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.

World IVF Day is a moment to honor the countless intended parents who have bravely navigated the highs and heartbreaks of fertility treatments. Whether you’re just beginning IVF or are in the midst of your journey, this day is about your story and your dreams of building a family.

For families whose IVF path hasn’t led to the outcome they hoped for, we’re here to help you explore a new, empowered way forward.

If you’re ready to take the next step beyond IVF, we’re ready to guide you. Let’s find a path to parenthood that works. Fill out our simple form today to get connected with a surrogacy specialist. 

What Is World IVF Day? 

World IVF Day, observed annually on July 25, commemorates the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, the world’s first baby born through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Since then, World IVF Day has become a global acknowledgment of the millions of families who have grown through assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Whether you’re just beginning IVF or have been through multiple cycles, this day symbolizes resilience and hope.

Why IVF Is Both a Hopeful and Hard Journey 

World IVF Day isn’t just a celebration, it’s a complex emotional marker for many intended parents. IVF brings immense hope, but it also often comes with failed cycles, physical tolls, emotional burnout and significant financial costs.

Some couples see success early, while others endure years of procedures, losses, and uncertainty. World IVF Day shines a light on the resilience of those who persist in the face of repeated heartbreak, reminding us that every attempt reflects deep love and determination to build a family.

What Happens If IVF Doesn’t Work? 

World IVF Day shines a light on the resilience of those who persist in the face of repeated heartbreak, reminding us that every attempt reflects deep love and determination to build a family.

Some couples see success early, while others endure years of procedures, losses and uncertainty. The natural question becomes: what now?

For families who have already created embryos through IVF, surrogacy can be the next step forward offering a renewed chance at parenthood without starting over.

Wondering what comes next after IVF? Explore how surrogacy could be the next step for your family.

When Is It Time to Consider Surrogacy? 

For many intended parents, the decision to pursue surrogacy only comes after years of trying to conceive on their own or through IVF treatments. But how do you know when it’s time to shift your focus? 

Here are some common signals: 

• You’ve had multiple failed IVF cycles with no clear medical explanation. 
• Your doctor has advised against carrying a pregnancy for health reasons. 
• You’ve experienced recurrent pregnancy loss. 
• IVF treatments have become emotionally or financially exhausting

World IVF Day is an ideal moment to reflect not just on where you’ve been—but where you want to go. If you feel like you’ve done everything possible and still aren’t closer to holding your baby, surrogacy may offer the next right step.

How Surrogacy Complements the IVF Journey  

Many people don’t realize how deeply connected IVF and surrogacy really are.

For those who’ve undergone IVF and created viable embryos, those embryos can be used in your surrogacy journey to be transferred to a surrogate—someone who carries the pregnancy but has no genetic link to the child. 

On World IVF Day, it’s important to recognize that surrogacy isn’t giving up, so much as an extension of your fertility efforts.

Already created embryos through IVF? Reach out to day to be matched with a surrogate quickly and fast track your path to parenthood.

IVF vs. Surrogacy: Comparing Cost, Success and Time to Parenthood

World IVF Day is a time to celebrate how far fertility treatments have come—but also to take an honest look at where your own journey stands.

Here’s how IVF and surrogacy compare when it comes to three of the most important factors: cost, efficacy and time to parenthood.

Cost: What You’re Really Spending 

IVF: One IVF cycle can cost $15,000–$25,000, and many families undergo 3–5 cycles before achieving pregnancy, often totaling $60,000–$100,000 or more. Costs can rise with medications, genetic testing, and embryo storage.

Surrogacy: A full surrogacy journey through an agency typically ranges from $100,000-$200,000 including surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal work and agency coordination.

While the upfront cost may seem higher, many intended parents find that surrogacy avoids the emotional and financial toll of repeated IVF failure.

Worried about affording surrogacy after costly IVF cycles? Learn how American Surrogacy helps families find financial clarity.

Efficacy: What Are the Chances It Will Work? 

IVF Alone: IVF success rates depend on age and fertility diagnosis, but average around 30–50% per cycle. Many intended parents face unexplained failures or implantation issues that remain unresolved even after multiple attempts. 

Surrogacy: When using healthy embryos with a thoroughly screened gestational carrier, success rates may be higher, particularly with agency-managed matches with highly-qualified surrogates. This makes surrogacy more efficient and more predictable after failed IVF.

