IVF Failed the First Time — What Should I Do Differently Next Time?

Experiencing a failed first round of in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be disheartening and discouraging, especially when you’ve been hoping and planning for a new addition to your family. However, it’s important to remember that IVF failure isn’t uncommon, and it doesn’t mean you’ve reached the end of your fertility journey. 

Our highly skilled team of infertility specialists at Effortless IVF™ in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas, are dedicated to providing exceptional fertility care — we have strategies to help overcome a failed first round of IVF and increase the chances of a successful next round. 

If you’re feeling unsure about what to do differently, rest assured that our team will provide expert guidance on the most appropriate next steps.

What causes an unsuccessful first round of IVF?

IVF can fail for a number of reasons, with embryo quality being one of the most common. Even when fertilization occurs, some embryos may have chromosomal abnormalities that prevent them from developing or implanting successfully. 

These types of abnormalities can happen randomly, but the risk does increase with age, particularly for women over the age of 35. Issues like a thin endometrial lining, fibroids, or polyps may also interfere with embryo implantation.

Additionally, egg and sperm quality can play a role. As women age, both the quality and quantity of their eggs naturally decline, and this has a significant impact on fertilization and embryo development. Similarly, poor sperm quality impacts fertilization. 

In some cases, hormonal imbalances during the IVF cycle can also affect egg maturity or prevent the uterine lining from being fully receptive. 

Post-cycle evaluation

Meeting with our highly skilled fertility specialists is the next important step following a failed first IVF cycle. Our team will guide you through a post-cycle review, which involves analyzing what may have contributed to an unsuccessful outcome, and identifying adjustments for your next cycle. 

We assess crucial factors like egg quality, sperm quality, embryo development, and your uterine environment to pinpoint potential issues before creating a personalized roadmap aimed at optimizing your chances of success.

Consider protocol changes

Not every IVF cycle is the same, and sometimes, tweaking the protocol can make a difference. If your first cycle didn’t work, we might suggest trying a different stimulation protocol or adjusting the medications you used. 

For instance, changing the type of fertility medications or increasing the dosage could improve egg retrieval results. We may also evaluate the timing of your embryo transfer to ensure the uterine environment is optimal.

In some cases, we may recommend preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This screening test can detect genetic issues in embryos prior to transfer, allowing us to select the healthiest ones for transfer and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Consider Effortless IVF™

If traditional IVF hasn’t worked for you, consider Effortless IVF™, an innovative technique that offers a more affordable, simplified approach compared to traditional IVF. 

Using a small FDA-cleared device called INVOcell®, fertilization takes place inside the woman’s body — instead of a lab — which reduces costs while maintaining effectiveness. This approach is an excellent alternative for many women.

Moving forward with confidence

There is hope after a failed first round of IVF, and we can help you determine the best course of action to continue pursuing your dream of adding a new member to your family.  

To explore the next steps in your fertility journey, schedule a consultation with our team at your nearest Effortless IVF™ office in Fort Worth or Bedford, Texas, today. We’re dedicated to giving you the best possible chance at a successful pregnancy.