Most couples feel profound sadness, depression and anger after a failed
IVF cycle. There is also a degree of hopelessness as they wonder if they
will ever achieve a pregnancy. The IVF process has taken energy, time,
and money. What would be the next step to take after now? These
emotions are normal. Some IVF centres have counselling units to help
clients cope with a failed cycle and assist them in making decisions for the
future.
Couples can learn to cope by discussing how they feel and what they think
went wrong during the whole process. A couple of counselling sessions
could help alleviate the pain.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A FAILED IVF
The following are steps to take after a failed IVF.
1. Discuss why the IVF Failed
There are many reasons why IVF fails. They could be due to advanced
female age, poor sperm quality, poor ovarian response, and implantation
failure.
2. Repeat IVF Cycles
The chances of pregnancy increase with the number of IVF cycles a client
undergoes. While many women get pregnant with the first cycle, some may
require up to 3 cycles to get pregnant.
Women below 35 years have the best chance of conceiving with their eggs.
For women above 35 years, the chances are reduced and they may require
donor eggs for a successful IVF.
3. Use of Donor Eggs
For women with a poor ovarian reserve and repeated IVF failure or
miscarriages, the use of donor eggs may be considered to improve the
chances of IVF success. Egg donors are usually younger girls in their early
20s with good-quality eggs.
4. Preimplantation Genetic Screening
This is an advanced laboratory test which analyses the embryos for genetic
challenges before they are transferred into the uterus. Embryos without
genetic challenges are transferred.
In many cases of failed IVF, a condition called aneuploidy is responsible.
Aneuploidy is the presence of too few chromosomes in an embryo. This
may further help individuals or couples have success after repeated
implantation failure.
5. Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy involves the use of the client’s egg and the intended
father’s sperm to create an embryo which is then transferred into a
gestational surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate carries the baby and delivers
it after which the baby is reunited with the genetic parents.
The surrogate has no genetic relationship with the baby.
Surrogacy is an option in the following circumstances.
Women with no uterus
Recurrent IVF failure
Recurrent miscarriage
Women with medical diseases which make pregnancy a risk
Same-sex couples
Personal choice
6. Adoption
Some couples after counselling opt for adoption. Adoption could bring joy
to the family in the process of raising a child in your home. The adopted
child gets better attention and a stable home to live in.
A failed IVF is not the end of the road. Keep hope alive. There is surely
light at the end of the tunnel.
