Parenthood may be something you have been dreaming about for years. If you have few or no embryos after IVF, there may be a variety of emotions you’re feeling.
A lack of quality embryos doesn’t disqualify you from becoming a parent, you still have options. Contact us online to get the support you deserve. We’re here for you whenever you need us.
This article will break down your options if you have no embryos, or few with good quality, after IVF and what you can do to handle the emotional swings that surrogacy can bring.
Why Do I Have Few or No Embryos After IVF?
There isn’t one universal answer to why you have few or no embryos after IVF.
After an IVF cycle, it’s natural for some attrition to occur as embryos develop in the lab. Attrition is a decrease in the number of retrieved eggs to blastocyst (day 5) embryos. Not all eggs retrieved will be mature, not all mature eggs will fertilize and not all embryos will make it to blastocyst.
The number of eggs retrieved does not equal the number of embryos you will have.
IVF attrition rates are impacted by:
Younger women usually have higher blastocyst formation rates. 35 is typically the age when you see fertility begin to decline. High-quality eggs are more likely to develop into blastocysts. Embryos that earn a high grade are the embryos that are transferred. Embryo quality is graded on inner cell mass or trophectoderm quality. Blastocyst formation rates change from cycle to cycle.
This 2022 study from Columbia University found that embryos have trouble with duplicating the genome which can result in the embryos cell having too many or few chromosomes.
If no embryos made it to the blastocyst stage, that’s because there were too many or not enough chromosomes. This is considered a genetic disorder called aneuploidy.
Any change in the number of chromosomes can impact the outcome of a pregnancy with the most common form being a miscarriage.
I Have Few or No Embryos After IVF [How to Cope]
Learning no embryos made it to day 5, when the embryo transfer commonly takes place, can bring a whirlwind of emotions.
You are ready to experience what it’s like to be a parent and now it may feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. Whatever emotions you feel are valid, no one but you knows how long and hard this journey has been.
No matter how you decide to proceed, it’s important to take time for yourself to help process the various emotions. Processing can look like whatever works best for you whether that’s:
- Taking time before trying again
- Getting professional support
- Talking about it with your partner
There are also various fertility support groups you can find online such as Resolve, the national infertility association, which addresses infertility on a broader level and Illume, which has online support groups for specific topics.
When getting professional support, we have counseling services that work with intended parents in situations like yours. Get in touch with us today to get the support you deserve.
IVF Success Rate with One Embryo Transferred
Yes, one embryo is enough for IVF.
A single embryo transfer has become the preferred transfer because of the success and safety it has compared to other types of transfers.
IVF success with one embryo is because of the quality of that embryo, not the number of embryos transferred. Recent studies have shown that implanting multiple embryos can reduce the chances of a pregnancy by 24%.
Success rates are higher for single embryo transfers because of the methodology and technology used to determine the best possible embryo such as:
Time-Lapse Photography Preimplantation Genetic Testing Vitrification
If you have only one embryo left to transfer, remember that the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) guidance is to advise women under the age of 38 to conduct single embryo transfers.
At the same time, having only one embryo make it to the blastocyst stage can be nerve-wracking, especially for a surrogate who may feel the additional pressure if you only have one embryo.
If having a genetic relationship with your child is important to you, then surrogacy may be your best option. If not, then using donor sperm and/or eggs could help ease the decision making process.
We Have Two Frozen Embryos Left
With just two frozen embryos left, keep in mind that there are usually higher risks compared to IVF success with one embryo.
Transferring two embryos means higher chances of multiple pregnancies and a 38% chance of having twins, but it also brings challenges for your surrogate as well as the babies. Other health risks of multiple pregnancies include:
- Low birth weight baby (weighing between 3-5.5 pounds
- Preterm birth (born before 37 weeks)
- The risk of pre-eclampsia
- Prolonged hospitalization
- Intellectual disability
- Cerebral palsy
- Twin-twin transfusion syndrome
With the risks that come with transferring more than one embryo, if surrogacy is something you’re considering, then keep in mind that wanting to transfer your two embryos that are left at the same time can make it harder to find a surrogate.
When There are No Embryos After IVF [Your Options]
If no embryos are viable for transfer after IVF, you can still become a parent. It could just be a matter of trying again as IVF typically requires multiple cycles to be successful.
No matter if trying again could be an option for you or not, you should consult with your fertility specialist to get to the root of the problem because that can help clarify what your options are moving forward.
If you don’t have embryos after IVF, you can create them by:
Poor egg or sperm quality may be the underlying issue, and using donor gametes increases the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development. Donor embryos provide an alternative if you have not had success creating viable embryos on your own. Reattempting IVF is another option, especially if the first cycle failed due to factors that can be improved. Some couples have better results with subsequent cycles after learning more about how their bodies respond to stimulation. If embryo quality or the ability to carry a pregnancy is an issue, gestational surrogacy allows a surrogate to carry the pregnancy using your embryos or donor embryos. This option is ideal if you have viable embryos but experience repeated implantation failure or difficulty carrying a pregnancy.
Even if you only have few embryos left after IVF, you can be matched with a surrogate quickly after starting the surrogacy process.
Even if you don’t know if surrogacy is right for you but you need support, we can connect you to licensed professionals who can help you sort through these emotions to determine what’s best for you. Fill out our online contact form; we’re here whenever you need us.