Your IVF cycle failed. What next?

Patients’ hopes are quickly dashed and pessimism sets in when their IVF cycle fails and they understandably turn to their doctors for an explanation. Some doctors will carry out a battery of tests in their endeavor to satisfy the patient that all will be well once all the tests are done. At times patients and doctors follow their instincts and patients are introduced to treatments such as immune therapy for treating abnormal NK cells or anti TB for a positive PCR.

The truth is that at times it is not possible to point out exactly what causes IVF cycle failure. Although there are a few exceptions such as when there is a thin uterine lining or poor ovarian response, the truth is that in most cases it is simply not possible to point out the exact cause.

The human reproductive system is dynamic and often surprises even experts. For example, embryo transfer can be a challenge due to excessive bleeding ; or a patient may have poor quality embryos , but she surprisingly gets pregnant , while a perfect IVF cycle with excellent embryos may fail. 

There is simply no doctor in the world that is able to determine the fate of embryos once they are transferred to the uterus.

What are your choices if your cycle fails ? You may choose to repeat the cycle if it was perfect - or you may want to change something. 

Possible things you can change include: 

donor sperm, 

donor egg, 

surrogacy, 

donor embryo, 

the superovulation protocol - or,

the doctor. 

Ultimately, the best way is to be prepared emotionally for failure . This will enable you to handle the emotional distress that follows IVF cycle failure. This also reduces unjustifiable complaints about doctors and clinics.