IVF is a major emotional and financial commitment. When it doesn’t work, you may feel like the future you imagined is slipping away.

You deserve clear, compassionate guidance about your options.

In this guide, you’ll learn whether you can get your money back for failed IVF, how fertility clinic refund programs work and why some families shift toward surrogacy.

When you’re ready, you can get free information and talk with a surrogacy specialist about what comes next.

Do You Get Your Money Back for Failed IVF?

You may be able to receive a partial refund. Some fertility clinics offer money-back guarantees through “shared risk” programs.

Generally, you’ll need to pay a higher upfront cost in exchange for financial protection if treatment does not result in a live birth.

For example, Shady Grove Fertility’s Shared Risk 100% Refund Program allows qualifying patients to pay one flat, refundable deposit that covers multiple IVF attempts.

You can try up to six IVF or donor-egg cycles, plus unlimited frozen embryo transfers. If you don’t take home a baby or choose to stop treatment, you get your full deposit back.

But there are important limitations:

• You must meet strict medical criteria, including age and ovarian reserve requirements.
• You’ll pay more upfront than traditional per‑cycle fees.
• You receive a refund only on the program deposit — not medications or diagnostic testing.

Programs like this can offer a clearer path forward, but they’re not available for everyone.

Are IVF Refund Programs Worth It?

If you qualify and want predictable costs, these programs can give you a sense of stability during an emotional process.

If you’re unlikely to qualify or prefer paying per cycle, they may not feel right for where you are. At the end of the day, this decision is about caring for your heart as much as your finances.

What Happens Financially If IVF Fails?

A failed cycle can be emotionally and financially devastating. You’ve poured your heart, time and resources into the process while holding onto the hope of growing your family.

When the pregnancy test comes back negative, you’re not just facing a medical outcome, you’re facing the weight of everything you invested.

You may be left carrying medical bills or debt from earlier rounds, which can make the next step feel even heavier. And you typically can’t get insurance to cover IVF failures; most insurance plans don’t cover IVF at all.

Depending on your state and employer, you may have partial coverage for diagnostics or medication, but coverage for full treatment is still limited.

This is often the moment when intended parents step back and re-evaluate whether more IVF cycles make sense.

Why Some Families Choose Surrogacy After Failed IVF

Medical Conditions That Prevent Safe Pregnancy

Some medical conditions, like severe uterine scarring, autoimmune issues or other health factors, make it very difficult to carry a pregnancy safely.

Surrogacy allows you to use your embryos while relying on a gestational surrogate who has been thoroughly screened and cleared to carry a healthy pregnancy.

Overcoming the Emotional Strain of Repeat IVF

After multiple IVF cycles, the emotional weight of hoping, waiting and grieving can become overwhelming. You may want a path with fewer unknowns, a clearer timeline and a higher chance of success.

Shifting to Surrogacy for Financial Predictability

Repeat IVF cycles can add up quickly. For some families, shifting to surrogacy feels like a more predictable and purposeful investment.

Many families go through many IVF cycles before trying something else. But choosing surrogacy isn’t “giving up.”

Rather, it’s an intentional step toward the option that gives you the best chance of becoming a parent.

Surrogacy Is More Expensive. So Why Do People Still Choose It?

Surrogacy is a significant financial investment, but some people consider surrogacy a better investment than repeated IVF.

Here are the benefits that often make surrogacy feel like the stronger path forward:

• Predictable Timeline: With American Surrogacy, many intended parents are matched in 1 - 4 months, helping you move forward faster.
• Higher Likelihood of Success: You work with a gestational surrogate who has been thoroughly screened and medically cleared.
• Structured Process: You experience fewer unexpected hurdles compared to repeated IVF cycles.
• Genetic Connection: You can use your own embryos to maintain a genetic link to your child.

For intended parents who have already been through so much, surrogacy often feels like a stable and structured step toward becoming a parent.

IVF vs. Surrogacy: Which Is More Cost-Effective in the Long Run?

IVF is unpredictable. One cycle might succeed, or you might need several, each costing thousands of dollars.

Surrogacy costs more upfront, but success rates are significantly higher due to medically screened surrogates.

Instead of wondering whether this next cycle will be different, you’re placing your embryo into the healthiest, most stable environment possible.

When you compare the total cost of repeat IVF cycles, the medications, the procedures, the time off work, the emotional toll, many families ultimately spend less through surrogacy than they would after several more IVF attempts.

If your journey ends without a baby and you have no embryos left, certain surrogacy programs (including some at American Surrogacy) also offer partial refunds depending on the package you choose. This adds another layer of financial protection and predictability.

IVF Is Already Part of the Surrogacy Process — Why Risk Paying More?

Even if you choose surrogacy, IVF is still required to create or use existing embryos. That means:

• You’re already investing in IVF.
• Surrogacy ensures your embryo is placed in the healthiest possible environment.
• You can use embryos created from previous IVF cycles.

Using Existing Embryos in Surrogacy: What Are Your Options?

One of the greatest fears intended parents face when transitioning from IVF is the thought of losing the embryos they worked so hard to create.

If you have frozen embryos from previous cycles, they can be used in your surrogacy journey.

The process of using your existing embryos for a gestational surrogacy journey is straightforward:

1. Coordinate Transfer: Our specialists work with your current fertility clinic (where the embryos are stored) to manage the transfer of the genetic material.
2. Medical Clearance: Once you are matched with a thoroughly screened surrogate, your embryos will be transferred into her uterus during an Embryo Transfer Procedure at a fertility clinic.
3. Maintain Connection: Using your existing embryos is how you maintain a genetic connection to your child while transferring the physical demands of pregnancy to your gestational surrogate.

This option protects your emotional and financial investment and allows you to give the embryos you already created the best chance at resulting in a pregnancy.

How Families Afford Surrogacy After IVF Loss

Many intended parents worry about affording surrogacy, especially after the cost of IVF. You have more options than you might think.

American Surrogacy partners with Sunfish, a leading fertility financing platform that offers flexible loans designed specifically for IVF and surrogacy. You can also manage costs through various other methods, including:

• Personal loans
• Fertility or surrogacy grants
• 401(k) withdrawals or loans
• HSA or FSA funds
• Employer benefits for family-building
• Home equity loans
• Crowdfunding

American Surrogacy’s Financial Protection and Refund Eligibility

You deserve a program built to protect your investment in your family-building journey. At American Surrogacy, we offer:

• Transparent Costs: We break down each fee clearly upfront so you can plan confidently without surprise expenses later.
• Unlimited Matching: Our Limited Risk Program offers unlimited rematch attempts at no extra cost
• Possible Refunds: You may be refunded some fees if your journey ends without embryos left to transfer.

Ready to Take the Next Step After IVF?

If you’ve experienced the emotional and financial toll of failed IVF, you deserve a program built to offer financial safeguards for your path to parenthood.

Learn more about our programs’ financial protection by filling out our online form.

Gestational surrogacy is one of the most effective paths to maximize the successful pregnancy chances of that single, precious embryo.

Working with the right agency is essential, as they provide the complex medical, legal, and logistical support needed to optimize the entire process.

This article will break down your options, how surrogacy maximizes your embryo’s potential, and the next steps to take on your journey.

Ready to maximize your chance of success? Contact a surrogacy specialist today to learn about our services.

Is Surrogacy an Option With Only One Euploid Embryo?

Yes, you can do surrogacy with one embryo at American Surrogacy. Having only one euploid embryo doesn’t disqualify you from working with a surrogate. Many intended parents choose surrogacy specifically because they want to give their embryo the healthiest environment possible.

As you move forward, you’ll work closely with your fertility clinic and surrogacy team to create a plan that gives this embryo the highest possible chance of success.

How Surrogacy Maximizes the Chances of Successful Embryo Implantation

Are you asking yourself, “Should I transfer my embryo or use a surrogate?”

It’s normal to consider every possible path. But with only one euploid embryo, you likely want to choose a family-building option that minimizes risk and gives your embryo the strongest chance to implant.

Gestational surrogates undergo extensive screening before they are approved, including medical examinations, psychological evaluations and lifestyle reviews.

These steps help ensure that surrogates are ready to carry a pregnancy and can provide a supportive uterine environment — an advantage that can be especially important if you only have one good embryo.

Here are the requirements women must meet to become a surrogate:

• Have a proven history of healthy pregnancies
• Be between the ages of 21 and 40, when reproductive health is generally at its peak.
• Meet strict medical criteria, including a full OB-GYN review and clearance from a reproductive endocrinologist
• Maintain healthy lifestyle, confirmed through a detailed review of habits, medical history and overall wellness

Understanding these requirements can help you feel safer using your last embryo in surrogacy.