Time: How Soon Can You Hold Your Baby? 

IVF: Each cycle takes 6–8 weeks, with weeks of prep and follow-up. Failed cycles mean starting over. The timeline can stretch to years with uncertain outcomes. 

Surrogacy: With an agency like American Surrogacy, you may match with a surrogate in as little as 1-4 months, and move directly to embryo transfer (especially if you already have frozen embryos). For many, it’s the quickest path to parenthood after years of trying.

World IVF Day is about honoring your journey, but also about being honest with what comes next. Surrogacy may offer a clearer, faster and ultimately more successful path forward.

Why Some Families Choose Surrogacy After IVF 

For many families, surrogacy becomes a life-changing decision after IVF has failed or is no longer medically advised.

Conditions like uterine abnormalities, recurrent pregnancy loss, or health concerns can make carrying a pregnancy unsafe or unsuccessful, even with healthy embryos.

Surrogacy offers intended parents the opportunity to have a biologically related child, even if they cannot carry the pregnancy themselves.

It’s a decision that involves trust, emotional surrender and courage, but for many, it leads to the joy and closure they’ve been longing for.

How American Surrogacy Can Help You Grow Your Family—Faster and Safer 

At American Surrogacy, we specialize in turning fertility frustration into forward motion. Here’s how we make a difference: 

• Pre-screened surrogates ready for matching 
• Legal, medical, and emotional coordination under one roof 
• Transparent pricing and cost-efficiency compared to repeat IVF rounds 
• Support for using your existing embryos via gestational surrogacy 

You’ve already invested so much into becoming a parent—we’re here to help you reach that goal sooner.

Your Family Journey Isn’t Over—It’s About to Begin 

At American Surrogacy, we understand the emotional cost of IVF—and we know how exhausting it is to keep trying without answers. If you’re ready to stop cycling and start moving forward, we’re ready to help. 

Talk to a surrogacy specialist today. 

Let’s create a plan that’s built around your embryos, your vision, and your timeline—so you can grow your family with confidence, not exhaustion. 

With the rise of advanced fertility technologies, many hopeful parents are asking: Can you choose genes with IVF, and if so, how much?

IVF allows for detailed genetic screening, but not genetic engineering. Knowing which traits can be selected (and which cannot) helps you make empowered, ethical and medically sound choices for your journey.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• What you can and cannot choose through IVF
• How preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) works with surrogacy
• When and why genetic screening may be recommended

If you’re searching for an IVF clinic that provides genetic screening for embryos, we can connect you with a reputable clinic in your area. Fill out our easy form today.

Can You Choose Your Baby’s Genes With IVF?

The short answer is no. At least, not in the way pop culture often suggests. While modern fertility treatments offer powerful genetic insights, they don’t let you pick traits like eye color, intelligence or personality.

Instead, many IVF programs incorporate preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), a tool that helps identify embryos with specific genetic conditions before they are transferred to a gestational surrogate. There are two common types:

• PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy): Screens for chromosomal abnormalities that could impact development or lead to failed implantation.
• PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Disorders): Detects inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs.

These tests don’t change or edit an embryo’s genes. Rather, they provide a detailed look at the genetic makeup that’s already present when sperm and egg combine.

Think of PGT like reading a book, not rewriting the story. You can choose which embryo to transfer based on that information, but you cannot modify or select specific traits beyond medical screening.

Have questions about IVF and genetic screening? Learn more about pre-implantation genetic testing for IVF and surrogacy.

What Can You Choose With IVF?

Most of the traits people imagine choosing, such as eye color, hair color, intelligence or athleticism are polygenic, meaning they are influenced by multiple genes and complex environmental factors.

These traits involve thousands of genetic interactions that science is still learning to decode. Current IVF technology cannot detect or select for these traits, and no test can guarantee them.

What IVF can do is help screen for certain inherited conditions and chromosomal abnormalities, allowing you to prioritize embryo health and pregnancy success. Below is a breakdown of what’s possible and what isn’t.

Can You Choose Eye Color With IVF?

No, you cannot choose eye color with IVF. Although eye color is genetic, it’s influenced by multiple genes that control pigmentation.

