In-vitro fertilization (IVF) can be life-changing, but also emotionally and financially draining when it doesn’t work right away.

Emerging therapies like red light therapy during IVF offer new hope, but what happens if they don’t lead to the success you’ve been longing for?

If IVF and red light therapy isn’t working, you deserve to understand your next options, like surrogacy. Contact us today to learn more about how surrogacy can be your quickest path to parenthood.

In this guide, we’ll explore the research, mechanisms, and next steps—up to and including whether surrogacy might be the best path forward for your family-building journey.

Is There Evidence That Red Light Therapy  During IVF Increases Success?

Recent clinical exploration of red light therapy (RLT) during IVF shows promising results. A November 2024 study published by the National Library of Medicine examined three women with unexplained, age-related infertility.

Each had a history of failed IVF cycles, miscarriages or poor embryo viability. After undergoing routine PBM treatments in the weeks leading up to ovulation and embryo transfer, each woman successfully conceived and gave birth to a healthy baby.

Here’s how the study was conducted:

1. Case series of three female subjects with unexplained age-related infertility issues (i.e. failure to conceive naturally beyond two years, multiple miscarriages, molar pregnancy, non-viable embryos from IVF cycles, failure to complete successful implantation of viable pre-implantation genetic tested (PGT-A) embryos)
2. Previous conditions were recorded and then compared with outcomes after the patient received a course of PBM treatments
3. PBM treatments were given at weekly and/or at two-week intervals using IR and NIR wavelengths between 600 nm and 1000 nm in the lead up to natural conception, IVF oocyte retrieval, blastocyst/embryo implantation, and/or the production of viable embryos.

However, researchers emphasize that while these case studies are hopeful, large-scale randomized trials are still needed to fully confirm the therapy’s effectiveness across broader populations.

Can Red Light Therapy During IVF Stims Improve Egg Quality or Ovarian Response?

When applied strategically during the stimulation phase of IVF, red light therapy during IVF stims may improve egg quality through several mechanisms:

• Enhanced mitochondrial function: Supporting cellular energy (ATP) production, vital for egg maturation
• Increased blood circulation: Improving nutrient and oxygen delivery to the ovaries
• Hormonal balance: Assisting in regulating reproductive hormone levels
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Reducing stress on the ovaries during follicle development

Some fertility clinics globally have incorporated red light therapy into their IVF protocols. Treatments typically use wavelengths between 600–1000 nm, applied weekly or biweekly leading up to oocyte retrieval or embryo implantation.

While red light therapy and IVF integration is still relatively new, growing anecdotal and clinical interest suggests that this non-invasive therapy may offer meaningful support for women seeking to optimize each IVF cycle.

If you’re struggling with egg quality or ovarian reserve, learn more about how to choose donor eggs.

Why IVF May Fail—Even with Promising Add-Ons

IVF is one of the most advanced fertility treatments available, but it still comes with no guarantees. Success depends on a complex set of biological, medical and even environmental factors.

Understanding these can help intended parents make informed decisions, especially if they’re considering treatments like red light therapy during IVF stims as part of their journey.

Here are some of the most common reasons IVF may not result in a pregnancy:

• Embryo quality: Even when fertilization occurs, not all embryos develop properly. Genetic abnormalities are a major cause of failed implantation or early miscarriage, especially in women over 35.
• Egg quality: Eggs with poor mitochondrial function or chromosomal instability may not respond well to stimulation. While therapies like red light therapy during IVF stimulation aim to enhance egg quality, outcomes still vary by individual.
• Uterine or endometrial issues: An embryo needs a receptive environment to implant. Fibroids, thin uterine lining, or scarring (Asherman’s syndrome) can prevent successful implantation even if the embryo is viable.
• Hormonal imbalance: Precise hormonal timing is essential for ovulation, egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Disruptions, whether from stress, medical conditions or poor ovarian response, can undermine the cycle.
• Unexplained infertility: For some couples, all standard tests return normal but IVF still fails. This can be the most emotionally challenging scenario, as there’s no clear answer to “why.”

Even with support therapies like red light therapy and IVF, it’s important to know that no treatment can overcome every barrier.

What to Do When Red Light Therapy During IVF Doesn’t Work: Next Steps

If you’ve tried multiple IVF cycles, perhaps with supplements like red light therapy during IVF, and you’re still not pregnant, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

Grief, frustration and even a sense of failure can cloud the next steps. But these feelings don’t mean the journey is over. They mean it’s time to reassess.

Here are signs it might be time to consider other paths to parenthood:

• Repeated IVF failures with or without add-ons like red light therapy
• Medical advice indicating further attempts may be unlikely to succeed
• Emotional burnout, where the process is taking a toll on your mental health
• Financial strain from paying for multiple cycles without results
• A desire to move forward with more predictable outcomes

Whether you’re facing uterine complications, recurrent miscarriages or simply ready for a change in direction, surrogacy may offer the clarity and renewed momentum you need.

Turning the Page: Could Surrogacy Be Your Next Step Toward Parenthood?

If red light therapy during IVF and other fertility interventions haven’t worked, and you’re not ready to continue IVF, surrogacy may offer a new path forward.