Is It Worth Doing Surrogacy With One Embryo?

The answer to this question is personal. When you only have one euploid embryo, you may feel like you can’t afford to take risks.

Working with a gestational surrogate helps mitigate many of the biological factors you can’t control. While no option guarantees pregnancy, surrogacy can give your embryo the best chance at implantation.

Is It Harder to Find a Surrogate With Only One Good Embryo?

Sometimes. Some surrogates want to partner with intended parents who have multiple viable embryos in case the first transfer doesn’t work.

But you aren’t stuck if you only have one normal embryo after preimplantation genetic screenings (PGS).

American Surrogacy works with surrogates all across the country, including many who are open to “one-embryo families.”

 When you work with us, we present your profile to surrogates who already understand your situation and are comfortable with a single-embryo plan. You don’t have to search alone — we’ll help you find the right surrogate.

What Happens if the Last Embryo Doesn’t Work?

One euploid embryo can lead to pregnancy. Euploid embryos have strong potential, and many intended parents welcome their baby from a single embryo transfer.

Still, it’s important to acknowledge that a failed transfer is possible.

If the transfer doesn’t work, you won’t be left alone. You’ll have support throughout the entire process — from your clinic, your counselor and your team at American Surrogacy.

Together, you can talk through next steps and move forward with clarity.

Depending on your program, you may also be able to get a partial refund or credit if a transfer is unsuccessful. Your surrogacy specialist can explain what’s available and walk you through the exact details.

What Are Your Options if You Don’t Have Additional Embryos?

If your euploid embryo does not result in pregnancy, you still have several options. Many intended parents explore donor embryos or donor sperm/eggs to create new embryos for surrogacy.

Donor Embryos for Surrogacy

Donor embryos are fully formed embryos created by another individual or couple who chooses to donate them. This can be a meaningful option for:

• Couples or individuals who want to move forward quickly
• Intended parents who cannot or prefer not to undergo additional egg retrieval cycles

Embryo donation programs typically provide detailed medical and genetic histories of the donors, giving you helpful information as you decide.

Donor Eggs and/or Sperm

Your clinic can use your eggs or sperm (if viable) and donor gametes to create embryos for surrogacy. This allows you to maintain a genetic connection to your child.

Double Donor IVF

Double donor IVF uses both donor eggs and donor sperm to create new embryos. This path gives you the chance to select donors based on the characteristics that matter most to you.

This approach is often chosen by:

• Couples who cannot use their own genetic material
• LGBTQ+ couples building their family through surrogacy

Your fertility clinic will support you through choosing donors, creating embryos and preparing for transfer.

Only One Good Embryo?  Let’s Make It Count

Having only one euploid embryo doesn’t mean your journey is over. You still have a powerful chance. If you’re exploring surrogacy, you deserve clear answers and compassionate support.

Take the next step by filling out our form and connecting with a surrogacy specialist.

You’ve been trying, and each failed embryo transfer exacts a crushing emotional and financial toll.

The accumulated costs from procedures, medication, and lost time add up much faster than anyone anticipates.

Fill out our simple form now to learn more about the costs involved in surrogacy and how they contribute to helping you become parents faster.

If you’re asking if it’s time to stop pursuing IVF for a more predictable path, you’re asking the right question. Let’s weigh the costs of continued failure against the stability of surrogacy.

The Real Financial Implications of Multiple Embryo Transfer Failures in IVF

Many Intended Parents who have endured two to three full failed IVF cycles (including retrievals) and multiple frozen transfers realize they have already spent between $75,000 and $150,000.

That is often the lower range of a full surrogacy journey, yet they remain without a baby and without a guarantee of future success.

Know the Starting Investment: The average cost of one full IVF cycle (including egg retrieval, lab work, and necessary medications) typically runs between $15,000 and $30,000. That’s just the starting point.

The core problem is the speed at which costs stack up after that initial investment:

• Repeated transfer attempts: Each individual frozen embryo transfer (FET) runs $3,000 to $7,000, plus required medication protocols and monitoring appointments adding another $3,000 to $5,000 per cycle.
• Multiple egg retrievals: If you need further egg retrievals, add $12,000 to $15,000 for each one, pushing the total past $100,000 much faster than you ever thought possible.

The Financial Trap: Paying for Uncertainty

The most devastating financial implication is this: you are paying enormous sums for a process with decreasing odds of success, and without an ultimate guaranteed outcome.

At this crossroads, the unpredictable and potentially endless cost of continued IVF must be contrasted directly with the predictable, structured investment of surrogacy.

Why IVF May Not Be Working—Even If You Have Healthy Embryos

If your fertility specialist keeps telling you the embryos look perfect after yet another failed transfer, the sense of hopelessness is understandable.

The urge to scream, to understand why something that looks perfect on paper keeps failing—it’s overwhelming.

Embryo quality matters, but it’s not the whole story. Even genetically normal embryos with beautiful development patterns can fail to implant or result in early pregnancy loss for reasons that doctors still can’t always predict or fix.

Why Your Healthy Embryos Keep Failing

• Severe Uterine Issues: Uterine conditions like adenomyosis, advanced endometriosis, or significant fibroids can create an implantation environment where success is nearly impossible.
• Immune System Response: For some, the immune system treats the embryo like a foreign invader. While certain immune factors are treatable, many are not, regardless of aggressive protocols, supplements, or perfect adherence to instructions.
• Maternal Age and Cellular Quality: Maternal age impacts egg quality beyond genetics. Cellular function, metabolic capacity, and the embryo’s ability to develop post-transfer all decline in ways that testing cannot measure or fix.
• Subtle Underlying Conditions: Blood clotting disorders, chronic inflammation, and subtle hormonal imbalances can derail the transfer process. Although these issues are treatable, success is not guaranteed.

When There’s No Answer At All

Sometimes there isn’t a clear explanation for why this keeps happening to you. “Unexplained infertility” is the label doctors use when they can’t figure out why your transfers keep failing.

Without clear answers, you’re left weighing whether to keep trying the same approach or consider alternatives that work around these obstacles entirely.

Should We Try One More Cycle or Move to Surrogacy?

This is probably the hardest decision you’ll face after everything you’ve already been through.

I wish I could tell you there’s one right answer, but there isn’t. However, there are ways to think through your specific situation with clarity instead of just clinging to hope because you’re terrified of giving up.

What You’ve Already Invested

Sit down and add up what you’ve spent on IVF so far. Everything—medications, procedures, genetic testing, all those extra interventions your doctor suggested.

Now compare that to what a complete surrogacy journey costs. A lot of people are genuinely shocked when they realize they’re already halfway to surrogacy costs, but they’re not anywhere near the same chance of actually holding their baby.

Your Medical Reality Check

Has your doctor actually identified something specific and treatable that would improve your next cycle? Or are they suggesting “one more try” without a clear reason why this time would be different from the last three times?

That distinction matters so much more than doctors want to admit.

The Emotional Calculation

Failed transfers take a toll that your bank statements can’t capture. Your mental health is suffering.

Your relationships are strained. If thinking about another failed cycle makes you feel physically sick, that’s real information about where you are emotionally.

Your emotional reserves aren’t infinite, even though you’ve been acting like they are.

IVF vs. Surrogacy: A Cost Comparison After Multiple Failures

One full IVF cycle with egg retrieval: $12,000 to $30,000, depending on your clinic and where you live.

Three cycles—pretty common for people over 35—puts you at $45,000 to $105,000 in cumulative costs.

Failed frozen transfers add up at $3,000 to $7,000 per attempt, plus meds and monitoring. Three of those can hit $20,000 to $35,000 before you even realize it.

Most of us who’ve been through this end up spending $75,000 to $150,000 on IVF over several years without ever achieving a successful pregnancy.

Without ever getting to meet our baby.

What Surrogacy Actually Costs

A complete surrogacy journey through American Surrogacy runs $187,500 to $202,500 using our Limited Risk program.

That includes comprehensive support and a much higher chance of bringing home your baby because of how thoroughly we screen surrogates. Here’s where it gets interesting, though.

The Probability Factor Everyone Ignores

First-time embryo transfers with a carefully screened surrogate? 60-75% chance of working per transfer. Compare that to 20-40% for IVF, depending on your age and other factors.

So let’s say you have a 25% shot per IVF cycle and end up needing four cycles at $25,000 each. Spending $100,000 gets you a cumulative 68% chance of bringing home your baby.

