopic pregnancy can occur when a fertilized egg implants directly into the C-section scar.

This is one of the most dangerous forms of ectopic pregnancy. The embryo may begin to grow within the scar tissue, which can’t support a healthy pregnancy.

As a result, the pregnancy is nonviable and may lead to severe complications like uterine rupture or hemorrhaging.

While this occurs in less than 1% of ectopic cases, the risk is rising as more births are delivered via C-section.

IVF After a C-Section Isn’t Working: When Letting Go Leads to Moving Forward

When IVF doesn’t work after all the emotional, physical and financial investment, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy to remove the scar tissue.

While this can improve outcomes, it’s not always effective—and it may not fully restore the uterus’s ability to support a pregnancy. But there may still be a way forward.

Surrogacy is often the best path forward for those dealing with severe uterine damage or repeated IVF failure due to implantation problems after a C-section.

Learn more about when surrogacy may be recommended.

How Surrogacy Can Help After C-Section Complications

Letting go of the idea of carrying your baby can feel like a loss. It’s okay to grieve that. But it can also be the moment you reclaim your power.

Gestational surrogacy gives you the chance to have a child who is biologically yours even if you can’t carry the pregnancy yourself. With surrogacy, your embryo is transferred into a gestational carrier, who carries the baby to term.

Our team at American Surrogacy has helped many families navigate this process, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Here’s how:

• We carefully screen surrogates to reduce potential setbacks and increase the likelihood of a successful journey.
• We offer financial protection to safeguard your investment.
• We work closely with you to ensure your legal contract reflects your values and preferences.

Surrogacy allows you to continue your family-building journey with hope, clarity, and the support of a team that understands what you’ve been through.

Moving Forward: You’re Not Alone

If you’ve faced the heartbreak of infertility after a C-section, surrogacy offers a clearer path than the one you’re on.

Whether you’re just starting to ask questions or ready to take the next step, you deserve support and answers. We can help you explore your options and guide you toward the path that’s right for you.

Get in touch with a surrogacy specialist today to learn how we can help.