In vitro fertilization is hope for infertile couples. However, success with IVF takes time. Most couples wonder if IVF can be done one time or more than once. Well, multiple cycles are indeed doable; a large number of patients do more than one cycle to successfully become pregnant. So let’s find out why one or more cycles of IVF may be necessary, what can be expected, and the right approach to repeated attempts.
Why Would You Need to Do IVF More Than Once?
There are many valid reasons why an IVF cycle may not be successful and why a couple might require several cycles:
First Cycle Challenges: It may therefore turn out that the first IVF cycle is not an easy ride for the patient or the doctors; it would call for changes in the medications, hormones, or the scheduling of all procedures. Again, every patient will respond differently to one cycle, and many cycles would indeed have a higher success rate.
Success in IVF depends on the age: Women who are older than 35 years may require a higher number of cycles since they possess reduced egg number and quality. Multiple stimulation cycles increase the chances of getting healthy eggs to achieve the realization of pregnancy.
Unsuccessful embryo transfer: embryos used in IVF fail to implant correctly inside the uterus. The causes of this phenomenon may be owing to poor quality of the embryo, or it can be a problem with the uterine lining, or for that matter, some other unknown factors. A second IVF cycle can again be attempted, which may then involve transferring different embryos, or it could perhaps correct those factors.
How Many Times Can IVF Be Done?
In technical terms, a woman is allowed to attempt any number of cycles of IVF. That is, while in some patients, it could be as low as two or three cycles, for others, it might be up to six cycles or more. However, the point remains that whether one should continue with further cycles is a decision that requires discussion with a fertility specialist after a proper assessment of your case and then advice on the best move.
Some factors that you should consider before thinking of multiple cycles are the following:
Physical and Emotional Strength: In vitro fertilization is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding treatments. Be sure you are prepared for all that this process entails.
Success Rates: Although your success rate after two or three cycles may be higher, remember that each woman is different. Your fertility specialist will set expectations for your situation.
What Happens in a Second IVF Cycle?
If you do decide to perform IVF again, the process will be the same as before, although with modifications if something was learnt from that first cycle. Here is what might change:
Different types of medication programs: If the medication that you were receiving was not giving you the number of eggs you expected on that particular cycle, you might be given some other plans whereby your ovaries would respond better. They could even increase dosages or switch to other types of medication.
Embryo Transfer Options: If you save embryos from your first cycle, then you can avoid repeating the whole process of egg retrieval. Then the second cycle might be in the form of Frozen Embryo Transfer, also known as FET. Here, you will not be stimulated or retrieved because you are skipping these stages.
Improved Timing and Monitoring: Enhanced Timing and Coordination of Egg Recovery and Embryo Transfer For instance, doctors can perfect their timing in terms of egg retrieval and embryo transfer based on the first cycle so that your body is in the best state for success. For example, hormone levels can be adjusted so that there is a higher likelihood of successful implantation of embryos.
Success Rates with Multiple IVF Cycles
Even though the process of undertaking three or even four cycles of IVF is daunting, here is the bright side: the success rate is only improved by each cycle undertaken, and according to recent studies, it improves over the first three. Within three cycles, studies confirm that 60–70% of women attained successful live births.
Emotional Considerations for Multiple IVF Attempts
IVF is an emotionally charged procedure. Embarrassment or apprehension in the first cycle, for instance, can be crushing and grow with successive cycles. Some ways to deal with such emotions are as follows:
Knowledge: The couples may know that it generally takes more than one cycle of IVF.
Seek Counselling: Sometimes, one may need to have a conversation with the partner, a counsellor, or even a support group regarding their experiences and feelings. Fertility treatment is a long and tedious journey. Support certainly makes it easier.
Take Breaks if Needed: If you cannot take it anymore, a short break between cycles will do the trick to recharge both emotionally and physically.
Conclusion
Yes, IVF can be repeated two times or more! In reality, most couples who undergo this procedure do find success with multiple attempts at IVF if adjustments are made based on the result of the first cycle. Therefore, though repeating IVF more than once would require patience and resilience, cumulative success improves with each attempt.
If you are considering a second (or third) round of IVF, discuss your unique case, modification, and realistic expectations with your fertility expert. Each cycle brings you one step closer to your family.
FAQs
How often can IVF be tried?
IVF can be tried as many times as is medically advised. Patients can try two to three cycles, but many may require more.
Is it that successful the second time with IVF?
The success rates might be increased in the case of a second cycle of IVF because the doctors may get to tweak the treatment policies based on the outcome of the first try.
What is the success rate of IVF after multiple cycle tries?
The cumulative success rate increases with each cycle, whereas most couples achieve a live birth after three cycles.
Can I use frozen embryos in a second IVF cycle?
Frozen embryos from the first cycle can be transferred in subsequent IVF cycles. Therefore, it eliminates the need for egg retrieval.
Is it common to do IVF more than once?
Indeed, most couples must endure several cycles before having IVF because many may not be successful with the first attempt.
Read more like this: How IVF is Done: A Step-by-Step Guide