With surrogacy at around $190,000, you’re getting a 70-75% chance per transfer, and many programs guarantee an outcome or refund your money.

Yes, you’re paying more upfront. But you’re buying predictability and odds that are higher than continuing IVF instead of just spending money on hope.

How Surrogacy Can Offer a Predictable Path Forward

After years of unpredictable IVF outcomes, certainty starts to matter as much as anything else.

Maybe even more. Surrogacy lets you use your existing genetically-tested embryos with someone who has proven fertility. That combination changes the probability equation entirely.

How Screening Changes Your Odds

We only work with surrogates who’ve already carried at least one healthy pregnancy to term.

They have proven fertility, excellent health, and have passed comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations. Less than 2% of potential surrogates pass our screening process.

That’s not us being picky for no reason. It translates directly to better outcomes for you.

Instead of hoping this cycle will somehow work despite the same underlying issues that caused all your previous failures, you work with someone whose body has already proven it can carry a pregnancy to term.

Learn more about why screening matters in your family building journey.

Knowing What You’re Paying For

With surrogacy, you know the total cost range upfront. Our Limited Risk program guarantees you’ll bring home a baby or receive a significant refund.

That removes the awful uncertainty of spending $150,000+ on IVF with no promise you’ll ever actually become parents. There’s no more gambling. Just investing in something with real guarantees.

What’s Included in the Cost of Surrogacy (and What’s Not)

When you’re making financial decisions this big, you deserve full transparency about where your money goes.

No surprises. No hidden fees showing up later. Our Limited Risk program runs $187,500 to $202,500. That’s comprehensive—here’s the breakdown of what’s included and what you’ll pay separately.

What the Program Fee Covers

• Finding and vetting your surrogate: Complete screening and qualification—medical, psychological, personal history, everything. We only match you with surrogates who meet strict standards. Plus all the marketing efforts to recruit high-quality candidates in the first place.
• Financial guarantees: Protection through our guaranteed outcome structure. Bringing home a baby or receiving a significant refund is guaranteed. Period.
• All surrogate-related costs: Her base compensation, monthly allowances, all pregnancy-related expenses. Medical coordination and insurance fees, including pregnancy insurance for your surrogate if she needs it.
• Legal protection: All legal fees for contract development and establishing your parentage. No surprise legal bills.
• Full support throughout: Agency support from matching through delivery, available 24/7 when you need us. Complete administrative services and accounting throughout your journey so you’re not managing spreadsheets while trying to become parents.

What You’ll Pay Separately

• Creating or transferring embryos: $3,000 to $7,000 if you’re using existing embryos, or $15,000 to $25,000 if you need to create new ones. Using donor eggs or sperm adds to this cost.
• After birth: The baby’s medical expenses aren’t included—that’s the newborn hospital care after delivery.
• Travel: Travel and lodging for key appointments and the birth itself will be your responsibility. Being there for these moments matters, and those costs are separate.

It’s a substantial investment, yes. But it’s one with a clear endpoint and success rates higher than continuing IVF after you’ve already failed multiple times.

Financing Options After IVF Failure: What You Need to Know

Affording surrogacy is more accessible than you might think right now, especially after you’ve already been pouring money into IVF.

Fertility-Specific Financing

We’ve partnered with Sunfish, a company that specializes in surrogacy loans.

They get the financial dynamics of family-building in a way regular banks don’t, and they offer flexible payment plans designed for people like you who’ve already invested heavily in IVF.

Traditional Financing Routes

Personal loans from banks or credit unions usually beat general consumer credit on interest rates.

Some people use 401(k) loans to borrow against their retirement savings without penalties. This requires serious thought about long-term impacts, obviously. But it’s an option that’s helped a lot of people.

Health Savings Account funds can sometimes cover surrogacy-related medical expenses—check yours to see what applies.

Grants and Alternative Funding

Organizations offer grants and scholarships for family-building, particularly for LGBTQ+ families, cancer survivors, and people with specific medical conditions. They’re competitive, but they exist and they’re worth applying for.

Redirecting Your IVF Budget

Here’s something that clicks for a lot of people: the money you would keep spending on more IVF cycles can be redirected toward surrogacy instead.

You’re essentially converting those ongoing monthly costs into a structured payment toward something with way better odds of actually working. You were going to spend the money anyway.

This way, you’re spending it on something that has a real chance of ending with you holding your baby.

Is Surrogacy the Next Step? Let’s Talk.

You’ve carried the financial implications of multiple embryo transfer failures and the emotional weight long enough.

If you are questioning whether to endure another unpredictable IVF cycle or choose a proven path, we are here to talk.

Reach out to a surrogacy specialist today to get more financial insight into your surrogacy journey.

The smartest choice, financially and emotionally, is the one that finally leads to your baby.

If you’ve found yourself at the point where yet another round of IVF seems financially impossible,  you’re not alone.

After years of appointments and treatments that have gone nowhere, it’s understandable to feel like you’ve hit a wall. Our role is to help you see your next steps clearly and find a direction that feels right.

Ready to explore what comes next? Learn how our surrogacy programs can help you bring home your baby. Take your time. Every decision starts with one simple conversation.

Can’t Afford Another Round of IVF? You’re Not Alone

By now, you’ve already done everything you could with IVF. That effort matters, and it’s okay to look for something that finally gives you results.

Surrogacy provides a path forward that doesn’t require starting from scratch—some families use embryos they already have, while others explore new options with guidance from professionals who understand where you’re coming from.

Enough waiting and wondering. Now it’s about taking the next step that brings you closer to the outcome you’ve been working toward.

Want to know if surrogacy is right for you? Talk with a surrogacy specialist—a short chat can show you what’s possible.

Why Repeated IVF Failure Can Become Financially Unsustainable

Let’s talk about the money piece first, because it’s probably on your mind.

IVF costs add up fast. A single cycle can cost $15,000–$25,000, not including medications or additional procedures.

Even if insurance helps, most families still cover a large portion themselves. After a few rounds, you’re looking at surrogacy-level costs anyway. But here’s the difference: Surrogacy usually offers a clearer path to success.

It’s not just about money, though. Each attempt takes time, emotion, and energy. Using that same energy on something more predictable can make all the difference. Instead of wondering if this next transfer will finally work, you can follow a defined plan—one that leads toward parenthood.

If your doctor has started suggesting more tests or experimental treatments, it might be time to pause. Take a breath. Reassess what’s truly worth your effort and what will move you closer to your dream.

Curious how the two compare? Learn more about IVF and surrogacy options—get the details you need to make a confident choice.

How Surrogacy Helps You Grow Your Family While Keeping a Genetic Connection

One of the most common questions about surrogacy comes down to genetics. In gestational surrogacy, your surrogate carries an embryo created from your own egg and sperm. That means your baby is biologically yours—the journey just takes a different route.

If you have embryos from earlier IVF cycles, this could be your next step. No need to go through another full round of treatment. Every surrogate is carefully screened for health and emotional readiness, and that attention to detail gives you peace of mind and a stronger sense of control.

Questions about the process? Connect with our team—we can explain what it looks like and help you decide if it’s right for you.

What If You’ve Run Out of Embryos?

Running out of embryos can feel discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road. There are still ways forward, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Using Donor Embryos in the Process

Some families move ahead using donor embryos that are already created, screened, and ready for transfer. It’s faster and can reduce overall costs—a quicker route to parenthood for those ready to focus on the next stage.

Others choose double donor IVF, using both donor eggs and sperm to create new embryos for surrogacy. It’s flexible and has strong success rates. For many, it’s a way to move beyond the frustration of failed cycles and toward something new.

Coordinators can walk you through both paths and connect you with clinics that fit your goals. You’ll know what to expect, and you’ll have the support to make it happen.

Need to understand your options better? Explore donor options—take it one step at a time and see what feels right for you.

Finding Hope After IVF: How Surrogacy Can Be a More Certain Path to Parenthood

So how is surrogacy different from what you’ve been through? Surrogacy can feel like a big step.

But for many, it brings more structure and reassurance than years of IVF uncertainty. Success rates for gestational surrogacy often reach 70–80%, and that predictability gives families something they haven’t had in a long time—hope that feels solid.

The process is organized, transparent, and supported by professionals who know how to keep it moving. Step by step, you’ll understand what’s next. Each milestone brings you closer to your goal.

Wondering about the numbers? Compare IVF and surrogacy outcomes—see how they align with your goals.

Financing Options That Make Surrogacy More Accessible

Now let’s talk about making this work financially.

