When IVF Doesn’t Work the First Time: What Comes Next?

Experiencing a failed IVF cycle can feel deeply disheartening — especially after all the hope, planning, and energy that goes into each step. It’s a tough moment, but it doesn’t mean IVF isn’t the right path for you. Many patients require more than one cycle to achieve a successful pregnancy, and each round offers valuable insight that can guide your next steps. With the right support and a personalized plan, there are still promising possibilities ahead.

Understanding IVF Success Rates

IVF is an advanced fertility treatment that offers higher success rates than less invasive procedures, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI). However, the success of IVF depends on several factors, including the patient's age, overall health, embryo quality, and other personal circumstances.

According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), about 26% of fertility patients successfully have a child in one cycle of IVF. Although it may feel discouraging, the chances of success improve with each subsequent cycle. Experiencing a failed cycle is completely normal, and your fertility clinic will guide you in determining the next steps for your next round of IVF.

Common Next Steps After a Failed IVF Cycle

After a failed IVF cycle, your fertility team will try to determine why and how they can improve your chances as much as possible for the next round. For example, your doctor may recommend additional testing, such as genetic testing to analyze embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation, or tests to check for uterine factors, like polyps.

If male factor infertility is a concern, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be recommended. This procedure involves taking a single, healthy sperm and injecting it directly into each egg using a microscopic needle. Certain lifestyle changes can also help improve IVF success in future rounds. These include a balanced diet, regular physical activity (avoiding high-impact activities), reducing stress, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Schedule an Appointment with a Fertility Specialist

While it's common for IVF not to be successful on the first attempt, it doesn't take away from the complex emotions that come with the experience. Like all fertility treatments, there are no guarantees that IVF will ultimately result in conception. Still, your fertility team can help develop a strategic plan to maximize your chances of success in future IVF cycles.

At Washington Fertility Center, our fertility specialists can help you navigate the IVF process with advanced treatment options and personalized care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.