What to Do After a Failed IVF Cycle

What to Do After a Failed IVF Cycle

After a failed IVF, it’s only natural to feel sorrow, frustration, or annoyance. These emotions are completely normal. At the same time, you may be wondering what to do after a failed IVF cycle?

After attempting all conventional means of conception, a couple may choose in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Disappointment is quite obvious when the IVF process does not turn out to be successful. Failed IVF treatment can lead to irritation, disappointment, and depression as you have invested time, money, and emotional energy.

After a failed IVF cycle:

1. Discuss with your doctor the possible reasons for failure

Before considering another cycle or considering other options to conceive, it is very important to have a meeting with your doctor and know what possible reasons for your failed IVF cycle are! Having details about your and your partner’s health conditions is very important before taking further steps.

There are many reasons for failed IVF, following are a few of the most common possibilities of failed IVF cycle.

a. Low-quality of gametes (eggs/sperms)

The most important parameters of successful IVF treatment are the good quality of gametes and uterine receptivity for the growth of the fetus. Thus, it is a necessity that eggs and sperms should be of good quality.

A healthy embryo produces from a healthy egg. Any abnormalities in the eggs leading to chromosomally abnormal eggs. Higher age is the possible reason for unhealthy eggs because as one age the free radical in the body also rises and which damages the DNA and reduces the quality of the egg.

Abnormal sperms can lead to an unfertilized egg. Sperms need to reach the egg in the fallopian tube, penetrate the egg and release its genetic material to produce the embryo. Less motile or morphologically abnormal sperms may not be able to swim and reach the fallopian tube to fertilize the egg.

b. Embryo implantation failure

Sometimes the quality of the embryo is good, but it can not implant in the uterus due to many reasons such as infection of the uterus, uterine polyps, thin endometrial lining, or an increase in progesterone level prematurely.

c. Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, and bad food habits, these factors have a negative impact on fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercising, and consuming nutritious food are very important.

2. Get an honest estimate about the chances of success in a second IVF cycle

It's difficult to deal with a failed IVF procedure. Your financial situation, as well as your emotional health, may suffer. Before contemplating another round of IVF treatment, first, you need to have a discussion with your doctor to get an estimate of the chances of success in the second IVF cycle. Your doctor may recommend any one solution depending on your health.

a. Another attempt at IVF

A person may need to try more than once to become pregnant during IVF treatment. The doctor can recommend several tests for you and your spouse to take before beginning the second IVF cycle to check for any conditions that might make the procedure more difficult. They could also advise adjusting your lifestyle that will improve your chances of getting pregnant. If everything goes smoothly plus the quality of your embryos is good and you have frozen the embryos, then they could recommend you attempt another IVF cycle.

b. Third-party donor

The doctor suggests the third-party gametes donor if the quality of male or female gametes is not up to the mark.

The doctor might recommend you opt for a third-party egg donor because of insufficient or non-viable eggs. The third-party sperm donor is recommended due to abnormal sperms, which cannot fertilize the egg. Third-party donors are generally young and have healthy gametes.

c. Surrogacy

For various reasons, some women are unable to conceive fertilized eggs. When that happens, surrogacy is the final option. It could be brought on by frequent miscarriages or a failed embryo implantation. The embryo is not directly connected to a surrogate. They only act as gestational carriers, carrying your partner's and your embryo for nine months.

3. Uterus evaluation

Your doctor will examine your uterus to make sure there are no obstructions that could hinder the fertilized egg from implanting and developing. There are various approaches for doctors to evaluate the uterus such as vaginal ultrasound, Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), Sonohysterogram, and Hysteroscopy. By evaluating the uterus, the presence of uterine polyps, fibroids, scar tissues, or uterine septum will be detected if they are present. It will assist the doctor in determining if your uterus is in good enough condition for an embryo to implant and develop.

Before the Next IVF cycle keeps these three things in mind:

1. Whether there are any clinical reasons to do another IVF cycle

It's critical to understand the common reasons why IVF attempts fail. The doctor will be able to determine whether the reasons can be fixed and what changes should be done for the following cycle. If there are any possibilities of success in the next cycle then opt for it.

2. Your level of readiness on a mental and emotional level

Failed IVF treatment can be devastating to couple. It is crucial to be prepared emotionally for before another IVF cycle. Take help from your loved ones, friends, other support groups, or even a psychologist; wherever you feel safe doing so to express your emotions and find a healthy method to recover. Don't be too harsh on yourself or isolate yourself from the world that can lead to severe depression.

3. The cost of undertaking a further IVF procedure

There is no refuting that the IVF procedure is costly before the next IVF cycle. Do your calculations and be prepared financially before further IVF procedure.

I am Rajvi Sheth, I have a master's degree in biomedical science and a specialization in Reproductive Biomedicine from Navrachana University, Vadodara, India. I have trained in the IVF centre and look forward to pursuing an exciting career in the field of IVF and adding more value to the organization with my commitment, motivation, hard work, and skills. Moreover, I am a freelance content writer with a history of writing awareness articles for NGOs and Ghostwriting.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.