The cost of surrogacy can seem intimidating at first glance, but it’s often more doable than people think. We work with trusted lenders and nonprofit organizations that offer flexible options for financing. Once you explore what’s out there, the path becomes easier to see. Here are some common ways families manage costs:

• Fertility loans through specialized lenders
• Surrogacy grants from nonprofit organizations
• 401(k) loans or early withdrawals
• Employer family-building benefits or stipends
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and tax write-offs for eligible expenses

You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. We can even help you create a plan that works for your family.

Finding Support and Taking the Next Step

After several IVF attempts, most people want something that feels calmer and more certain. Surrogacy gives you a structured way forward and a team that’s ready to guide you when you’re ready to begin.

Families often describe this point as a turning moment—the place where things finally start to make sense again. You’ll have time to think, ask, and plan. No pressure, no rush. Just guidance and steady progress.

When you’re ready, let’s talk about how to start your next chapter.

After multiple IVF cycles, you’ve heard all the hopeful phrases. “These embryos look promising.” “Your numbers are good this time.” “We’re optimistic about this transfer.”

You might be wondering: if the embryos are supposedly fine, why isn’t this working?

You’re not alone in asking this question. Even with high-quality embryos, IVF can fail for reasons that have nothing to do with the embryos themselves. Understanding why can help you make informed decisions about your next steps, including whether surrogacy might offer the path to parenthood you’ve been searching for.

We’re here to help you understand what might be happening and explore how surrogacy after failed IVF can offer renewed hope. Contact us today to speak with a specialist about your options.

Why Does IVF Fail Even With Good Embryos?

When fertility specialists talk about “good” embryos, they’re typically referring to embryos that look healthy under a microscope and may have passed genetic testing. But how an embryo looks represents only one piece of a complex puzzle.

The frustration you’re feeling is completely understandable. When you’ve invested so much hope, time, and resources into creating these embryos, it can be heartbreaking to learn that other factors may be preventing success.

IVF success depends on many different things working together perfectly:

• How healthy the embryo is
• Whether your uterus is ready to accept it
• Your hormone levels
• Countless other factors that happen inside your body

Even if an embryo appears perfect in the lab, it still needs the right environment to attach, get a blood supply, and continue growing.

Many intended parents don’t realize that repeated implantation failure affects up to 10% of couples undergoing IVF. You may feel isolated in your experience, but medical professionals regularly see cases where excellent embryos fail to implant despite multiple attempts.

“Good Embryos” in IVF: What That Really Means And Why It’s Not the Whole Story

When lab specialists evaluate embryos, they assess various factors to determine quality grades. These evaluations help determine which embryos are most likely to result in successful pregnancy.

Genetic testing (called PGT-A) adds another layer by screening for chromosome problems. An embryo with the correct number of chromosomes can improve the chances of successful pregnancy and reduce miscarriage risk.

However, even embryos that appear perfect under the microscope and pass genetic screening may not result in pregnancy. Current assessment methods examine only what’s visible or testable with today’s technology.

Many factors that affect embryo success remain invisible to current testing methods. Even the most sophisticated genetic screening examines only a small sample of cells, which may not represent the entire embryo.

This is why even embryos that receive excellent grades and pass all available testing may not result in pregnancy. The assessment tools we have today, while helpful, don’t capture every aspect of what makes an embryo successful.

Uterine Factors That Can Undermine IVF Success

When high-quality embryos repeatedly fail to implant, the focus often shifts to your uterine environment. Your uterine lining must be perfectly timed and ready for the embryo to attach.

Endometrial Receptivity Issues

There’s a narrow window when your uterine lining is ready to accept an embryo. If this timing is off by even a day or two, implantation may fail. Some women have different timing that doesn’t match standard IVF protocols.

Structural abnormalities include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Polyps
• A condition called adenomyosis
• Uterine shape differences you were born with

These conditions can interfere with implantation or early pregnancy development. Even small fibroids or polyps that don’t cause symptoms in daily life can significantly impact IVF success rates.

Chronic Endometritis

Low-grade inflammation of the uterine lining often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. However, it can create an environment that’s hostile to implantation. Studies suggest this affects 15-25% of women with repeated implantation failure.

Blood Flow and Vascular Issues

Good blood flow to the uterine lining is essential for supporting an implanting embryo. Conditions affecting blood flow to the uterus, including certain autoimmune conditions or clotting disorders, can prevent successful implantation even with perfect embryos.

Hormonal Imbalances

Subtle hormone issues that don’t prevent embryo development in the lab can still interfere with the complex hormone coordination required for implantation and early pregnancy.

Beyond the Lab: The Immune and Genetic Reasons IVF Fails Again and Again

Reproductive immunology is an emerging field that explores how your immune system might be preventing pregnancy. Think of your immune system as your body’s security team. During pregnancy, it faces a unique challenge.

Your immune system needs to:

• Welcome and protect the embryo (which is genetically half from your partner)
• Continue fighting off infections and other threats

When this delicate balance goes wrong, it can prevent embryos from implanting or cause early pregnancy loss.

Natural Killer Cell Activity

Certain immune cells in your uterus may become overactive, treating implanting embryos as threats to eliminate rather than pregnancies to protect.

Autoimmune Conditions

Some people have antibodies that can interfere with pregnancy, even though these conditions don’t make you feel sick in daily life. These invisible issues can significantly impact your ability to get or stay pregnant.

• HLA Compatibility: Sometimes partners can be too genetically similar in certain ways, which can prevent successful pregnancy. This is rare but may require special treatment approaches.
• Thrombophilia: Mild blood clotting problems that don’t affect your daily life can prevent proper blood flow during early pregnancy, causing implantation to fail.
• Complement System Dysfunction: Your immune system might be working too hard during pregnancy attempts, inadvertently attacking the developing pregnancy.

Many doctors don’t routinely test for these immune-related issues during fertility evaluations. They may explain why some couples experience repeated failures despite having good embryos and no obvious fertility problems.

Issues that are often missed include:

• Overactive immune cells in the uterus
• Hidden autoimmune problems
• Mild blood clotting tendencies
• Immune system imbalances

When To Stop Trying IVF and Start Considering Surrogacy

Deciding when to transition from IVF to surrogacy is deeply personal, but certain medical and emotional signs can help guide this difficult decision. Remember, considering surrogacy isn’t giving up. It’s opening a door to new possibilities.

Medical Indicators

Most fertility specialists suggest considering other approaches after 3-4 failed transfers with good-quality embryos, particularly if you’ve experienced repeated implantation failure. If comprehensive testing has revealed uterine problems that can’t be successfully treated, or if multiple interventions haven’t improved outcomes, surrogacy may offer better chances of success.

When Embryo Quality Isn’t the Issue

If you’re consistently producing good embryos but experiencing implantation failure, this often indicates that your embryos are healthy but your uterine environment may not be optimal for pregnancy.

Take heart in knowing that this is actually an ideal situation for surrogacy, where your genetic material can be carried by someone with a proven ability to achieve and maintain pregnancy.

Emotional Readiness

The emotional toll of repeated IVF attempts can’t be underestimated. When the physical and emotional stress of continued attempts begins outweighing the potential benefits, it may be time to explore surrogacy as a path that offers renewed hope and energy for your family-building journey.

What Surrogacy Is

Surrogacy uses your own eggs and your partner’s sperm (or donor sperm) to create embryos through IVF, then transfers those embryos to a woman who will carry the pregnancy for you. The baby is 100% genetically yours. The surrogate provides only the uterine environment.

Can I Use Embryos from Previous IVF Cycles in Surrogacy?

Yes, in most cases, frozen embryos from previous IVF cycles can be used in surrogacy. This means your IVF investment hasn’t been lost. It becomes the foundation for your surrogacy journey. Your previous efforts weren’t in vain.

Benefits of using existing embryos:

• No additional egg retrieval cycles needed
• Faster timeline to transfer
• Lower overall treatment costs
• Familiar genetic material

Your existing embryos can be thawed and transferred to your surrogate, potentially saving you from additional egg retrieval cycles and allowing you to move forward more quickly.

The process of using frozen embryos in surrogacy is typically straightforward. Your fertility clinic will coordinate with your surrogacy agency to ensure proper handling and transfer of your embryos to the clinic where your surrogate will receive care.

How Surrogacy Bypasses Uterine Challenges and Restores Hope

Surrogacy can get around virtually all uterine-related causes of IVF failure. When your embryos are transferred to a surrogate who has been thoroughly screened for optimal uterine health, you eliminate concerns about:

• Timing issues with your uterine lining
• Physical problems in your uterus
• Hidden inflammation or infection
• Blood flow problems
• Immune dysfunction specific to your uterine environment

Surrogate screening advantages:

• Proven track record of successful pregnancies
• Optimal reproductive health confirmed
• More extensive evaluation than typical fertility patients
• Best possible environment for embryo development

For many intended parents, surrogacy represents a fresh start with renewed optimism. In fact, surrogacy embryo transfer success rates often exceed traditional IVF because of this careful surrogate selection process.

