How long should I wait before trying IVF again?

Most people wait at least one full menstrual cycle. The doctor will help you based on how you’re getting better and your health history.

Does a failed IVF mean I can't get pregnant?

Not at all. Many people conceive in their second or third attempt. In the first round, doctors can learn more about what your body needs so they can help you even better.

Should I get genetic testing done on embryos?

If embryo quality is an issue or your age is above 35, your doctor may suggest PGT-A or similar tests.

Will changing clinics really make a difference?

Sometimes, yes. Especially if there were concerns with lab practices, embryo culture conditions, or support quality.

Is my body the problem?

Not likely. Most implantation failures are due to embryo issues, not your body. Your body is still trying.

Failed IVF? Next Steps to Improve Your Chances

A failed IVF cycle hurts, physically, mentally, and emotionally. You might feel lost, angry, or just numb. You’re allowed to sit with that. Let the news settle. Give yourself a week or two before making any decisions. Talk to a friend. Cry. Sleep. Or do nothing at all. Healing takes time.

What You Might Be Thinking Right Now

All valid. All real. But also, not the full story. There are often small, technical reasons an IVF cycle doesn’t work, not big flaws in you. So before you blame yourself, let’s unpack what might've happened.

"Did I do something wrong?"
"Should I change clinics or doctors?"
"Is my body just not made for this?"

Why Does IVF Fail?

Even though doctors do everything they can, sometimes IVF still doesn’t work. The most common reason? Implantation doesn’t happen.
But that can stem from many different things:

Embryo quality: Sometimes embryos just stop developing. It’s often due to chromosomal issues
Egg quality: Especially if you're older than 35, eggs might not develop properly
Sperm issues: Poor sperm quality can affect fertilisation and embryo health
Uterine environment: In some cases, conditions in the uterus make implantation more difficult
Lab or transfer problems: Timing and technique during fertilisation and transfer matter

What To Do After Your First Failed IVF?

When you're all set, call your fertility doctor to make another appointment. This is where you get answers or at least possibilities. This isn’t just about doing it all over again. It’s about doing it smarter.
Here’s what to expect or ask:

Cycle review: What exactly happened during stimulation, retrieval, fertilisation, and transfer?
Embryo grading: Were they of good quality? Any signs of fragmentation or irregular growth?
Consider testing: Like PGT-A, which checks for chromosomal abnormalities in embryos
Talk about protocol: Should you switch medications or timing in the next cycle?
Discuss sperm and egg health: Could lifestyle, supplements, or further tests help?

Should You Consider Switching Doctors or Clinics?

IVF isn’t one-size-fits-all. If something felt off, trust your instincts. This can be a sensitive thought. But it’s okay to ask:

Did you feel truly supported?
Did they explain things clearly?
Are the clinic's success rates good for your age group?

What Changes Might Happen in Your Second Cycle?

Some clinics also suggest endometrial receptivity testing or immune system screening if other causes are ruled out.
Here are common adjustments doctors make:

Trying a different stimulation protocol
Using assisted hatching
Transferring embryos at the blastocyst stage (day 5)
Freezing all embryos and doing a frozen embryo transfer (FET) when the time is best for you
Changing embryo transfer timing

Will Your Second IVF Cycle Have Better Chances?

The good news is that many people succeed the second time around. Not because they got lucky, but because the first cycle taught them something valuable. Success rates depend on age, egg quality, and other factors. While results can shift after repeated attempts, many people do conceive after a second or third cycle.
Success depends on:

Your age
Egg and sperm quality
Embryo development
Changes made from the first cycle

Emotionally Prepping for Round Two

You are not being dramatic. IVF is intense. And bravery isn’t about not feeling scared. It’s about showing up anyway.

Keep your support system close
Journal your thoughts
Join a support group
Ask your clinic if they offer counselling

If your IVF didn’t work, don’t lose hope just yet. It’s okay to feel sad or frustrated, but remember, this doesn’t mean it’s the end of your journey. IVF can be tricky, and sometimes it’s just a matter of figuring out what went wrong. Talk to your doctor, ask questions, and make a plan to try again, smarter and more prepared. A lot of people have success on their second try, and you might too. Take your time to heal, get support from those around you, and give yourself the space to feel what you need to feel. You’ve got this, and your next steps can be the ones that bring you closer to the family you’ve been dreaming of.

FAQs on What if Your IVF Cycle Didn't Work. What Now?

How long should I wait before trying IVF again?
Most people wait at least one full menstrual cycle. The doctor will help you based on how you’re getting better and your health history.
Does a failed IVF mean I can't get pregnant?
Not at all. Many people conceive in their second or third attempt. In the first round, doctors can learn more about what your body needs so they can help you even better.
Should I get genetic testing done on embryos?
If embryo quality is an issue or your age is above 35, your doctor may suggest PGT-A or similar tests.
Will changing clinics really make a difference?
Sometimes, yes. Especially if there were concerns with lab practices, embryo culture conditions, or support quality.
Is my body the problem?
Not likely. Most implantation failures are due to embryo issues, not your body. Your body is still trying.