With surrogacy, your embryo, created using your sperm and/or eggs or with donor assistance is transferred into a surrogate’s uterus. This allows you to maintain a genetic connection while avoiding the medical complications that may make carrying a pregnancy impossible for you.

You might consider surrogacy if:

• You’ve had multiple failed IVF cycles
• You’ve experienced recurrent pregnancy loss
• You have a medical condition that makes pregnancy unsafe
• You’ve had a hysterectomy
• You’re a same-sex male couple or single intended father

Choosing surrogacy doesn’t mean giving up, it means choosing a new, empowered way forward in your parenthood journey.

Learn more about surrogacy after failed IVF.

Why More Families Are Choosing Surrogacy—and Trusting Us to Help

If you’re exploring surrogacy after unsuccessful IVF or red light therapy during IVF, American Surrogacy offers the trusted guidance and care you deserve.

We are:

• Family-focused: Founded by people who’ve lived this journey firsthand
• Efficient: Short wait times and expert-matched surrogates
• Secure: Prescreened surrogates and a risk protection program
• Compassionate: Real support from real people who care deeply

With decades of experience and thousands of families created, we’re here to help you navigate this next step with confidence.

Your Journey Isn’t Over: Explore What Comes Next With Confidence

Exploring red light therapy and IVF may offer hope, but if the road doesn’t lead where you’d hoped, there is still a path forward. Surrogacy isn’t a fallback, it’s a forward motion toward the family you’ve always dreamed of.

Let American Surrogacy be your next step in making that dream a reality.

Ready to talk? Contact us today to explore how surrogacy can help you grow your family.

A mosaic Turner syndrome diagnosis can raise more questions than answers, especially when your dream is to become a parent.

The truth is, getting pregnant with mosaic Turner syndrome is sometimes possible, but it’s not always straightforward. Fortunately, you’re not alone and you do have options.

In this guide, we’ll break down what to know about mosaic syndrome and pregnancy, explore your fertility options and share how surrogacy can support your journey toward parenthood.

Not sure where to start? Our surrogacy specialists can walk you through your options if getting pregnant with Turner Mosaic Syndrome has been unsuccessful. Talk to us today.  

Is Getting Pregnant With Mosaic Turner Syndrome Possible?

The short answer is: it’s possible, but rare.

Women with mosaic Turner syndrome have a mix of normal (46,XX) and altered (45,X) chromosomes. This mosaicism can result in partially preserved ovarian function, which is essential for natural conception.

While most women with Turner syndrome experience premature ovarian failure, those with mosaicism may retain some viable eggs, particularly during adolescence or early adulthood.

That said, getting pregnant with mosaic Turner syndrome remains uncommon without medical intervention.

Early fertility evaluation is essential if you’re considering this route. If you have menstrual cycles and signs of ovarian function, your reproductive endocrinologist may explore natural or minimally assisted conception.

The Link Between Mosaic Turner Syndrome and Miscarriages

One of the most emotionally difficult aspects of mosaic syndrome and pregnancy is the increased risk of miscarriage. In one study of 130 women with the diagnosis, only 1 in 7 were able to get pregnant naturally and approximately 30% of those pregnancies ended in miscarriage.

Another study documented a woman with nine spontaneous pregnancies. Six of those ended in first-trimester miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.

Women with Turner mosaicism who conceive, either naturally or through IVF, face a significantly higher chance of:

• First-trimester miscarriage
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Stillbirth due to fetal chromosomal abnormalities

This is largely due to the compromised egg quality and chromosomal irregularities that mosaicism can introduce.

Can You Do IVF With Mosaic Turner Syndrome?

Yes. IVF is possible, but success rates are low. In one study on mosaic Turner syndrome and IVF, 35 IVF cycles among 22 patients resulted in:

• Implantation rate: 3.7%
• Clinical pregnancy rate: 8.6%
• Live birth (take-home baby) rate: 5.7%

Many intended mothers exploring mosaic syndrome and pregnancy consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) to achieve parenthood. The viability of IVF depends on:

• Ovarian reserve: Is there still enough follicular activity?
• Egg quality: Are the eggs chromosomally normal?
• Medical readiness: Can your body sustain pregnancy?

Some women with mosaic Turner syndrome can use their own eggs for IVF. Others may need an egg donor to achieve higher chances of success.

You may consider preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) to reduce your chances of transferring embryos that share any chromosomal abnormalities.

How Does Turner Syndrome Affect Egg Quality and Ovarian Function?

One of the biggest factors in mosaic syndrome and pregnancy outcomes is egg health. Turner syndrome, particularly in its mosaic form, can cause early ovarian depletion, affecting both the number and quality of eggs available.

• Low AMH levels may indicate diminished ovarian reserve.
• Chromosomal abnormalities in eggs may result in failed fertilization or miscarriage.
• Hormone therapy may not always be enough to stimulate viable egg production.

If you’re considering fertility treatment, ask your doctor about ovarian reserve testing and whether IVF with your own eggs is realistic. If not, egg donation and surrogacy remain powerful options.

Learn more about how to find an egg donor.

Is It Safe to Get Pregnant if I Have Mosaic Turner Syndrome?