Reddit Discussion: Why Pre-Screening is so Vital

Surrogate Screening + Matching: When Should a Match Be Made?
byu/AmericanSurrogacy inAmericanSurrogacy

What Happens When You Pursue Surrogacy: A Step-By-Step Look

Understanding the surrogacy process can help demystify this path and show you how achievable parenthood through surrogacy can be.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where you’ll discuss your fertility history, previous IVF attempts, and goals for surrogacy. This is your opportunity to ask questions, understand timelines, and learn about different program options that might fit your needs.

Step 2: Matching Process

Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll be presented with profiles of potential surrogates who match your preferences and medical requirements. Our surrogate screening process ensures you’ll only see candidates who have been thoroughly vetted medically, psychologically, and legally.

Step 3: Legal Process

After you’ve connected with a surrogate and decided to move forward together, legal contracts are created to protect everyone involved. These contracts cover medical decisions, financial arrangements, communication expectations, and all other aspects of your journey together.

Step 4: Medical Coordination

Your fertility clinic will coordinate with your surrogate’s medical care to prepare for embryo transfer. This includes timing cycles, preparing the surrogate’s uterus, and scheduling the transfer procedure.

Step 5: Transfer and Pregnancy

Embryo transfer to your surrogate follows the same basic process as IVF transfer, but with the advantage of a uterine environment that’s been proven capable of achieving and maintaining pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, you’ll have the opportunity to be as involved as you want to be while your surrogate carries your genetic child.

Step 6: Birth and Beyond

When your baby is born, legal processes ensure you’re recognized as the legal parents from the moment of birth. Most intended parents find the experience of meeting their child for the first time incredibly emotional and rewarding after their journey to parenthood.

Why Intended Parents Trust American Surrogacy After IVF Failure

When you’ve experienced the heartbreak of failed IVF cycles, choosing the right surrogacy agency becomes essential for rebuilding confidence in your path to parenthood.

Short Wait Times

We understand that time feels critical after IVF setbacks. Our process for becoming parents faster typically allows intended parents to be matched with a pre-screened surrogate in an average of months rather than years. We maintain relationships with surrogates across the country, giving you options and reducing wait times.

Thoroughly Screened Surrogates

Our comprehensive surrogate screening goes far beyond basic health checks. We evaluate medical history, psychological readiness, social support, lifestyle factors, and motivation. You’ll only be presented with candidates who have demonstrated the commitment and capability to help you succeed.

Financial Protection Through Our Limited Risk Program

After investing significantly in IVF attempts, financial protection becomes a priority. Our Limited Risk Program includes provisions for unlimited matching opportunities if your first match doesn’t work out, and refund options if your journey doesn’t result in a baby and you have no embryos remaining.

This protection allows you to move forward with confidence rather than fear about additional financial loss.

Experience With Complex Cases

We regularly work with intended parents who have navigated multiple fertility challenges. Our team understands the unique emotional and medical considerations involved in transitioning from IVF to surrogacy, and we’re equipped to support you through this process.

Transparent Communication

After experiencing the uncertainty of failed IVF cycles, clear communication becomes essential. We provide regular updates throughout your journey and ensure you understand each step of the process. You’ll have dedicated support staff who understand your history and are committed to your success.

Ready to Explore Surrogacy? Here’s How to Take the Next Step

Your journey through IVF hasn’t been a failure. It’s been preparation. The embryos you’ve created, the medical knowledge you’ve gained, and the resilience you’ve developed through this process all become valuable assets in a surrogacy journey.

The decision to pursue surrogacy after IVF can actually feel empowering. You’re taking control of your journey and choosing a path that addresses the specific challenges you’ve faced.

Fill out our form today to schedule a consultation with our team.

We’ll review your unique situation, answer your questions, and help you understand how surrogacy might provide the solution you’ve been searching for.

What if being childless after IVF doesn’t mean your journey to parenthood is over?

After multiple failed cycles, transferred embryos that didn’t implant, and months or years of hoping each attempt would be “the one,” surrogacy can offer a renewed path to the family you’ve been fighting to build.

Connect with our team to learn how surrogacy for childlessness can help you use finally welcome your baby home.

Being childless after IVF doesn’t mean your journey to parenthood is over—it means you’re ready for a path that actually works

What No One Tells You About Why IVF Keeps Failing

Recurrent implantation failure occurs when genetically normal embryos repeatedly fail to implant despite optimal laboratory conditions.

The most common medical reasons include:

• Uterine factors like fibroids, uterine scarring, adenomyosis, or thin endometrial lining that prevent implantation.
• Age-related factors significantly impact both egg quality and uterine receptivity, particularly after 35.
• Autoimmune conditions can interfere with pregnancy establishment, while some cases remain unexplained despite normal test results.

Many intended parents discover that their embryos were healthy—they just needed the right environment to grow.

If you’re questioning whether another IVF attempt is worth it or if it’s time to move on, learn more about what to ask your doctor after multiple failed IVF cycles.

The Hidden Emotional Toll of Being Childless After IVF

The transition from active IVF treatment to considering alternative paths involves complex emotions that deserve acknowledgment.

Being childless after IVF creates a unique form of grief—mourning the loss of the pregnancy experience you envisioned while questioning whether your body has somehow failed you.

This journey often brings feelings of isolation, as friends and family may struggle to understand the depth of your loss. Fear creeps in, making you wonder if any path to parenthood will work for you.

Healthy coping includes seeking professional counseling from fertility specialists, connecting with support groups, and taking intentional breaks to process and heal.

Most importantly, focusing on strengthening your partnership creates a foundation for whatever comes next.

How Surrogacy Solves What IVF Couldn’t

Surrogacy addresses many specific factors that make IVF unsuccessful while preserving your genetic connection to your child.

Success rates with quality embryos through surrogacy are often significantly higher than continued IVF attempts for intended parents who’ve experienced multiple failures.

Medical problems surrogacy bypasses:

• Uterine environment issues like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or thin lining
• Recurrent implantation failure with healthy embryos
• Age-related uterine receptivity decline
• Autoimmune conditions interfering with pregnancy establishment
• Medical conditions that make pregnancy dangerous for you

Learn more about how surrogacy after failed IVF can help you become the parents you’ve been waiting to be.

Can You Afford Another Failed IVF Attempt? The Real Cost of Trying Again

After multiple IVF failures, the true cost of continuing treatment often exceeds surrogacy expenses while delivering diminishing returns.

Each additional IVF cycle costs $15,000-$40,000 with success rates that decrease after each failed attempt—meaning you could easily spend $60,000-$100,000+ on four more cycles with uncertain outcomes.

Surrogacy ranges from $100,000 - $200,000+ total, but offers consistent success rates and opportunities for financial protection.

When you factor in the emotional cost of repeated failures and the time lost pursuing unsuccessful treatments, surrogacy often represents better value for reaching your goal of parenthood.

Smart Financial Planning After Your IVF Investment

Many families find that surrogacy represents better value than continued IVF attempts, with higher success rates justifying the investment.

After significant IVF investments, financial planning for surrogacy for childlessness requires strategic approaches.

Post-IVF financial strategies you can utilize include:

• Honest assessment of remaining resources after IVF expenses
• Insurance benefit evaluation for surrogacy coverage
• Fertility financing companies that understand your treatment history
• Grant opportunities for families who’ve experienced fertility challenges
• Employer benefits that may cover surrogacy after IVF failures

Our programs are upfront about what’s included and what’s not so that you can budget effectively.

Additionally, our Limited Risk Program offers comprehensive coverage and financial protection.

Learn more about how our costs save you time and money in the long run.

Can You Use Your IVF Embryos with a Surrogate?

Yes. Many intended parents find that embryos created during IVF cycles work beautifully with surrogacy—they just needed the right environment to succeed.

The transfer process mirrors your IVF preparation, with the surrogate undergoing medical preparation while your embryos are transferred to her uterus.

High-quality embryos that didn’t implant during IVF often perform well in surrogacy, with success rates typically matching or exceeding fresh cycles.

The surrogacy process becomes streamlined when you already have embryos because no additional egg retrievals are needed and the timeline from matching to transfer can be shorter.

