Two failed IVF cycles does not mean that you can’t become a parent.
There is no limit on the number of IVF cycles you can attempt, but there are other paths to parenthood.
Contact us online if you want to learn more about these other paths. We’re here for you.
This article takes a look at why IVF may have failed for you, how that can impact whether more IVF cycles are right for your situation and what you can do moving forward.
2 Failed IVF Cycles: What’s Next?
Just because IVF failed twice doesn’t mean you can’t try again.
While there’s no limit on the number of IVF cycles you can attempt, experiencing two failed IVF cycles doesn’t necessarily mean that success is out of reach. It’s common for multiple IVF cycles to be needed before achieving a pregnancy.
Many clinics recommend at least three attempts to start.
Why Did IVF Fail Twice? [7 Possible Causes]
There are a number of reasons why IVF can fail, but some of the most common causes are:
Age plays a direct role in egg quality and quantity, which decreases as you get older leading to an increase of the possibility of genetic abnormalities. Follicles are crucial to egg retrieval, without enough of them; it can be difficult or impossible with too many low quality eggs. This could happen as a result of your body’s response to the fertility drugs that help stimulate follicle growth. Uterine issues may have played a direct role in your two IVF failures. A thin endometrium, for example, can make implantation more difficult. PCOS is another uterine issue that impacts your reproductive system, leading to hormonal imbalances that impact fertility. Egg quality is vital when it comes to creating an embryo. A diminished ovarian reserve can happen as a result of your ovaries not producing enough eggs or losing their reproductive ability. Just because you have a diminished ovarian reserve doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have enough eggs, but the eggs may be too low in quality to be transferred. Standard fertility tests may fail to identify a specific cause for your infertility. This situation can make you feel stuck, as they are often left without clear answers. Low-quality eggs usually don’t fully develop, there’s a three-day window for most labs where an embryo will be discarded if it doesn’t have a regular shape or reached the six to eight-cell stage. An embryo could have developed and grown properly, but genetic abnormalities can increase the risk of a miscarriage which is a cause of IVF failure.
After a failed IVF cycle, it’s important to schedule a follow up appointment with your fertility specialist.
Not only can they can break down why your IVF cycle may have failed, whether it’s one of the causes given above or something else, they can help you determine the best treatment plan for your situation moving forward.
What to Do After Two Failed IVF Transfers [Your Options]
It all depends on the circumstances of your situation but if you don’t know what do after 2 failed IVF cycles, your options include:
Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) analyses embryos before implantation for any genetic abnormalities. One common genetic abnormality that can lead to failed IVF cycles is caused by aneuploidy.
Aneuploidy is a genetic disorder where there are one or more extra or missing chromosomes. Any change to the number chromosomes that make up a human cell can cause problems with growth, development and function.
Using Donor Eggs/Embryos
If the quality or number of eggs you have is part of the reason for two failed IVF transfers, using donor eggs could help your situation.
An embryo created with the help of an egg donor is placed into the your uterus. This choice is best for those who:
Are experiencing premature ovarian failure Have a genetic disease that may pass on Have a lower ovarian reserve Have had failed IVF cycles where the quality of eggs is suspected to be the issue
Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is an option if you don’t know what to do after IVF failed twice.
A gestational carrier carries and delivers a baby for intended parents who are unable to have a child on their own. The primary difference between IVF and surrogacy is that the embryos will be transferred to your surrogate’s uterus rather than yours or your partner’s.
If you have had two failed IVF cycles, gestational surrogacy may address the challenges that have resulted in IVF failure because all of our surrogates must meet certain health requirements in addition to being thoroughly screened so you know the surrogates you see are medically prepared for the journey. These requirements include:
- Must be currently raising child
- At least one successful prior pregnancy
- Age range 21-40
- And more
If you have embryos left over from any failed IVF cycles, they can be used for your surrogacy journey. If you have no viable embryos left, you can create more in the same way you did for your preview IVF cycles, using your eggs and sperm or donor eggs and sperm. If you do not wish to undergo another egg retrieval cycle, you can acquire donor embryos through a clinic or embryo bank.
If you have embryos already, we can match you with a surrogate quickly, meaning you are that much closer to realizing your goal of becoming a parent.
Whether you have embryos already or are interested in learning about the next steps of the surrogacy process, contact us online.
Take the Time You Need [Get the Support You Deserve]
If you have experienced two failed IVF cycles, in addition to talking to your doctor, take time for yourself.
No matter how long you have been dreaming of becoming a parent, multiple failed IVF cycles can take an emotional toll. And whether it’s before consulting with your doctor or after you decide how to move forward, allow yourself the time to process what’s happened.
That can look like whatever brings you comfort. From getting back to the things you enjoy on a daily basis to leaning on close friends and family for support.
There’s also counseling specifically for infertility as well as online support groups where you can post about your experiences or read about others who are going through the journey too.
Infertility Counseling
Infertility Support Groups
Next Steps
Even if you don’t know if surrogacy is right for your situation, fill out our online contact form to get the support you deserve. You won’t be pushed one way or another, and we have a network of licensed professionals that we can refer you to, to help you work through your emotions.