IVF clinics do not screen for these cosmetic traits. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is focused on identifying serious medical conditions, not selecting for appearance.

Can You Choose Hair Color With IVF?

No, hair color selection is not possible with IVF. Like eye color, hair color involves multiple genes and can change over time.

IVF with PGT doesn’t include analysis of pigmentation genes and cannot guarantee any particular hair color in a child.

Can You Choose the Sex of Your Baby With IVF?

Yes — to a degree. When using PGT-A, the sex chromosomes of each embryo are visible during testing. This means if you have multiple healthy embryos of different sexes, you can choose which embryo to transfer first.

However, you can only choose from the embryos you already have. There’s no guarantee you’ll produce viable embryos of both sexes, and selection doesn’t influence the creation of future embryos.

Concerned about sex-linked conditions? Learn more about IVF and embryo sex selection.

Can You Remove Certain DNA Through IVF?

No, IVF cannot remove or change an embryo’s DNA. This is a common misconception.

While PGT allows you to analyze the DNA of embryos, it does not modify them. The embryo’s genetic makeup is fixed at the moment of fertilization.

Removing, editing, or altering DNA, such as through CRISPR gene-editing, is not part of any standard IVF or surrogacy process and is not legally permitted in clinical practice in the U.S.

Can IVF Avoid Autism?

No, IVF cannot be used to prevent autism. Autism spectrum disorder is influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, and no single genetic marker determines whether a child will be autistic.

There is currently no test that can screen for or eliminate autism through IVF, and reputable clinics will not make such claims.

Can IVF Avoid Down Syndrome?

Yes, IVF combined with PGT-A can screen for chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21, the cause of Down syndrome. If an embryo has an extra copy of chromosome 21, it will be identified during genetic screening. This allows intended parents to avoid transferring affected embryos, reducing the risk of a Down syndrome diagnosis.

Can You Use IVF to Avoid Cystic Fibrosis?

Yes, IVF can screen for cystic fibrosis (CF) using PGT-M, which looks for mutations in the CFTR gene. If both genetic contributors are carriers, PGT-M helps determine which embryos inherited the faulty gene.

Intended parents can then choose to transfer only unaffected embryos — a crucial option for families with a history of genetic conditions.

How Does Sex Selection Work with IVF and Surrogacy?

Sex selection is one of the few traits you can choose during the IVF process but it’s important to understand how and why.

When you undergo preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), embryologists analyze the chromosomes of each embryo.

As part of this process, they can determine whether each embryo carries XX chromosomes (female) or XY chromosomes (male). If you have healthy embryos of both sexes, you can choose which one to transfer first.

For intended parents pursuing IVF with surrogacy, this may offer a degree of choice, but only within the limits of what your embryo pool allows.

Pros of Sex Selection through IVF

• Family balancing: Can help shape desired family composition
• Medical necessity: May help prevent sex-linked genetic diseases
• Planning flexibility: Gives intended parents more choice in embryo selection

Cons and Considerations

• Ethical concerns: Raises questions about gender preferences and fairness
• Limited embryo options: You can only choose from the embryos available, if none match your preferred sex, you cannot “create” one
• Cultural and societal pressures: May unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes or biases

So while sex selection is one small area where IVF gives you limited control, it’s not equivalent to choosing or changing your baby’s genes. It fits within the broader context of informed embryo selection, not genetic engineering.

Should I Pursue Genetic Screening With IVF for Surrogacy?

Deciding whether to pursue PGT-A or PGT-M involves weighing several factors.

Factors to Consider

Cost is a major consideration. These tests are often paid out-of-pocket:

• PGT-A: ~$2,000 to $5,000 per IVF cycle
• PGT-M: ~$7,000 to $12,000+ per condition

Insurance coverage varies significantly, and many intended parents must plan for these expenses independently.

However, the potential to avoid a failed transfer or a genetic condition may outweigh the cost, depending on your personal circumstances.

When Genetic Screening May Be Recommended

Your fertility specialist may recommend PGT if any of the following apply:

• Maternal age of 35 or older
• History of recurrent pregnancy loss
• Known genetic conditions in your family
• A previous child with chromosomal abnormalities
• Male factor infertility tied to chromosomal issues

For those using donor gametes or gestational surrogates, screening may help ensure that only viable, genetically healthy embryos are transferred, an important step in maximizing success and minimizing risk.

