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The possibility of a failed surrogate embryo transfer can feel heavy, even before you begin.
Because the surrogates you are shown at American Surrogacy have passed thorough medical pre-screening, one failed embryo transfer is often just a temporary hurdle on the path to bringing your baby home.
If you're just beginning to explore your options or already in the process and reassessing your support, American Surrogacy is ready to guide you forward.
What Happens If Our Surrogate Embryo Transfer Fails?
When a transfer fails or a miscarriage occurs, it can feel heartbreaking. But it is not anyone’s fault.
The most important thing to know is that it’s very common to need more than one transfer attempt to achieve a pregnancy. Many successful surrogacy stories involve a second or third transfer.
As intended parents, you may experience profound disappointment, grief or even self-doubt. Your surrogate will likely feel that same sadness. She has invested emotionally in this journey, too, and a failed transfer or loss can affect her deeply.
American Surrogacy is here to support you and your surrogate through setbacks as well as successes.
How Common Is a Failed Embryo Transfer in Surrogacy?
A failed embryo transfer for surrogacy on the first try is not unusual and doesn’t mean you won't become a parent.
Statistics show that the chance of success usually goes up with each attempt, typically only starting to plateau after the third transfer.
If you’re worried about the failure, talk to your doctor about their success rates.
At American Surrogacy, our rigorous pre-screening standards set us apart, carefully selecting surrogates with proven healthy pregnancy histories to protect your journey from the very beginning.
By working exclusively with women who have already demonstrated the ability to carry healthy pregnancies to term, we reduce the risk of transfer failure. That means fewer disruptions, fewer unexpected setbacks, and a quicker path to bringing your baby home.
How Many Embryo Transfers Can We Do?
The answer to how many embryo transfers you can do depends mostly on what you agreed to in your surrogacy contract. Most families and surrogates agree to three attempts, though this is a personal choice you make together.
When you look at clinical data, you’ll see the term “Cumulative Live Birth Rates.” In plain English, these SART outcome tables show that success is measured over all the transfers you do, not just the first one.
Building a family through surrogacy can sometimes take a few tries, and the data reflects that.
What Testing Happens After a Failed Transfer?
If you're asking what happens if an embryo transfer fails medically, your Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) will review the cycle. Often, REs delay extra testing until after two failures.
That said, you can always ask for specific tests to do after a failed embryo transfer sooner if it helps you feel more confident about the next round.
Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA)
One common tool is the endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA). This test checks your surrogate’s "implantation window" by taking a small sample of the uterine lining.
It helps doctors see if they need to shift the transfer timing or adjust progesterone levels to better match her body’s cycle.
EMMA and ALICE Testing
Your doctor might also recommend EMMA and ALICE testing to check the environment of the uterus:
Checks for the healthy uterine microbiome needed for an embryo to implant. Looks for specific bacteria that cause chronic inflammation, which can get in the way of a successful transfer.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy after failed FET is another way to get answers by allowing for direct uterine visualization.
A doctor uses a tiny camera to look inside the uterus for polyps, scar tissue, or other small issues that don't always show up on an ultrasound.
If they find anything, they can often fix it right then to improve the chances for the next transfer.
How Soon After a Failed Embryo Transfer Can You Try Again?
Most clinics ask you to wait one or two menstrual cycles.
This gives your surrogate time to reset from the medications and gives the medical team a chance to tweak the next plan.
What Does This Mean for Our Surrogacy Timeline?
A failed transfer adds time to your journey, but it doesn't stop it. If you stay with the same surrogate, you're looking at a 1–2 month wait for medical clearance.
If you decide to find a new surrogate, the delay is typically two to six months.
When Should We Consider a New Surrogate?
One failed transfer does not mean you need a new surrogate. Usually, the issue is related to the embryo or the timing, not the carrier.
Your contract will usually state how many tries you'll make with one surrogate.
If you and your doctor eventually decide it’s time for a change, we can help you match with someone new, usually within 1 - 6 months.
Our Limited Risk Program provides an extra layer of security in the event a new surrogate is medically recommended, protecting you financially by giving you unlimited match attempts with no additional cost.
Built to Reduce Setbacks — Here to Support You If They Happen
At American Surrogacy, our screening requirements are intentionally designed to help reduce the likelihood of repeated failed transfers. By partnering only with surrogates who meet strict medical and pregnancy history criteria, we aim to minimize avoidable setbacks.
However, if a transfer does not result in pregnancy, you will not have to navigate the next steps alone.
After a failed transfer, our team will coordinate medical communication, review next steps with you and your clinic, and help you find a new match quickly if that’s the path you choose.
If you’re currently considering a rematch after failed embryo transfers, speak with a specialist who can quickly match you with one of our thoroughly pre-screened surrogates and help you move forward with confidence.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or procedure.