Why American Surrogacy Gets Your Post-IVF Journey

After the medical complexity of IVF, choosing a surrogacy agency that understands your journey becomes vital.

At American Surrogacy, we regularly work with intended parents transitioning from IVF, providing seamless coordination between your clinic and surrogacy process.

What sets us apart for post-IVF families:

• Staff that understands the unique emotional landscape of being childless after IVF
• A surrogacy program with built in financial protection
• Comprehensive screening ensuring all surrogates have successfully carried pregnancies to term
• Quick wait times to help you become parents faster

You’ve waited long enough to become parents. Learn more about how we can match you in 1 - 4 months, ensuring you have more time spent with the family you’ve been waiting to have.

Your Next Chapter Starts Now

Surrogacy for childlessness after failed IVF isn’t admitting defeat—it’s choosing a path that works with your medical reality while honoring your commitment to parenthood.

Ready to explore how surrogacy can help you become parents? Contact our team today to take the next step toward the family you’ve been fighting to build.

You’ve already proven your dedication to becoming parents. Now let us help you find the path that finally leads to your baby.

If you’ve experienced a miscarriage due to incompetent cervix, the thought of trying again can feel overwhelming. The sudden loss between 16-24 weeks leaves many parents questioning whether they’ll ever safely carry a baby to term.

You’re not alone in these fears, and there are both medical interventions and alternative paths like surrogacy that can help you achieve parenthood safely.

Ready to explore your options with a surrogacy specialist? Get personalized guidance today when you fill out our simple form.

What Is Incompetent Cervix and Why Does It Cause Pregnancy Loss?

Incompetent cervix (cervical insufficiency) occurs when your cervix opens and thins during pregnancy without contractions or labor pains.

This typically happens during the second trimester, leading to sudden pregnancy loss without warning signs like bleeding or cramping.

Common causes include:

• Previous cervical procedures (D&C, cone biopsy, LEEP)
• Congenital cervical abnormalities
• Uterine structural problems
• DES exposure during your mother’s pregnancy
• Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Unlike early miscarriages, miscarriage due to incompetent cervix often occurs without symptoms, making it particularly traumatic for expectant parents.

Can You Carry a Baby After Incompetent Cervix Loss?

Many women successfully carry babies after cervical insufficiency, but success depends on individual factors and medical intervention. Treatment options exist, though they don’t guarantee outcomes.

Medical interventions include:

• Cervical cerclage: Surgical stitches to keep the cervix closed (75-90% success rate when placed early)
• Progesterone supplementation: Hormonal support to maintain pregnancy
• Frequent monitoring: Regular ultrasounds to measure cervical length
• Activity restrictions: Modified daily activities and possible bed rest

However, even with treatment, recurrence rates for miscarriage due to incompetent cervix range from 15-30%, leaving many intended parents seeking alternatives.

Why Many Intended Parents Choose Surrogacy After Incompetent Cervix

When medical interventions feel too risky or have failed before, surrogacy offers a medically safer path to parenthood. Gestational surrogacy completely bypasses cervical risks by allowing your genetic embryos to develop in a healthy surrogate’s uterus.

Surrogacy is often recommended when you’ve experienced:

• Multiple losses due to cervical insufficiency
• High medical risks with future pregnancies
• Severe anxiety about attempting another pregnancy
• Failed cervical procedures or treatments

The emotional relief of knowing your baby is developing safely often outweighs other considerations for intended parents who’ve endured miscarriage due to incompetent cervix.

Are you ready to explore options that feel less uncertain? Learn more about how surrogacy after failed IVF or pregnancy loss can help you become the parents you’ve been waiting to be.

Understanding Your Surrogacy Options After Pregnancy Loss

Surrogacyallows you to maintain a genetic connection while eliminating cervical risks. Your fertility specialist retrieves your eggs, creates embryos through IVF and transfers them to your surrogate’s uterus.

Key benefits include:

• No incompetent cervix risk
• Higher success rates than high-risk pregnancies
• Emotional relief and reduced anxiety
• Utilization of embryos from previous cycles

If you have concerns about the quantity or quality of your available eggs, egg donor surrogacy is a great option to aid your path to parenthood.

The Real Cost of Repeated Pregnancy Attempts vs. Surrogacy

While surrogacy requires an upfront investment of $189,500-$200,000+, repeated pregnancy attempts after miscarriage due to incompetent cervix can accumulate substantial costs.

Costs of medical management per pregnancy attempt:

• Cervical cerclage surgery: $3,000-$8,000
• High-risk obstetric care: $15,000-$25,000
• NICU costs if premature birth occurs: $50,000-$200,000+
• Lost wages from bed rest or complications
• Emotional counseling and therapy

Some surrogacy agencies partner with fertility financing companies, making surrogacy more accessible than many intended parents realize.

Learn more about how our partnership with Sunfish can help you achieve your dreams of parenthood.

American Surrogacy’s Support for Intended Parents After Pregnancy Loss

We understand that starting surrogacy after incompetent cervix loss requires exceptional care and sensitivity. Our comprehensive support includes:

• Specialized matching services that connect you with highly-qualified surrogates in an average of 1-4 months.
• Emotional support resources including counseling referrals, support groups and connection with other intended parents who’ve walked similar paths.
• Financial protection through our Limited Risk program that provides peace of mind after previous pregnancy losses, ensuring your investment is protected if complications arise.

When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll be here to guide you through every step with the compassion and expertise you deserve.

Taking Your Next Step Toward Safe Parenthood

You don’t have to choose between your dreams of parenthood and your peace of mind. Surrogacy offers a path forward that honors both your desire for a genetic connection and your need for emotional safety.

If you’re ready to explore how surrogacy can help you build your family after incompetent cervix loss, we’re here to provide the specialized support you deserve.

Ready to learn more about surrogacy after pregnancy loss? Connect with a surrogacy specialist today to take that next step toward holding your baby in your arms.

CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a common yet often misunderstood virus that can directly affect your fertility timeline, your embryo transfer plans, and the safety of pregnancy.

Whether you’re actively undergoing IVF, considering donor options or exploring surrogacy as a next step, understanding the role of CMV is essential.

If you’re exploring other family-building options due to CMV-related IVF delays, our team at American Surrogacy is here to help. Fill out our quick form to learn how surrogacy could fit your unique journey.

This guide breaks down how CMV intersects with IVF, what your test results mean, how it may impact your plans—and how American Surrogacy can help you move forward when delays or risks arise.

What is CMV and Why Is It Risky During Pregnancy?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that affects most adults by middle age. While generally harmless in healthy individuals, CMV can cause serious complications during pregnancy, especially when infection occurs in the first trimester.

Why CMV matters:

• Congenital CMV Risk: If transmitted to the baby, CMV can result in lifelong health issues.
• Silent Symptoms: Many adults don’t realize they’ve had CMV because it often causes no symptoms.
• Pregnancy Timing: CMV infections during conception or embryo transfer are the most concerning.

Understanding CMV’s risks is critical to making informed decisions about fertility treatments.

Why Does CMV Status Matter for IVF or Embryo Creation?

CMV is a common virus that affects up to 85% of adults by age 40. While it rarely causes symptoms in healthy individuals, CMV status becomes critically important during IVF and pregnancy because of potential risks to developing embryos and babies.

Your CMV status affects several aspects of your IVF journey:

• Embryo Transfer Timing: Active CMV infections may delay embryo transfers to prevent transmission risks during early pregnancy.
• Donor Selection: When using donor eggs or sperm, CMV status compatibility becomes a key matching criterion.
• Pregnancy Safety:CMV transmission during pregnancy can cause serious complications for developing babies.
• Medical Clearance: Fertility clinics have specific protocols for managing patients with different CMV statuses.

Understanding these factors helps explain why CMV and IVF protocols exist and how they protect both you and your future baby.

When Do Fertility Clinics Test for CMV?

Most fertility workups include CMV screening blood test early in the process. Testing may also be required when using donor eggs, donor sperm or working with a gestational carrier.

Timely testing allows clinics to adapt your IVF or embryo transfer plan to maximize safety.

What If I’m CMV Positive? Understanding CMV Testing Results

Fertility clinics test for CMV IgG and IgM antibodies:

• CMV IgG Positive: This indicates past exposure to CMV and means you have developed immunity. Being IgG positive is generally favorable for IVF, as you’re unlikely to contract a new CMV infection during pregnancy.
• CMV IgM Positive: This suggests a recent or active CMV infection. IgM positive results typically require waiting periods before proceeding with embryo transfers to ensure the infection has resolved and reduce transmission risks.
• CMV Negative: Having no previous CMV exposure means you’re susceptible to new infections, requiring careful donor selection and monitoring during pregnancy.

