What to Do After a Failed IVF Attempt
An unsuccessful IVF cycle can be emotionally devastating. Not only can it be surprising, but can also be disheartening when your first IVF cycle failed. This article from Coastal fertility Medical Clinic in Orange County, San Diego will help you understand some reasons for failed IVF process cycles. We will also discuss how you can deal with such cases.
The chances are that you were full of excitement while passing through the IVF cycle. You also thought that you are very close to achieving your dreams of having a family. So, it is understandable if you and your spouse feel sad and even angry when the cycle fails. However, it is essential not to blame a failed IVF cycle on yourself. The right thing to do is ask your fertility specialist what could have gone wrong and what steps you need to take to ensure success next time around.ย
Some Common Reasons for IVF Cycle Failures
Embryo Quality
Even a good-quality embryo may not be able to implant when transferred into the womb because of some flaws. In most cases, these flaws may not have been detected during medical screening.
Age of Eggs
IVF process success chances depend on the quality and quantity of eggs. Women above 40 years of age have just a 15% chance of success with IVF when their own eggs are used. Even older women who make use of donor eggs have a better chance of success.
Chromosomal Issues
Chromosomal disorders in the embryo are one of the most common causes of failed IVF cycle. They may also lead to miscarriages and implant failure.
Lifestyle Factors
Most fertility centers, as well as Coastal fertility clinic – San Diego, require that Female Patients stop smoking before they begin IVF treatment process. The reason is that women smokers usually need twice as many cycles of IVF to get pregnant. The risks of miscarriage are also significantly higher in women who smoke.
After a failed IVF cycle, it may take you a few months before you can be emotionally ready for another round. You may be experiencing some mixed feelings when you are prepared to try again. It is important to remember the second round is both easier and harder than the first one for several reasons. It is easier because you are already familiar with the IVF procedure. You know how to give yourself fertility injections as well as how to plan your calendar appropriately. Keeping this in mind, however, there may be other parts of the process that are harder this time around.
It can be more difficult for you to be as excited and hopeful as you were for the first IVF round. Also, there will be more at stake from a financial point of view. Above all, the biggest challenge for you is to go in for the second cycle with the same confidence and faith as you felt for the first one.
Below are a few tips and suggestions to help you prepare for your second IVF round.
Understand That The First Roundโs Failure Was not Your Fault
After the first round of a failed IVF cycle, the first reaction you may have is to blame yourself. Most people tend to reflect on things they could have done differently. โMaybe I shouldnโt have worked out as muchโฆ . Maybe I should have eliminated gluten from my diet”. A lot of people tend to do this after a failed IVF cycle, which is understandable. However, it will do them no good in preparation for their next round.
The number one step in preparing emotionally for the second round of IVF process is acknowledging that itโs not your fault. There is not always a scientific reason as to why your IVF cycle failed. Itโs not because you ate too much cake or visited the gym too often. Cut yourself some slack. Sometimes, these procedures are successful, and sometimes, they are not.
Make Sure You Are Really Ready To Try Again
Whether itโs IUI, IVF, or embryo transfer, a failed fertility treatment can be heartrending. The heartbreak could multiply if it led to a miscarriage, a chemical pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), or any other complications. It is essential to remind yourself; you donโt have to rush back to treatments if your body and soul are not adequately prepared.
Itโs completely normal to take some time off to process your feelings and go through the motions of acceptance. It would be best if you also discussed your physical, emotional, and financial status with your spouse. This will help you to be sure that you are ready for the next round. If you two find that you are not quite ready for another go, waiting for the right time wouldnโt be a bad idea.
Let Go of Expectations
Keep in mind that you have gone through the IVF process once already. So, it is going to take all your strength not to compare your second round of IVF with the first. The most challenging part is letting go of your expectations because they may affect you emotionally. Once you begin the second round of IVF following a failed cycle, it is a good idea to remind yourself to stop asking so many questions about your follicle counts or egg quality. Donโt allow yourself to obsess about the different variables or the process in general.
You must train yourself to see it as a treatment and expect nothing. This is going to help you a lot while going through the process. Doctors at Coastal Fertility Clinic – San Diego recommends that you donโt overload yourself with information. Thus, it would be good if you can stay off Facebook groups and message boards.
Consider Changing Things Up
Sometimes, changing a few things between your IVF cycles can give you a good sense of control. This could mean working out more, taking more supplements to improve egg quality, or going in for therapy. Making minor changes to tweak your appearance and attitude can also make a huge emotional difference. It is natural to do things differently during the second attempt when the first one fails. Although changing things up may not make much of a difference, it surely doesnโt hurt.
Keep Making Mindful Medical Decisions
After an IVF process failure, your doctor will let you know in detail what theyโve learned from the failed cycle. They would also inform you about how they intend to change things up for the next one. They may want to change your medications or your pre-stimming protocol. No matter what they suggest, just make sure that youโre making sound medical decisions on how you want to proceed.
Take Care of Yourself
It is imperative to take good care of yourself after a failed IVF cycle. Ensure that you get all you need to remain calm as you prepare for the next round. Find healthy ways to cope with your stress levels and anticipation as you mentally prepare yourself for the upcoming cycle.
All in all, no matter how disheartening a failed IVF cycle may be, there is still hope! It is essential to find healthy ways to cope with an unsuccessful first cycle as your mental state plays a massive role in your journey.
Still, have questions about how to get yourself ready for the second round of IVF process? Contact Coastal Fertility Clinic, San Diego today at (949) 726-0600 to set up a consultation where we can discuss any and all of your questions. You can also visit us at www.coastalfertility.com.
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