Even when conception is possible, pregnancy with mosaic Turner syndrome may carry serious health risks. Common complications include:

• Cardiovascular strain (e.g., aortic dissection, hypertension)
• Preeclampsia
• Increased miscarriage risk
• Stillbirth or preterm birth

Because of these risks, reproductive endocrinologists and high-risk obstetricians often recommend a full cardiovascular workup before attempting pregnancy.

If you have congenital heart or kidney conditions, pregnancy may not be medically safe and surrogacy may be the safest alternative.

What to Expect Emotionally When Navigating Fertility with Turner Syndrome

Facing infertility or repeated pregnancy loss can be emotionally exhausting. Feelings of grief, frustration and isolation are common for those managing mosaic Turner syndrome.

Coping resources that may help include:

• Support groups: The Turner Syndrome Foundation offers online support and education.
• Online communities: Communities such as r/TurnerSyndrome and What to Expect Health provide peer connection and shared experiences.
• Professional counseling: Fertility counselors can offer tools to help manage the emotional impact of infertility and clarify next steps.

When Should Someone With Mosaic Turner Syndrome Consider Surrogacy?

If you’re struggling with getting pregnant with mosaic Turner syndrome, know that you’re not alone and you’re not out of options.

You may want to consider surrogacy when:

• You’ve been advised not to carry a pregnancy for medical reasons
• IVF has failed or egg quality is too low
• You’ve experienced multiple miscarriages
• You want to avoid the medical risks of a high-risk pregnancy

With surrogacy, you can still have a biological child (with your own or a donor’s eggs), while ensuring the safest path for both baby and mother.

If you’re struggling with IVF as a result of Mosaic Turner Syndrome, learn more about what you can expect when transitioning to surrogacy after failed IVF.

How Surrogacy Circumvents the Challenges of Mosaic Turner Syndrome

For many intended mothers with mosaic Turner syndrome, the dream of having a biological child remains deeply personal even when pregnancy poses serious medical risks.

Surrogacy offers a way forward: a path to parenthood that protects your health, preserves your hope and supports your journey on your terms.

Here’s how surrogacy helps navigate the unique challenges of mosaic Turner syndrome:

• Bypasses Medical Risk: With a surrogate carrying the pregnancy, you avoid the cardiovascular, renal and miscarriage complications that often make pregnancy unsafe with Turner syndrome.
• Works With or Without Viable Eggs: Whether you’re using your own embryos or considering an egg donor, surrogacy makes biological parenthood possible even when ovarian function is limited or absent.
• Streamline by Pre-Screening: If you already have embryos from IVF, a qualified surrogate can often be matched quickly, helping you move from waiting to growing your family faster and with greater confidence.

Surrogacy doesn’t just remove the risks it opens the door to a safer, more supported version of the future you imagined.

When you’re ready to explore that path, American Surrogacy is here with expert guidance, thoroughly screened surrogates and the support you need to take the next step on your timeline.

Learn more about how our surrogates are screened to bring your dreams of parenthood within reach.

Mosaic Syndrome and Pregnancy Is Complex—But You Have Options

So, can you get pregnant with mosaic Turner syndrome? Sometimes. But even if natural conception or carrying a pregnancy isn’t possible or safe, your dream of parenthood is still within reach.

Through IVF, egg donation or surrogacy, many individuals with mosaic Turner syndrome go on to build the families they’ve always wanted.

With expert medical advice and a trusted agency like American Surrogacy by your side, you can write your own story on your own terms. Connect with us today to fast track your path to parenthood.

Many intended parents are surprised by how few embryos remain after starting with what seemed like a strong egg retrieval.

Whether you’re still early in your fertility journey or considering next steps like surrogacy, knowing how embryo development works can bring clarity—and hope.

This article is here to help you understand what’s typical, why numbers drop at each stage, and what your options are if you have fewer embryos than expected.

Left with few or no embryos? Read more about how embryos develop by day.

How Many Embryos Are Normal for IVF?

The average number of embryos from IVF can vary significantly depending on the age of the person producing the eggs, the clinic’s protocols, and the underlying fertility diagnosis.

Generally, a woman under 35 might produce 10–15 eggs from a single retrieval cycle, but only a portion of those will fertilize and develop into viable embryos.

Typically, this results in 3–5 good-quality embryos per cycle. It’s important to note that what’s considered “normal” is a range—not a fixed number—and quantity doesn’t always equate to quality.

Intended parents often feel blindsided by the drop-off.

“I wasn’t prepared for the attrition,” says one IVF patient in a popular Reddit thread. “Each update call felt like another letdown.”

What feels “normal” for one patient might feel heartbreaking for another. The key is to understand that variation is expected, and early embryo loss is a normal part of the process.

Why Did I Get So Few Embryos from IVF? Understanding IVF Attrition

It’s one of the hardest questions to ask and even harder to answer when you’re holding test results and feeling heartbroken: Why did I get so few embryos from IVF?

But having fewer embryos than expected doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Many factors influence embryo yield, including:

• Egg quality
• Sperm health
• Age of the egg provider
• How your body responded to ovarian stimulation
• Lab conditions and culture protocols
• Genetic abnormalities in the embryos

Speak with your fertility specialist about whether adjustments can be made in future cycles or if options like donor gametes or surrogacy might be part of your path forward.

How Many Embryos Make It to Day 5?