Your fertility clinic will interpret these results alongside other factors to determine the safest approach for your specific situation.

How Long Should You Wait After a CMV Infection to Try IVF?

If you test CMV IgM positive, most clinics recommend waiting 6-12 months before embryo transfer to ensure the infection has cleared.

What happens during the wait:

• Repeat antibody testing to confirm immunity
• Clearance from your reproductive endocrinologist
• Proceeding with egg retrieval and embryo freezing if desired

This approach minimizes the risk of CMV transmission to the baby.

If a long CMV clearance timeline feels discouraging, talk to us about how surrogacy can help you keep your family-building momentum.

Can I Move Forward with IVF with an Active CMV Infection?

Yes—but with limitations. While you may proceed with egg retrieval and embryo creation, most clinics advise waiting 3–6 months post-infection before transferring embryos.

This waiting period serves several important purposes:

• Allows your immune system to fully clear the active infection
• Reduces risk of CMV transmission during early pregnancy
• Ensures optimal conditions for embryo implantation
• Minimizes potential pregnancy complications

While waiting can feel frustrating, this approach significantly improves your chances of a healthy pregnancy outcome.

CMV and Pregnancy Risks

CMV and pregnancy risks are particularly concerning when infection occurs during conception or early pregnancy. Congenital CMV transmission can lead to:

• Hearing loss in newborns
• Developmental delays
• Vision problems
• Microcephaly (smaller than normal head size)
• Intellectual disabilities

These risks explain why fertility clinics take CMV status seriously when planning IVF treatments and why timing matters so much for safe embryo transfers.

Can Surrogacy Help If You’ve Had a Recent CMV Infection?

If you’ve recently had a CMV infection that delays your IVF timeline, surrogacy may offer a faster and medically safer path to parenthood.

Rather than waiting months for medical clearance for personal pregnancy, you can move forward with embryo creation and transfer to a healthy surrogate.

Advantages of Surrogacy After Recent CMV Infection:

• Faster Timeline: Surrogacy eliminates personal waiting periods required after CMV infection, allowing you to proceed with your family-building goals sooner.
• Reduced Risk: Your surrogate’s CMV immunity status is screened, ensuring optimal safety for embryo transfer and pregnancy.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your surrogate is medically cleared and monitored provides emotional relief during your fertility journey.

CMV and Sperm Donors: Choosing the Right Match

When using donor sperm, CMV status compatibility becomes a crucial selection criterion. Sperm banks routinely test donors and provide detailed CMV status information to help you make informed choices.

CMV Positive Sperm Donors:

• Safe for recipients who are CMV IgG positive
• Typically more abundant in donor banks

CMV Negative Sperm Donors:

• Preferred for CMV negative recipients
• Lower risk but potentially fewer match options

Need help navigating donor options? American Surrogacy can coordinate with your clinic to simplify the process. Contact us today.

When to Select a CMV Positive Sperm Donor

People generally choose a CMV positive sperm donor when:

• You are CMV IgG positive (immune from past exposure)
• Your partner is CMV positive
• Your fertility clinic recommends CMV positive matching
• You want access to a broader donor pool (more options available)

CMV positive donors are often in higher supply, potentially offering more choices in physical characteristics, education, and other desired traits.

When to Select a CMV Negative Sperm Donor

Choose a CMV negative sperm donor when:

• You are CMV negative (no previous exposure)
• Your fertility clinic specifically recommends avoiding CMV exposure
• You want to minimize any infection risk during pregnancy
• Your surrogate (if using one) is CMV negative

CMV negative donors may be in shorter supply, potentially limiting selection options but providing the safest match for CMV negative recipients.

How American Surrogacy Supports Families Navigating CMV and IVF for Embryo Creation

Dealing with CMV complications during IVF can feel overwhelming, especially when medical hurdles delay your path to parenthood.

American Surrogacy can act as your compassionate guide through these complex fertility challenges, and surrogacy can be a flexible solution when CMV status complicates personal pregnancy attempts.

Our support includes:

• Clinic Coordination: We liaise with your fertility clinic to understand your medical clearance status.
• Surrogate Matching: We can match you with a surrogate in an average of 1-4 months.
• Surrogate Screening: Our surrogates have been thoroughly pre-screened, minimizing the chance of complications, saving you time and money.

We’re not just a service—we’re your partner in building the family you’ve dreamed of.

When CMV Makes Surrogacy the Preferred Path

Surrogacy becomes particularly valuable when:

• Recent CMV infection delays your personal pregnancy timeline by 6+ months
• Previous CMV-related pregnancy complications make future pregnancies inadvisable
• You want the fastest path to parenthood despite CMV complications

Remember, choosing surrogacy doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams—it means finding the safest, most efficient route to holding your baby.

Ready to Move Forward? Let American Surrogacy Help You Navigate CMV and IVF Challenges

If you’re facing delays due to CMV, American Surrogacy can help you explore surrogacy as a faster, safer alternative.

Fill out our simple form to discuss how surrogacy might fit your unique situation and timeline.

We’re here to support your next step toward parenthood.

After experiencing a termination for medical reasons (TFMR), the question of whether to pursue fertility treatments again isn’t simple. The thought of IVF after TFMR can feel overwhelming, even when your heart still yearns for parenthood.

If you’re not sure you can go through that again right now, you’re not alone. Many hopeful parents feel stuck between their desire to grow their family and their fear of experiencing another loss.

If you’re already wondering whether IVF is still right for you, or you’re open to other possibilities, fill out our form today to explore a path that protects your hope and your heart.

This article explores the realities of pursuing IVF after TFMR, and an alternative that honors your healing process while preserving your dreams of parenthood.

Should I Try IVF Again After TFMR?

After a TFMR, you may find yourself questioning if you can or should pursue another pregnancy. Ask yourself:

• Am I physically healed from my last pregnancy and any complications?
• How does the idea of another round of IVF make me feel emotionally?
• Do I feel prepared for both the best- and worst-case outcomes?

These questions don’t have right or wrong answers, but they can help guide conversations with your doctor, partner, or a counselor. Whether you pursue IVF again or choose a different path, the decision is deeply personal — and yours alone to make.

What Are My Chances of Success with IVF After TFMR?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk of miscarriage after experiencing one pregnancy loss is about 20%. However, this statistic doesn’t account for the various factors that influence success rates or the specific circumstances surrounding TFMR.

Maternal age remains one of the most significant predictors of IVF success, regardless of previous pregnancy experiences. Any underlying fertility conditions that may have contributed to your initial conception challenges will likely continue to affect your chances of success.

However, if your TFMR was due to a genetic condition or a fetal abnormality, you may be a candidate for advanced testing like PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy).

Genetic Screening After TFMR

PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) can screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. It may reduce the risk of implanting embryos with known issues.

But not all conditions that necessitate TFMR can be detected through testing. Some fetal anomalies develop during pregnancy and cannot be identified at the embryonic stage.

Additionally, PGT-A testing focuses primarily on chromosomal abnormalities and doesn’t detect all genetic conditions or structural problems that might emerge later in pregnancy.

If you’re considering PGT-A for a future IVF cycle or for embryos you’ll use with a surrogate, learn how how this process fits into your journey.

What to Ask Your Fertility Doctor About IVF After TFMR

When you’re considering IVF again after a TFMR, your fertility doctor can help guide you. Here are some important questions to ask:

• How does my TFMR history affect my chances of success with IVF?
• Are there any additional risks I should be aware of?
• Should I consider PGT-A or other genetic screening?
• Could surrogacy be a safer option for my circumstances?

These conversations can help you clarify your goals and identify the family-building path that best fits your emotional and medical needs.

The Hidden Risks of IVF After TFMR: Are You Prepared?

Recovery time varies significantly based on individual circumstances. While some people feel physically ready to pursue IVF after TFMR within a few months, others require longer healing periods.

Here are some risks and complications to consider:

• Recovery time may depend on the gestational age and method of delivery. Late-term terminations, especially those requiring cesarean delivery, can lead to uterine scarring or other complications.
• Hormonal fluctuations after pregnancy termination can persist for several months, potentially impacting fertility treatment.
• Irregular menstrual cycles or ovulation patterns may follow TFMR, requiring medical monitoring and adjustments to treatment.
• Physical healing may require several normal menstrual cycles before your body is ready for another round of IVF.

Your fertility specialist will likely recommend waiting for several normal cycles to ensure your body has returned to baseline function and it’s safe to try IVF again after a TFMR.

