If you've been through the emotional rollercoaster of discovering that you have no viable embryos left after in-vitro fertilization, it can feel like a crushing blow.
Each IVF cycle you’ve been through has brought you closer to understanding your fertility journey, and while this chapter may not have gone as expected, it opens the door to alternative paths to parenthood. With options like embryo donation and surrogacy, your dream of growing your family is still within reach, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Take back control of your time. Contact us today to begin your surrogacy journey or browse available surrogate situations here.
You’re not alone in this struggle—many couples face similar outcomes, and while it may feel like the end of the road, it’s important to know that other options, such as surrogacy, can still lead you to the family you’ve always dreamed of.
Understanding Why IVF Produces No Viable Embryos
IVF is a complex process involving the retrieval of eggs from the ovaries, fertilization with sperm in a lab and then monitoring the development of the resulting embryos before transfer to the uterus.
Ideally, the embryos will develop into blastocysts (5-7 day old embryos) and can then be implanted in the uterus or frozen for later use. But sometimes, embryos fail to develop or reach viability.
There are several reasons why there may be no embryos after IVF:
1. Egg Quality
As women age, the quality of their eggs declines, which can lead to fewer embryos developing to the blastocyst stage. This is a common cause of IVF failure for women over 35, but younger women can also experience issues with egg quality.
2. Embryo Quality
Even when eggs are successfully fertilized, embryos may not develop properly. Some may arrest early, or genetic abnormalities may prevent further growth. This can leave you with no viable embryos after IVF, as confirmed through tests like preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
3. Sperm Issues
While sperm quality is often overlooked, it can play a significant role in embryo development. Poor sperm morphology or DNA fragmentation can result in embryos that fail to thrive.
4. Uterine Issues
In some cases, the issue may not be with the embryo but with the uterine environment. Uterine abnormalities, endometriosis, or immune issues can create a hostile environment for embryo implantation and development. Some other conditions include:
Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can interfere with implantation or cause miscarriage. Uterine lining grows into the uterine muscle, causing pain and fertility challenges. Small growths in the uterine lining that can disrupt implantation. Scar tissue inside the uterus, often caused by surgeries like D&C, can hinder implantation or cause recurrent miscarriage.
5. Maternal Age
Maternal age can significantly impact IVF success, as fertility naturally declines with age, leading to fewer high-quality eggs, reduced embryo viability and lower pregnancy rates, especially after age 35. Older women may also face increased risks of genetic abnormalities and complications during pregnancy.
Confused about IVF failure? Check out this article to learn more.
Why Surrogacy May Be the Key to Parenthood
When all your efforts have been exhausted, and IVF produces no viable embryos, it can feel like a hurdle you’ll never be able to overcome. However, surrogacy offers alternative path to parenthood, allowing you to still have a biological child or grow your family through donor eggs or embryos.
Here's why surrogacy might be your next step:
1. Donor Eggs and Donor Embryos
If the issue lies with egg quality, using donor eggs can significantly improve your chances of success. Donor eggs are typically from younger women with proven fertility, which often leads to higher-quality embryos.
If both egg and sperm factors are involved, donor embryos—fertilized donor eggs and sperm—are also an option.
2. A Highly Qualified Surrogate
If uterine issues have been preventing successful implantation, working with a gestational surrogate—who will carry and deliver your baby—can overcome these challenges.
Gestational surrogates are carefully screened to ensure they are physically healthy and emotionally prepared for the journey, which gives your embryo the best chance of thriving in a supportive environment.
Here are some of the requirements we ask potential surrogates to meet, which often contribute to a higher chance of success compared to traditional IVF:
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Age: Surrogates are typically between 21–40 years old, an age range associated with better pregnancy outcomes.
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BMI: A BMI between 19–32.
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Prior Successful Pregnancy: Surrogates must have had at least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, proving their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy.
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Non-Smoker and Drug-Free: A commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including being a non-smoker and free of drug use, is essential for the surrogate’s and baby’s well-being.
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No Major Medical Complications: A history free from major medical complications, such as preeclampsia, ensures a higher chance of a successful surrogacy journey.
3. Success Rates of Surrogacy
Surrogacy has high success rates, especially when using donor eggs or embryos.
Did You Know?
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), success rates for surrogacy with donor eggs can be as high as 60-80%, depending on the quality of the eggs and the surrogate's health.
This option provides real hope for couples who have faced failed IVF attempts. If you’re ready to explore surrogacy after attempting IVF, then check out this article to learn more.
The Emotional Impact of No Viable Embryos
It’s normal to feel a range of emotions—grief, frustration, even anger—when you learn that you have no viable embryos after IVF. The emotional toll of infertility is heavy, and it’s important to acknowledge the pain you may be feeling.
Speaking with a therapist who specializes in infertility can help you process your feelings and guide you through your options. Online forums, local support groups and organizations like Resolve offer spaces where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Don’t be afraid to lean on your partner, family and friends for support during this time. Surround yourself with a strong support system.Ways to Cope and Find Support
Learning that you have no viable embryos after IVF can be devastating, but it doesn’t mean the end of your journey to parenthood. Surrogacy offers a hopeful alternative for couples who have faced multiple IVF failures.
With the option of using donor eggs or embryos and the higher success rates associated with surrogacy, many couples find that this is the key to achieving their dream of having a family.
To begin your surrogacy journey, contact us online now.