It’s common to see only 30–50% of fertilized eggs make it to day 5. That means if 10 eggs are retrieved and 8 are fertilized, you might end up with just 2–4 day-5 blastocysts.

But this part of the process, as painful as it can be, is nature making difficult choices—selecting only the embryos most likely to thrive.

While that may offer some context, it doesn’t make the emotional toll any less real. Your grief is valid, and so is your strength in facing it.

Coping With Early Embryo Loss: When the Hope You Held Feels Out of Reach

Even before an embryo transfer occurs, intended parents can experience profound grief and loss.

Losing embryos early in the IVF process, whether they fail to fertilize, arrest before day 5 or are deemed non-viable after genetic testing can be deeply emotional.

These losses may feel invisible to others, but they are very real for intended parents. It’s okay to grieve the loss of possibility, even if you hadn’t yet reached transfer.

Here are some strategies to help cope with early embryo loss:

• Acknowledge your grief. Give yourself permission to feel the loss.
• Seek support. Talk to a therapist who specializes in fertility or join a support group.
• Stay informed. Understanding why embryos are lost can help reduce feelings of helplessness.
• Focus on next steps. Whether it’s another IVF cycle or exploring surrogacy, planning can be empowering.
• Connect with others: You can talk with other hopeful parents who have experienced difficulties with IVF on forums or subreddits.

Remember: you are not alone. Early embryo loss is common, but with the right support and guidance, your path forward is still full of possibility.

Online Communities You Can Connect With

Infertility is a personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be an isolating one. There are many online communities who have experienced hardship similar to yours. Here are some subreddits you can consider:

• r/IVF
• r/InfertilitySucks
• r/infertility
• r/stilltrying
• r/DOR:

Only One Embryo Survived, What Can We Do?

If you’re left with only one embryo after IVF, it’s natural to feel anxious. That one embryo may feel like your only chance.

But one embryo can be enough—especially if you give it the best possible conditions for implantation and growth.

That’s why many intended parents with one embryo turn to surrogacy. With the help of a healthy, fully screened gestational carrier, your embryo may have a significantly higher chance of success than if you carried yourself—particularly if you’ve had failed cycles or uterine health concerns.

At American Surrogacy, we are one of the only agencies that proudly work with intended parents with just one embryo. We understand the emotional weight of that final embryo, and we know how to give it the best chance for success.

Learn more about our programs for families with one embryo left.

Planning Ahead: What to Do If IVF Fails

If your cycle didn’t result in a pregnancy or you’re preparing for that outcome, planning ahead can help you feel more in control.

Talk with your fertility team about:

• Whether another cycle is advisable
• Using donor eggs or sperm
• The quality and viability of any remaining embryos
• Surrogacy or adoption as your next step

You may have more options than you think, even if the path looks different than expected.

How Surrogacy Can Support IVF Success

Surrogacy isn’t a backup plan; it can be a breakthrough for families with limited embryos.

Working with a gestational carrier can:

• Improve implantation odds when uterine conditions are a concern
• Offer peace of mind by providing a medically cleared environment
• Reduce emotional strain after multiple failed cycles

At American Surrogacy, we are one of the only agencies that proudly support intended parents with just one embryo remaining.

We understand what’s at stake—and we have built a streamlined program to meet you where you are.

If you’ve tried IVF multiple times without success, or if your clinic has expressed concern about your ability to carry, surrogacy could be the safest and most hopeful next chapter.

Your Options with American Surrogacy

At American Surrogacy, we understand that every embryo carries enormous emotional weight—especially when it may be your last.

That’s why we’ve designed our program to support intended parents navigating IVF attrition:

• We welcome clients with a single embryo
• Our surrogates are fully screened and medically ready
• We move quickly to match and support you at every step

We’ll walk beside you with empathy, experience, and clarity—so your last embryo feels like a new beginning, not the end.

Contact American Surrogacy today to explore how surrogacy can give your embryo its best possible chance at becoming the child you’ve been hoping for.

What if a simple test could change your entire fertility journey, saving you years of false hope and disappointment?

That’s why getting a saline sonogram before IVF is so highly recommended. This diagnostic tool could save you time, money, and emotional strain by revealing uterine abnormalities that might prevent successful implantation.

If you’ve been struggling with failed cycles, a saline sonogram could finally provide the answers you’ve been looking for.

And if those answers reveal that carrying a pregnancy may not be possible, you still have options. Fill out our form to learn how surrogacy can succeed where IVF may fail.

Do I Need a Saline Sonogram Before IVF?

A saline sonogram before IVF, also known as a saline infusion sonogram (SIS) or sonohysterography, is a specialized ultrasound that gives your doctor a clearer view of the uterus.

It’s often recommended before beginning IVF to check for hidden abnormalities that could interfere with embryo implantation.

Here’s how it works: a small amount of sterile saline (saltwater) is introduced into the uterus through a thin catheter. This saline expands the uterus slightly, giving the ultrasound waves a clearer field to reveal potential fertility obstacles.

This test can detect critical issues like:

• Uterine fibroids
• Polyps
• Scar tissue
• Abnormal shapes or cavities

Addressing these problems before IVF can dramatically improve your chances of success.

