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IVF has helped many people become parents, but it’s important to remember that it isn’t the same for everyone. Success can depend on several factors, especially your age and overall health. While some people do conceive in their first cycle, others may need more than one round of treatment.
Your healthcare team can guide you through the process and suggest what’s best based on your individual situation. Before starting, it’s best to prepare yourself emotionally, physically, and financially, so you feel ready for the journey ahead.
IVF Procedure: An Overview
IVF, or In Vitro Fertilisation, is a fertility treatment where an egg is collected from your ovary and fertilised in a laboratory. Once the embryo develops, it is transferred into your womb to support pregnancy.With rising infertility rates linked to lifestyle and environmental factors, IVF offers a scientifically advanced approach that may improve your chances of starting or growing your family.
It’s best to explore IVF if you are looking for a treatment that’s not only medically effective but also supported by social and ethical considerations. Speaking to a fertility specialist could be a good first step in understanding whether this is the right path for you.
Recommended IVF cycles
Number of IVF cycles
You can usually consider starting with 2 to 3 IVF cycles, but it’s important to remember that every journey is different. You might have success in your first cycle, while others may need a few more attempts.
Your healthcare professional may suggest up to 3 to 5 cycles before looking into other treatment options.
Age of the patients
If you are over 40 or have more complex fertility issues, IVF may still be worth considering, although the chances of success can be lower. If you are over 45, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy through IVF is significantly reduced.
In this case, you might choose to use eggs from a younger, healthy donor to increase your chances. As fertility declines with age, it’s best to speak with your specialist about the options that may be most suitable for you.
How Many Times Can IVF Be Done?
If you plan to go through IVF many times, it’s best to be ready emotionally and financially. The number of IVF cycles that you can go through usually depends on various factors like your age, underlying health condition, pregnancy history and more. The experts also consider endometrial changes in your body before finalising the procedure.How many cycles of IVF help in getting pregnant?
How many cycles are required for successful conception?
Factors Affecting the Maximum Number of IVF Cycles
Some of the factors that affect the maximum number of IVF cycles are:Age
Health status
Financial backing
Emotional support
Quality of the embryo
Guidelines for Repeating Multiple IVF Cycles
If you are to undergo multiple IVF cycles, your healthcare expert can advise you on what is to be done. Here are a few medical guidelines to follow for repeating multiple IVF cycles:Safety limit
Prepare for future cycles
Consult a fertility specialist
Benefits and Risks of Multiple IVF Cycles
Multiple IVF cycles can increase the chances of success, but they might come with a wide range of risks. Some of the key benefits of various IVF cycles are as follows:- A higher chance of achieving pregnancy success
- Increased opportunities for conception, though multiple pregnancies may not always be ideal
- Each cycle offers the chance to refine and improve the process for the next attempt
Some of the common risks of multiple IVF cycles include:
Ectopic pregnancy
Multiple pregnancies
Birth Defect
Undergoing a single IVF cycle can be stressful, and having to go through multiple cycles may take a psychological and emotional toll on your well-being, potentially leading to stress, anxiety, or even depression.
If you have experienced multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, it’s understandable that the thought of trying again can feel overwhelming. It’s important to talk to your healthcare team for support and guidance, as they can help you manage both the physical and emotional aspects of the process.
Alternative Path For Couples Who Have Reached Their IVF Limit
Repeated IVF cycles may not always guarantee a successful pregnancy, so it’s best to consider other options as well. Some alternative paths for couples to explore beyond IVF include:Donor eggs and sperm
Adoption
Surrogacy
IVF can be an overwhelming journey, so it’s important to consult with healthcare experts to understand how many cycles are right for you. It's best not to go beyond the recommended limit, as repeated cycles may impact your physical health.
If IVF isn’t successful or isn’t the right path for you, there are alternative options to consider, such as surrogacy, adoption, or using donor materials. It’s best to take the time to weigh all the options and make a decision that aligns with your long-term goal of building a family.
FAQs on How Many Times Can IVF Be Done
- How many times is it safe to do IVF?
There are no universal guidelines on how often you can do IVF. If you are under the age of 35 years, based on your healthcare expert's advice, you can attempt around six cycles of IVF before trying any other alternative options. - What to do after three failed IVF cycles?
If your multiple IVF cycles have failed, consult a fertility healthcare professional. The healthcare experts review alternative options for treatment to help you conceive.