The Role of Genetic Counselors

One of the best resources available during this decision-making process is a genetic counselor. These professionals can:

• Review your medical and family history
• Explain the scope and limitations of testing
• Clarify what conditions PGT may detect in your case
• Help you weigh the cost vs. benefit of testing

You might ask your genetic counselor:

• What specific conditions would testing identify in our case?
• How could the results influence our embryo transfer decisions?
• What’s the accuracy of PGT for our situation?

What Genetic Screening Means for Surrogacy

In the context of surrogacy, genetic screening is not just a medical tool, it’s a key part of the planning process. For intended parents wondering can you choose genes with IVF, the real power lies in understanding genetic information before embryo transfer, especially when a gestational carrier is involved.

Why Timing Matters

Most intended parents complete embryo creation and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) before matching with a surrogate. This timing is important for several reasons:

• Informed embryo selection: You’ll know which embryos are genetically viable
• More predictable outcomes: You reduce the risk of failed transfers or medical complications
• Clearer communication: Everyone,  including the surrogate, understands what to expect

This upfront clarity allows for smoother planning and can ease the emotional toll of later-stage complications or surprises.

Emotional Support During a Complex Process

At American Surrogacy, we understand that genetic testing can reveal difficult realities such as fewer viable embryos than anticipated or the presence of inherited conditions. These moments can be emotionally intense and may affect your decisions about how to move forward.

That’s why our team is committed to walking with you through every step, offering both practical guidance and empathetic support.

Whether you’re interpreting test results, making decisions about embryo transfer, or just looking for reassurance, we’re here to ensure you feel confident and informed.

Genetic Screening Helps You Prepare — Not Control

Ultimately, while you cannot choose or change your baby’s genes with IVF, you can choose how much information you want before proceeding with a transfer. That information helps shape your surrogacy journey with intention and peace of mind.

Ready to Learn More About IVF and Surrogacy?

Building a family through IVF and surrogacy is about love and intention. You deserve clarity and support as you navigate the possibilities of genetic testing.

We’re here to help you build your family in an informed, ethical way. Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy or ready to move forward, having the right support makes all the difference.

Fill out our form to get free information and connect with a surrogacy specialist today.

If you’re ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant, you’re facing one of the most perplexing—and exhausting—PCOS hurdles.

Letrozole is a powerful medication, especially for women with PCOS, but ovulation is only part of the story.

Ready to turn the page?Contact a surrogacy specialist today, and let’s map out a path that finally turns hope into a heartbeat.

Ovulating on Letrozole But Not Getting Pregnant? PCOS May Be to Blame

Letrozole stimulates ovulation, particularly for women with PCOS. However, successful conception involves more than just ovulation.

Many PCOS patients have perfectly timed intercourse yet still face a blank pregnancy test. Why? Because chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance alter the very genes that make the uterine lining “sticky.”

Research shows PCOS endometrium can express fewer integrins and HOXA-10 proteins, crucial for implantation.

Add a fibroid distorting the cavity, or a partner’s subtle DNA fragmentation, and the odds shrink further.

In other words, you can be ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant simply because the embryo’s landing pad or its chromosomal package isn’t quite right.

Learn How Embryo Implantation Works

Other Reasons Letrozole May Not Be Working

Here are some additional reasons letrozole might not lead to conception:

• Luteal Phase Defect: The second half of your cycle may be too short to support implantation.
• Endometrial Issues: Letrozole can thin the uterine lining, making implantation harder.
• Poor Egg Quality: Ovulating doesn’t always mean the eggs are viable.
• Male Factor Infertility: A semen analysis may uncover low motility or count.
• Tubal Blockage: HSG tests can reveal whether the tubes are open.
• Thyroid or Prolactin Levels: Hormonal imbalances can quietly interfere with conception.

If letrozole isn’t working on its own, the next step is simply about gathering more insight—answers that can help guide you toward a path that feels right and hopeful.

How Many Cycles of Letrozole Does it Take to Get Pregnant with PCOS?

Clinical registries reveal that 65–70 % of letrozole-related pregnancies arrive within the first three medicated cycles.

After the sixth cycle, success curves flatten, leading most reproductive endocrinologists—and the latest ASRM practice guidance—to recommend a strategy shift.