Getting a Saline Sonogram After Failed IVF: What It Can Reveal and What Comes Next

If IVF hasn’t worked for you, a saline sonogram after failed IVF can offer much-needed clarity. It’s often recommended to uncover uterine issues that may not show up on standard imaging but can prevent successful implantation.

If your saline sonogram reveals that carrying a pregnancy isn’t possible or safe, it can feel like a devastating setback but it doesn’t have to be the end of your journey.

If your uterus can’t support a pregnancy, a gestational surrogate can. You’ll be able to use your own embryo, created through IVF, which means your child will be biologically yours.

If your saline sonogram after failed IVF reveals challenges you didn’t expect, know that there is still a path forward. You still have options. Learn more about surrogacy after failed IVF.

What Does a Saline Sonogram Detect That Regular Ultrasounds Don’t?

Ordinary ultrasounds look at the uterus in its “collapsed” state, which is how it typically exists when not pregnant. But this makes it harder to spot internal abnormalities.

In contrast, a saline sonogram before IVF gently expands the uterus with sterile saline, offering a clearer, more detailed view of the uterine lining and structure.

This enhanced visibility makes it easier to detect potential barriers to implantation that standard ultrasounds often miss. .

How to Prepare for a Saline Sonogram

No major preparation is required for a saline sonogram before IVF, but it’s typically scheduled between days 5 and 9 of your menstrual cycle for the clearest view.

Some women experience light cramping or spotting after the test, so wearing a pad on the day of your appointment is a good idea. Your doctor may also recommend taking ibuprofen beforehand to reduce discomfort.

What to Expect During Your Saline Sonogram

The saline sonogram is a quick outpatient procedure that usually takes under 30 minutes. Many patients describe the experience as similar to a Pap smear, with some added cramping when the saline is introduced.

While the procedure is generally painless, it can be emotionally taxing. If you’ve been on a long fertility journey, discovering a uterine abnormality may feel like a setback. Conversely, finding nothing wrong can also be frustrating if you’re still searching for answers.

Remember: a SIS for IVF is a diagnostic tool, not a judgment. Whatever it reveals, you still have options.

Does a Saline Sonogram Hurt?

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Some report mild discomfort or cramping, particularly when the uterus is expanded.

Many compare it to a longer-than-usual Pap smear. Taking a mild pain reliever before the test can help minimize any discomfort.

Common Saline Sonogram Side Effects

There are a few mild side effects from SIS, including:

Mild, short-term side effects are common and typically resolve within a few days. These may include:

• Watery discharge (from the saline)
• Light spotting
• Mild cramping

In rare cases, more serious symptoms, like fever, severe pain or unusual discharge can indicate infection. Contact your doctor if these occur.

What If My Saline Sonogram Reveals a Uterine Abnormality?

After your SIS for IVF, your results will be reviewed by your fertility doctor. You may not receive them the same day, but a follow-up consultation will be scheduled to discuss the next steps.

Outcomes can vary:

If no abnormalities are found, your IVF plan can proceed—or pivot to hormonal treatments if necessary.

• If fibroids or polyps are detected, a minor surgery may be scheduled to remove them before beginning IVF.
• If significant scar tissue or structural issues are found, your doctor may recommend exploring alternatives like gestational surrogacy.
• If signs of cancer are discovered, treatment becomes the priority, which may postpone or permanently alter your IVF plans.

No matter the result, the saline sonogram before IVF empowers you with the clarity to make informed decisions.

When IVF Isn’t an Option: How Surrogacy Can Help

Sometimes the results of a saline sonogram before IVF indicate that carrying a pregnancy may not be possible. That’s when surrogacy becomes a powerful option.

In gestational surrogacy, your embryo (created through IVF) is carried by another woman, a pre-screened surrogate who’s already proven she can have healthy pregnancies. Your baby is still biologically yours; the surrogate has no genetic link.

Many intended parents begin their surrogacy journey already having embryos ready. If your IVF journey has reached a crossroads, you may be closer to surrogacy than you think.

You can read some of their stories on our Instagram.

Transitioning from IVF to surrogacy can be an emotional experience. We recognize that, and we’re here for you. Surrogacy works on your own timeline; you’re in control.

How American Surrogacy Can Help

Just like IVF, surrogacy is an emotional and financial investment, but you’re not alone.

American Surrogacy maintains relationships with a network of emotionally and physically screened surrogates, many of whom are ready to match today.

If your saline sonogram before IVF revealed complications, we can help you take the next step toward building your family with speed, compassion and clarity.

You deserve answers. You deserve options. And above all, you deserve a family. Contact us today to learn more about what surrogacy could look like in your situation.

You’ve survived flare-ups, surgeries and setbacks—now, you’re trying to build a family but IVF keeps failing.

Chronic illness can complicate fertility treatments in ways that are physically and emotionally exhausting. But there’s hope.

Surrogacy offers a medically supported alternative for those who cannot carry a pregnancy but still dream of having a biological child.

If you’ve already created embryos through IVF, these can be used on your surrogacy journey. If you’re struggling with Crohn’s and IVF failure, contact us today to get a better view of your new path to parenthood.

Is There a Link Between Crohn’s Disease and IVF Failure?

Studies indicate that people with Crohn’s disease who are in remission or under consistent medical management tend to have IVF pregnancy rates comparable to those without the condition.