The Emotional Impact of IVF After TFMR —When Your Heart Isn’t Ready

Even if your body is “ready,” your heart may not be.

Fertility treatments can feel especially stressful after pregnancy loss. Hormone shots, frequent appointments and the wait for embryo transfer can increase anxiety.

Milestones like embryo transfer or the first ultrasound can reawaken grief. Some people describe feeling emotionally numb or fearful of feeling any hope.

These reactions don’t indicate weakness or lack of readiness; they represent normal responses to trauma that deserve acknowledgment. Working with providers who understand the specific support needed after pregnancy loss can significantly improve your treatment experience.

Emotional Support Resources for IVF After TFMR

Finding the right emotional support can make all the difference. Here are a few trusted communities and resources:

• TFMR Mamas offers various support groups
• Through the Unexpected focuses on post-pregnancy loss healing
• Subreddits like r/IVF offer forums for peer support
• Trauma-informed counselors can help with reproductive grief and pregnancy loss

Financial Considerations of IVF After TFMR

IVF can be expensive, especially if your care now requires genetic testing, additional monitoring or specialized procedures. Insurance may not cover repeat attempts or testing, depending on your provider.

Beyond direct medical costs, IVF after TFMR can be emotionally draining. The possibility of treatment failure after previous pregnancy loss can make each cycle feel like a significant risk.

This pressure may influence treatment decisions or create additional anxiety during already stressful procedures.

Some families find that alternative paths like surrogacy prove more cost-effective over time by reducing the likelihood of repeated failed attempts. You may want to consider what works best for your family.

Surrogacy may offer greater peace of mind and financial predictability. If you’re recovering financially from previous IVF failures, learn about why financing surrogacy after IVF failure is worth it.

What if IVF Feels Too Risky? Exploring Surrogacy as a Path Forward

Feeling scared, exhausted or disconnected from the idea of IVF after TFMR? Your body and mind have endured significant stress, and hesitation doesn’t indicate weakness. Sometimes the bravest decision involves acknowledging when you need a different approach.

You don’t have to abandon your dreams of becoming a parent. Gestational surrogacy offers hope without requiring you to physically carry another pregnancy.

It can be a safer path after multiple losses. You can still use your embryos or create new ones, and your surrogate will carry the pregnancy on your behalf.

This option allows you to pursue parenthood at your own pace, with additional support throughout the process. You deserve a family-building option that respects your grief and protects your hope.

Surrogacy vs. IVF After TFMR: What’s Safer?

Here’s how surrogacy compares to IVF after TFMR:

IVF:

• Physical Demands: High
• Emotional Control: Often feels fragile
• Timeline: Shorter, but unpredictable
• Cost: Lower per attempt
• Safety: May carry risks for certain conditions

Surrogacy:

• Physical Demands: None for intended parents
• Emotional Control: Shared support throughout
• Timeline: More structured once matched
• Cost: Higher upfront, but may reduce cumulative cost from failed cycles
• Safety: Safest path for those with health risks

How American Surrogacy Supports Families After Loss

American Surrogacy understands that families pursuing surrogacy after pregnancy loss may be struggling with hesitation and fear. Our comprehensive screening process ensures that the surrogates we work with are physically, emotionally and mentally prepared to carry a pregnancy.

When you’re ready to explore IVF alternatives after TFMR, contact us online for more information.

There’s no “right” timeline for healing after pregnancy loss, and we’re prepared to meet you wherever you are in your journey.

Experiencing multiple failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) transfers can leave you wondering if you’ll ever hold your baby. You’ve done everything right, yet it seems like your body continues to work against your dreams of parenthood.

Many hopeful parents discover that their repeated IVF failures stem from Asherman’s syndrome (uterine adhesions) that went undiagnosed for months or even years.

If you’re ready to explore family-building alternatives, we can help. Contact us today for more information about gestational surrogacy.

This article explores why IVF with Asherman’s presents unique challenges and what treatment options exist.

What Is Asherman’s Syndrome? – and How Does it Affect IVF?

Asherman’s syndrome is a condition in which scar tissue (also called intrauterine adhesions) forms inside the uterus. This scarring can significantly affect fertility by disrupting the natural function of the uterine lining.

For those experiencing IVF with Asherman’s, this condition often explains persistent implantation failure despite high-quality embryos. Understanding this underlying condition can be the first step toward reclaiming control over your fertility journey.

Why Does IVF Fail With Asherman’s?

When someone has Asherman’s syndrome, scar tissue interferes with the way the uterine lining builds up and functions. For IVF to succeed, the endometrium must be thick, healthy and receptive to the embryo.

Unfortunately, in many people with Asherman’s, the lining remains too thin or irregular, making successful implantation much less likely.

Even when your embryos are chromosomally normal and considered high quality by your fertility team, they may struggle to implant. This can lead to emotional exhaustion and financial strain for many families.

Still unsure why IVF isn’t working? Here are questions you can ask your doctor if you suspect Asherman’s might be affecting your results

What Causes Uterine Adhesions?                                   

Uterine adhesions often develop after procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C), typically following a miscarriage or childbirth. They can also form after C-sections, fibroid removal or other uterine surgeries.

In some cases, untreated infections or chronic inflammation from conditions like endometriosis can cause adhesions to develop over time.

These adhesions aren’t always obvious. As a result, many people don’t know they exist until they try getting pregnant with Asherman’s syndrome.

If your diagnosis was delayed, it’s understandable to feel frustrated, but it’s never too late to explore a new path forward.

Can You Do IVF After Treating Asherman’s? Your Options Explained

Yes, in mild or moderate cases, doctors may recommend hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, a procedure that carefully removes scar tissue from the uterus.

This minimally invasive outpatient surgery typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your fertility team may place an intrauterine device (IUD) or prescribe estrogen therapy afterward to prevent the adhesions from reforming as your uterine lining heals.

However, the success of surgical treatment varies significantly based on the severity and location of your adhesions.

When multiple surgical attempts don’t fully restore your uterine environment, your care team may recommend exploring alternative approaches.

Support and Resources for Those Struggling with IVF with Asherman’s Syndrome

• r/IVF: A subbredit for patients undergoing IVF to share their struggles and experiences.
• Asherman’s Syndrome Awareness and Support: A Facebook group created by the International Asherman’s Association for women to share their experiences and receive peer support.

When IVF Fails with Asherman’s: Signs You’re Ready for Surrogacy

If you’ve experienced multiple failed embryo transfers, it may be time to consider surrogacy as your next step. This decision isn’t about giving up on your dreams; it’s about finding another option if your uterus can’t carry a baby.

Wondering if it’s the right time to consider surrogacy? Consider these signs:

• You’ve experienced two or more unsuccessful IVF cycles, even with high-quality embryos.
• Doctors suspect persistent implantation issues despite previous treatments.
• You’re feeling emotionally exhausted from ongoing attempts without results.
• You’re concerned about how continued treatments will affect your finances and long-term goals.

Recognize yourself in these signs? Surrogacy might be the compassionate next step forward. Learn more about surrogacy after failed IVF.

How Surrogacy Solves the IVF Challenges Caused by Asherman’s Syndrome

Surrogacy allows you to use your own embryos and transfer them into the uterus of a gestational carrier. This approach completely bypasses the implantation challenges caused by Asherman’s syndrome while still allowing you to have a biological connection to your child.

Your surrogate will be carefully screened by both medical professionals and our agency to ensure they’re prepared to carry a pregnancy. With the right support team in place, you can focus on building your family in a way that works for your situation and your future.

Why Work with a Surrogacy Agency After IVF with Asherman’s Syndrome?

If you’re dealing with uterine adhesions and IVF failure, a surrogacy agency can help make your journey smoother and more successful. Here’s how:

• Expert coordination between your fertility clinic, legal team and surrogate to streamline every step of the process
• Thorough screening of surrogates to ensure they are medically qualified and emotionally prepared
• Personalized emotional support to help you process grief or trauma from past IVF failures

You don’t have to figure this out alone. The right agency can offer clarity, guidance and reassurance during a time that feels uncertain.

Surrogacy After IVF with Asherman’s: A Hopeful Next Step

Surrogacy after failed IVF isn’t a last resort. It’s a hopeful, proactive choice many families make when their uterus can’t safely carry a pregnancy.

You don’t have to go through another failed cycle. You don’t have to keep wondering if this time will be different. Like many families affected by Asherman’s, you deserve to explore a path that brings lasting hope.

Our team is here to help you explore your next steps with clarity and compassion.

Contact a surrogacy specialist today to learn more about surrogacy.