While IVF has helped countless families, it’s not the right path for everyone.

By understanding key factors like maternal health, cost-effectiveness, emotional readiness and past IVF attempts, you can determine whether IVF or alternatives to IVF like surrogacy may be a better fit.

This guide will help you assess your options and take the next step with confidence.

If you’re having doubts about moving forward with IVF, we can discuss your options with you. Connect with a surrogacy specialist today to learn more about how surrogacy can help you become a parent.

Why Consider Surrogacy as an Alternative to IVF?

If you’re considering your options for starting a family, here’s why surrogacy may be a preferable alternative to IVF:

• Higher Success Rates: If you have medical conditions that could impact IVF success, surrogacy offers a more reliable path to parenthood.
• Avoid Physical Strain: IVF requires hormone injections, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer, which can be physically demanding. Surrogacy eliminates these challenges.
• Bypass Fertility Challenges: If you have uterine abnormalities, recurrent pregnancy loss, or other conditions that make carrying a pregnancy difficult, surrogacy may be a better option.
• More Cost-Effective: IVF can require multiple cycles, adding up financially. Surrogacy, while costly, is likely to be successful the first time, making it a more cost-effective alternative to IVF.
• Less Stressful: The ups and downs of IVF can be difficult. Surrogacy offers a more straightforward journey with professional support.
• Faster Path to Parenthood: If time is a concern, surrogacy may be a quicker alternative to IVF by helping you achieve your family-building goals sooner without undergoing multiple IVF cycles.

If you have embryos, you can begin the process of surrogacy and get matched with a surrogate quickly.

Is IVF Worth It?

Whether IVF is “worth it” depends on your situation and what you’re willing to invest in the process.

Here are key questions individuals or couples should ask themselves to determine if IVF is worth it for them:

• Do I have any underlying medical conditions that may impact IVF success?
• Can I afford multiple IVF cycles if the first attempt isn’t successful?
• Am I emotionally prepared for the potential ups and downs of the IVF process?
• Am I prepared for the physical demands of IVF, including hormone injections and frequent medical appointments?

If any of your answers to these questions indicate that IVF may not be worth it, you may want to consider surrogacy as an alternative to IVF.

How Many Times Should I Try IVF?

Many experts recommend reassessing your options after three failed cycles.
However, if IVF continues to fail, success rates tend to decline while emotional and financial stress increases.

 If IVF continues to be unsuccessful or your chances of pregnancy are unlikely, an alternative to IVF such as surrogacy may offer a higher chance of success.

If you’ve had multiple unsuccessful IVF attempts, speaking with your fertility doctor and a surrogacy specialist can help you determine if it’s time to explore a new path to parenthood.

Should I Do IVF Again?

Deciding whether to try again after a failed IVF cycle can be overwhelming. If these conditions apply to you, you may want to consider alternatives to IVF.

• You have one embryo left: If you only have one embryo left to transfer, there’s no guarantee that IVF will be successful. Options like surrogacy that use a thoroughly screened surrogate with a record of successful pregnancies may be a better option.
• You are not sure if you can afford another IVF cycle: If you’re not in a place where you can easily afford multiple IVF cycles, you may want to consider options that are more cost-effective. Surrogacy may cost more than IVF, but if multiple IVF cycles are needed, your total money spent could end up being more than the cost of surrogacy.
• You’re 40 or older: IVF success rates decline with age. Women under 35 have the highest success rates, while those over 40 see a significant drop. As ovarian reserve diminishes, using donor eggs or embryos may be necessary to improve chances.
• You have poor uterine health: Conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or uterine abnormalities can make implantation difficult. If these issues persist despite treatment, surrogacy may be a viable alternative to IVF.
• You have underlying health conditions: Certain immune conditions, such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome, can make it challenging to achieve or maintain pregnancy. Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or clotting disorders can impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

If you’re down to your last embryo, surrogacy is an option for you. We’re one of the few surrogacy professionals that will work with single-embryo families because we believe you deserve the chance to experience parenthood, even if it requires more time and energy on our part.

Check out our surrogacy programs for one-embryo families.

2 Failed IVF Cycles: Should I Try Again?

If you’ve experienced two failed IVF cycles, it’s natural to question whether trying again is the right choice. Some families achieve success after multiple rounds, while others decide to pursue alternatives like surrogacy or adoption.

A consultation with your fertility specialist can provide clarity on your chances of success and whether another IVF cycle aligns with your family-building goals.

Is IVF Worth It at 40?

IVF success rates decline with age, but many families still achieve pregnancy in their late 30s and early 40s with the help of fertility treatments.

 If you’re 40 or older, your chances of success will depend on your egg quality, embryo health, and overall fertility. Options like egg freezing, donor eggs or surrogacy can improve success rates.

What Should I Do Now?

Whether IVF is worth it depends on various personal factors, including age, medical history, emotional readiness and financial capability.

If IVF success feels uncertain, surrogacy could be the right path for you. Contact a surrogacy specialist today to explore whether it could be the right alternative to IVF for you, especially if you’ve already experienced multiple IVF failures.

FAQs

What Are the Downsides of IVF?

While IVF can give many families a renewed hope in having the child they have been dreaming of, IVF comes with emotional, financial, and physical challenges, including stress, cost, and the uncertainty of success.

Should I Do IVF or Try Naturally?

The decision to pursue IVF or try to conceive on your own depends on factors such as age, fertility health, and previous conception history. Consult a fertility specialist to determine the best approach.

What Does No One Tell You About IVF?

Many people are unaware of the emotional highs and lows, potential setbacks, and the unpredictability of results. IVF can still be a great option, but it is important to be aware of  these challenges up front.

Is IVF Worth Doing?

IVF can be worth it for many families, but ultimately the decision to pursue IVF is highly personal. Consider your unique circumstances, financial situation, emotional resilience, and alternative options before making a choice.