That said, certain factors can still interfere with IVF success:

• Chronic inflammation, especially during disease flare-ups, may impair implantation or disrupt hormone balance.
• Some Crohn’s medications may affect egg quality or interact with fertility drugs.
• Scarring from intestinal surgeries or pelvic inflammation could alter reproductive anatomy.

So while Crohn’s disease and IVF may not be inherently incompatible, the underlying autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms of Crohn’s can complicate the picture, particularly in cases where IVF has already failed.

Understanding both the research and your personal health history can help you and your care team make more informed decisions about fertility planning and whether alternatives like surrogacy should be explored.

Learn more about potential causes of IVF failure and what to do next.

Can Crohn’s Cause Infertility?

Crohn’s disease doesn’t directly cause infertility in most cases, but it can create conditions that make conception difficult. Chronic inflammation may impair ovarian function or disrupt hormone balance.

Individuals with Crohn’s who’ve had pelvic or abdominal surgeries may develop scar tissue that impacts the fallopian tubes or other reproductive structures.

And while Crohn’s may not drastically reduce IVF success rates, it can still complicate pregnancy itself.

Understanding the Risks of Getting Pregnant With Crohn’s

Pregnancy can be complicated with Crohn’s disease, particularly during periods of active inflammation. Risks include premature birth, low birth weight and increased complications during delivery.

Certain medications used to control Crohn’s may be contraindicated during pregnancy, while others may need careful monitoring.

If Crohn’s is not well-managed or if previous IVF attempts have failed, continuing to pursue pregnancy may carry significant health risks.

Evaluating the relationship between Crohn’s and IVF success rates can help you and your care team determine whether gestational surrogacy is a safer, more viable option.

Is Surrogacy a Good Option If You Have Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s may not drastically reduce IVF success rates, but if IVF continues to fail, it may indicate that other factors are preventing pregnancy from being achieved or sustained, such as uterine conditions, undiagnosed autoimmune activity or unexplained infertility.

In these cases, surrogacy can become not just an option—but the best path forward.

Surrogacy can mean:

• Lower risk compared to carrying a pregnancy with Crohn’s
• Eliminating the risk of Crohn’s flares during pregnancy.
• Avoiding high-risk OB complications (e.g., malnutrition, infection, preterm labor).

Because surrogates undergo intensive physical and psychological screening, pregnancy safety is increased, and surrogates have had previous successful pregnancies, which can add reassurance when you’ve already had a long road.

With professional guidance and medical coordination, American Surrogacy helps intended parents move forward after IVF failures.

Choosing the Right Path After IVF Failure

Experiencing IVF failure is emotionally and physically taxing, especially when compounded by a diagnosis like Crohn’s disease. But failed IVF doesn’t mean the end of your journey to parenthood.

Understanding how Crohn’s and IVF intersect can help explain your experience and inform your next steps.

Whether you’re considering more fertility treatments, seeking a second opinion or exploring surrogacy, you deserve compassionate guidance.

American Surrogacy offers a hopeful and medically sound alternative that may align better with your body’s needs and your family-building dreams.

Why Intended Parents Trust American Surrogacy

American Surrogacy specializes in helping individuals with chronic health conditions like Crohn’s disease transition smoothly into surrogacy.

After IVF failure linked to Crohn’s and IVF complications, we guide you through every step from medical clearance to surrogate matching and legal agreements.

We offer personalized plans, access to experienced surrogates and collaboration with your healthcare providers.

Our team understands the physical and emotional layers that come with Crohn’s and IVF experiences, and we are committed to offering clear, caring support as you build your family in the way that’s safest for you.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If Crohn’s disease and IVF have made your family-building journey more difficult than expected, surrogacy could be the empowering solution you’ve been searching for.

With embryos already created, you may be able to begin the surrogacy process sooner than you think. Contact us today to explore how we can help you turn hope into a plan and your dream of parenthood into reality.

If you’re feeling lost after another failed round of IVF, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options.

MTHFR and IVF failure are often mentioned together in fertility forums, doctor’s offices, and online articles, but the science and the path forward can feel confusing and even contradictory.

If you’re struggling with IVF and suspect MTHFR may be part of the picture, we invite you to speak with a surrogacy specialist today. Get personalized answers and compassionate guidance. Contact us today.

In this article we will share research and discussions about MTHFR and IVF implantation failure and what you can do if you are struggling with infertility.

How Does the MTHFR Gene Mutation
Affect IVF?

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a gene that helps your body process folate, a key nutrient during pregnancy. The most commonly noted and studied gene variations are MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C.

Some small studies suggest that impaired methylation or elevated homocysteine may affect the uterine lining, placental development or embryo quality, leading to what is sometimes referred to as MTHFR implantation failure.

While not everyone with an MTHFR mutation experiences problems, the gene’s role in reproductive health has become a focus for patients facing MTHFR and IVF failure, prompting additional testing and personalized treatment plans.

A full evaluation is essential to understand if and how the gene is playing a role in failed embryo transfers.

Learn more about when it may be time to consider moving on from IVF—and how options like surrogacy can offer new hope for growing your family.

IVF Protocol Adjustments for MTHFR and Implantation Failure

When MTHFR is identified as a possible contributor to IVF failure, many fertility clinics adapt treatment strategies to minimize risk and improve outcomes.

