Failed IVF cycle is not uncommon. IVF treatment does not have 100% success rate. Couples who decide to opt for IVF are aware of this fact. But, anyone who undergoes IVF procedure is extremely hopeful of a successful outcome. Without this belief it would definitely be hard to make a decision in favour of IVF. Thus, dealing with the failure becomes harder because this belief is shaken. You would definitely go through a roller coaster of emotions like shock, frustration, anger, helplessness and then the acceptance of the truth.

Despite all the hardships and traumas after a failed IVF cycle, one should find ways to bounce back and to keep the faith alive and carry on treatment. After a failed IVF cycle, it is important to give time to self and then come back for a next try, filled with more faith and conviction because one failed IVF cycle doesn’t mean that further treatment options are shut for ever.

A positive analysis of thoughts and actions is most important post-IVF failure and the grieving time attached to it. Instead of analyzing the causes for failure, questioning self, doubting self, doubting the doctor, asking unreasonable questions and being in a dilemma, the patients need to understand the realistic chance of success. One must get rid of negative thoughts and questions. Too much of confusion, consulting multiple doctors and reading unfiltered non-scientific content on internet to enhance pregnancy rate would lead to unnecessary investigations and use of expensive medications and embryology procedures which may or may not be useful for the next IVF cycle. On top of it, you may get entangled in other minuscule disorders and their treatments, resulting in wastage of time, money and efforts without the certainty of it being associated with the cause of treatment failure.

Keeping this in mind, it is very important to consult a qualified, compassionate, expert and well-educated Infertility specialist for next chance after a failed IVF cycle. Managing difficult cases in infertility needs experienced and extensively trained mind. You must go through the history of the doctor and various successful cycles they have conducted before you plan your next cycle. Keep a detailed summary of previous cycle ready with you, when you go for another consultation or second opinion. This must include the photos of embryos and other sonography results, so that the expert can offer better and intelligent advice for your next cycle, helping you to bounce back.

It is now for your specialist to put together the records of failed IVF cycle and work to improve the outcomes of subsequent cycle by some medical or non-medical measures. Diet, relaxation exercises and positive attitude with individualised modulation of the treatment in the next cycle, together is needed for better results.

The cause of one IVF failure could be the just a matter of chance but repeated failures need thorough assessment of the embryo quality which is dependent on egg and sperm quality and the receptivity of the uterus or womb.

Finding a good support system, after a failed IVF cycle is an effective way to manage the stress and bounce back easily. Think about finding an IVF buddy who has gone through the process or is going through at the same time as you. Communication with friends and family who have no clue about what is going on may be a little taxing and futile task. At the same time, the person who holds first-hand experience on the same can be a great friend and communication channel to discuss, plan, talk and vent out.

Undergoing IVF is not only a physical & emotional stress but also a financially taxing treatment but one failed IVF should not make you hopeless. Keep your spirits high, look at the bright side and take a step for repeat treatment.

We wish all couples all the best for their very first IVF cycle and the next ones, if at all needed.

Consult Dr Rhythm Gupta, an IVF Specialist in Delhi if you have had a failed IVF Cycle. She will investigate your case and would be able to suggest the correct treatment for you. To book an appointment with Dr Rhythm Gupta, click here.