Common adjustments include:

• Switching to methylated prenatal supplements like L-methylfolate, methylcobalamin (B12), and P-5-P (B6) to support methylation and lower homocysteine levels.
• Low-dose aspirin or low molecular weight heparin (Lovenox) should be prescribed to address potential clotting issues that may interfere with implantation or placental development.
• Incorporating immune-modulated IVF protocols, especially in patients with overlapping reproductive immunology concerns.

These modifications are often personalized based on genetic testing, hormone profiles and past response to IVF.

If protocol changes fail to overcome recurrent implantation challenges, or if your body struggles to maintain a pregnancy despite healthy embryos, it may be time to consider surrogacy.

Can You Get Pregnant with an MTHFR Mutation?

Yes, you can get pregnant with an MTHFR mutation. However, certain variants, particularly when combined with other risk factors, may increase the likelihood of MTHFR and IVF failure or recurrent pregnancy loss.

The key concern with MTHFR mutations is how they impact folate metabolism and potentially raise homocysteine levels, which in some cases may disrupt embryo implantation or early placental development.

That said, having a mutation does not automatically mean infertility but it does make preconception planning, targeted supplementation (like L-methylfolate) and close monitoring more important.

MTHFR and Folic Acid

One of the most common concerns is that gene variants might affect your body’s ability to process folic acid.

Folic acid is a necessary B vitamin that plays a crucial role in pregnancy, and it is commonly recommended that women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant supplement with folic acid as a part of their prenatal vitamins.

While this concern has drawn a lot of attention, preliminary research shows only small differences in folic acid levels among people with MTHFR gene variants.

Staying Pregnant with MTHFR: What to Know

Staying pregnant with MTHFR is absolutely possible but it may require extra attention to prenatal care, nutrition and circulatory health, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with a homozygous mutation or have elevated homocysteine levels.

The biggest concerns during pregnancy involve MTHFR-related clotting issues, which may increase the risk of placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or late miscarriage.

Your provider might recommend baby aspirin, Lovenox injections, and continued use of methylated folate to support healthy pregnancy progression.

How MTHFR Is Diagnosed During Fertility Testing

Testing for MTHFR mutations is often done via bloodwork or saliva-based genetic testing panels, sometimes alongside broader thrombophilia screenings that assess risk for blood clots.

Especially for patients experiencing MTHFR and IVF failure, these diagnostic tools help build a full picture of how genetic, immunologic, or clotting-related factors may be interfering with embryo implantation.

Some clinics also recommend PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) and reproductive immunology consults for more advanced cases.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Fertility with MTHFR

Your lifestyle choices can play a meaningful role in optimizing fertility outcomes with an MTHFR mutation, especially when preparing for IVF or recovering from failed cycles.

Supportive changes include:

• Folate-rich diet: Increase intake of leafy greens, lentils, beans, citrus fruits, and avocados—all natural sources of L-methylfolate.
• Avoid synthetic folic acid: Found in many processed foods and generic vitamins, synthetic folic acid may not be properly converted in those with MTHFR variants.
• Reduce toxin exposure: Limit alcohol, endocrine disruptors (like BPA and phthalates)and tobacco—all of which can stress detox pathways impacted by MTHFR mutations.
• Stress reduction and sleep hygiene: Chronic stress can suppress reproductive hormone function and worsen methylation imbalances.

Always be sure to talk to your doctor before making any dietary or medicinal changes during your IVF journey.

When to Consider Surrogacy After MTHFR-Related IVF Struggles

For many intended parents who have endured multiple failed IVF cycles, even after optimizing for MTHFR, the emotional and physical toll becomes overwhelming.

In cases where MTHFR implantation failure is suspected, especially when paired with other uterine or clotting factors, surrogacy may represent a medically sound and emotionally healing next step.

If you’ve experienced MTHFR and IVF failure despite supplement protocols and repeated transfers, working with a gestational carrier could offer new hope.

Surrogacy allows you to use your own embryos (if viable), while bypassing potential complications related to implantation and pregnancy.

Why a Pre-Screened Surrogate Makes All the Difference

For intended parents navigating the emotional toll of MTHFR and IVF failure, choosing surrogacy is a deeply personal and often last-resort decision.

With a qualified surrogate, you reduce the risk of sudden disruptions like disqualifications after matching that can derail the process. These disruptions don’t just cost money—they cost time and emotional energy.

At American Surrogacy, every potential surrogate undergoes a rigorous screening process before ever being matched with a family. This includes:

• Comprehensive medical evaluation
• Mental health screening and psychological clearance
• Background checks
• Prior pregnancy and delivery history review

By choosing an experienced agency with vetted surrogates, you protect yourself from unnecessary heartbreak and accelerate your path toward a successful outcome.

How American Surrogacy Supports Intended Parents with MTHFR

At American Surrogacy, we often work with intended parents who have experienced MTHFR and IVF failure—many of whom have endured years of testing, supplements and cycle after cycle of disappointment.

Whether your clinic suspects MTHFR implantation failure or you’re simply seeking more predictable outcomes, our agency can help.

We offer emotional and logistical support and match you with compassionate, prescreened surrogates who meet rigorous health standards. Your journey doesn’t have to end with failed IVF. We can help you begin a new chapter.

You’re Not Alone in This

Facing MTHFR and IVF failure can leave you feeling isolated, uncertain and emotionally worn down. But you are not alone and this diagnosis doesn’t have to define your fertility story.

Whether you’re still exploring treatment or ready to take the next step, our team is here to help you navigate every option with clarity, empathy, and expertise.

Ready to move forward? Let’s talk about how surrogacy could support your path to parenthood after MTHFR-related fertility challenges. Connect with a surrogacy specialist today.

IVF worked once before—but now, despite doing everything right, the embryo just won’t stick. If your previous pregnancy resulted in a cesarean delivery, research shows that scarring can cause implantation problems after a C-section.

The good news? Options like surrogacy can offer a clear, successful path to parenthood, allowing you to have a biological child without facing repeated implantation setbacks.

If you have embryos from IVF, you can be matched with a surrogate quickly. Contact us today to take your first steps toward parenthood.

In this article, we’ll break down how scarring from a C-section can interfere with conception and what you can do when IVF after C-section doesn’t work.

Does Uterine Scarring From a C-Section Affect Implantation?

Yes, uterine scarring from a C-section can disrupt the normal implantation process.

When the uterus heals after surgery, scar tissue that forms where the incision was made can result in difficulties with the transfer or implantation problems after a C-section. Here’s how:

• The shape of the uterus can change after a cesarean, especially if scar tissue forms at or near the cervix. This, also known as a retroflexed uterus can make it harder to place the embryo in the optimal location.
• Scar tissue can make it difficult for the embryo to implant in the uterine wall
• Difficulties with catheter placement due to resistance from scar tissue can complicate the transfer.
• Reduced blood flow in the scarred area may further lower the chances of implantation, even when everything else looks ideal.

These subtle barriers often go unnoticed until IVF has failed more than once. Even when implantation does occur, uterine scarring increases the risk of miscarriage or abnormal implantation.

How Doctors Diagnose Implantation Problems After a C-Section

If you’ve had a C-section and are struggling to conceive, your doctor may recommend diagnostic testing to better understand what’s going on inside your uterus.

One of the most common culprits of post-C-section infertility is a condition called an isthmocele—a pouch-like defect in the uterine wall where the cesarean incision didn’t fully heal.

To determine if a scar defect is present, your fertility specialist may suggest several imaging tools:

• Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS) for a clearer view of the uterine cavity
• Hysteroscopy to examine the uterine lining directly
• MRI to evaluate scar depth and uterine wall thickness

These tests can help determine if uterine scarring is impacting your ability to conceive—and inform your next steps.

What the Research Tells Us About Post-C-Section Fertility

You’re not alone if you feel like no one warned you that a C-section could affect your fertility down the line. But research is catching up—and the findings are important.

In a retrospective study of 310 women, the pregnancy rate for women with a cesarean-induced uterine niche (isthmocele) was significantly lower compared to women who had a previous vaginal delivery.

These defects can also cause abnormal bleeding, pain, or fluid buildup in the uterus—all factors that may reduce IVF success.

There’s also a rare but serious complication known as a scar ectopic pregnancy.

What happens if there is an ectopic pregnancy in a C-section scar?

A condition known as scar ectopic pregnancy can occur when a fertilized egg implants directly into the C-section scar.

This is one of the most dangerous forms of ectopic pregnancy. The embryo may begin to grow within the scar tissue, which can’t support a healthy pregnancy.

As a result, the pregnancy is nonviable and may lead to severe complications like uterine rupture or hemorrhaging.

While this occurs in less than 1% of ectopic cases, the risk is rising as more births are delivered via C-section.

IVF After a C-Section Isn’t Working: When Letting Go Leads to Moving Forward

When IVF doesn’t work after all the emotional, physical and financial investment, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy to remove the scar tissue.

While this can improve outcomes, it’s not always effective—and it may not fully restore the uterus’s ability to support a pregnancy. But there may still be a way forward.

Surrogacy is often the best path forward for those dealing with severe uterine damage or repeated IVF failure due to implantation problems after a C-section.

Learn more about when surrogacy may be recommended.

How Surrogacy Can Help After C-Section Complications

Letting go of the idea of carrying your baby can feel like a loss. It’s okay to grieve that. But it can also be the moment you reclaim your power.

Gestational surrogacy gives you the chance to have a child who is biologically yours even if you can’t carry the pregnancy yourself. With surrogacy, your embryo is transferred into a gestational carrier, who carries the baby to term.

Our team at American Surrogacy has helped many families navigate this process, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Here’s how:

• We carefully screen surrogates to reduce potential setbacks and increase the likelihood of a successful journey.
• We offer financial protection to safeguard your investment.
• We work closely with you to ensure your legal contract reflects your values and preferences.

Surrogacy allows you to continue your family-building journey with hope, clarity, and the support of a team that understands what you’ve been through.

Moving Forward: You’re Not Alone

If you’ve faced the heartbreak of infertility after a C-section, surrogacy offers a clearer path than the one you’re on.

Whether you’re just starting to ask questions or ready to take the next step, you deserve support and answers. We can help you explore your options and guide you toward the path that’s right for you.

Get in touch with a surrogacy specialist today to learn how we can help.