So if you’re ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant by cycle four, it’s less about “failure” and more about guarding your calendar, your finances, and your emotional bandwidth before moving to higher-yield options.

When IVF Protocol With Letrozole Is Failing

For some patients who are using letrozole in conjunction with IVF, especially those with a history of thin lining, poor ovarian response or PCOS, letrozole may not deliver the needed hormonal balance or follicular boost when used in antagonist IVF protocols.

In women with PCOS, additional complexities such as insulin resistance, higher baseline LH levels, or impaired endometrial receptivity may further diminish the efficacy of a Letrozole-based approach.

If you’ve experienced recurring implantation failure, it may be time to consider other options like surrogacy, which allows you to bypass the issues contributing to IVF failure.

If you’re utilizing IVF with letrozole for PCOS but not getting pregnant, learn more about when it may be time to consider other options.

Turning Frustration into Insight With Testing

A thorough work-up transforms guesswork into data-driven next steps. Your doctor may start with a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to map your tubes, follow with a saline sonogram to spot polyps or scar tissue and finish with an expanded hormone and metabolic panel, including fasting insulin, thyroid antibodies and prolactin.

Each test asks a specific “why” behind ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant, revealing whether the hurdle lies in anatomy, metabolism or hormonal imbalances. Armed with answers, you can pivot confidently instead of circling the same protocol.

Treatment Power-Ups If You’re On Letrozole for PCOS But Not Pregnant

If you’re not pregnant after multiple letrozole cycles, consider these alternatives:

• Metformin + Letrozole: Lowers insulin, improves egg mitochondria, and modestly bumps clinical pregnancy rates.
• Low-Dose Gonadotropins: Adding tiny FSH doses can double conception odds versus letrozole alone in PCOS cohorts.
• Progesterone Support: Extends a short luteal phase so the embryo isn’t evicted before it settles.
• IVF + PGT-A: Bypasses tubal issues, selects chromosomally normal embryos and slashes miscarriage risk.
• Donor Eggs/Embryos: A compassionate shortcut when egg quality—not uterine environment—is the root block.

When the egg quality roadblock just won’t budge, donor eggs or embryos can offer a compassionate and hopeful path forward, especially if the uterine environment is healthy.

Surrogacy Solutions if You’re Ovulating on Letrozole but Not Getting Pregnant with IVF

For some, the issue is no longer the egg—it’s the uterus. Years of PCOS-related hyperplasia, repeated D&C procedures or adenomyosis can make carrying a pregnancy medically risky or anatomically impossible.

When you’ve produced healthy embryos yet remain ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant, surrogacy becomes a logical, evidence-backed next step.

Your genetic or donor embryo is transferred into a carefully screened carrier whose uterus offers the receptivity yours lacks, turning decades of reproductive science into tomorrow’s baby shower.

If you’ve experienced IVF failure using letrozole for PCOS but still not pregnant, learn more about surrogacy after failed IVF.

American Surrogacy’s Blueprint to Growing Your Family

Choosing surrogacy is choosing partnership. We coordinate directly with your fertility clinic to secure embryo shipment, match you with a surrogate who has passed medical, psychological and background clearances and wrap the entire journey in legal and financial transparency.

You receive milestone updates—first heartbeat, anatomy scan, delivery plan—while your surrogate receives 24/7 support. It’s a dual-care model that keeps your dream and her wellbeing front and center, ensuring that being ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant is merely a chapter, not the ending.

Next-Step Action Plan

It’s okay to feel frustrated or exhausted after months (or years) of trying. But please know, even when letrozole isn’t’ successful, you still have options.

Whether your next step is more testing, a shift to IVF, or exploring surrogacy, you have choices—and you have support.

American Surrogacy can guide you through the possibilities surrogacy can bring with care and compassion.

Explore Our Surrogacy Programs

A growing number of hopeful parents are facing barriers to building families, not because of medical infertility, but due to social infertility.

Social infertility affects many individuals and couples who are biologically able to have children but are held back by external circumstances. These may include relationship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or systemic policies that limit access to fertility care.

If you’re ready to explore inclusive options for becoming a parent, connect with a surrogacy specialist today — your journey starts here.

This article explores what social infertility is, who it affects, and how surrogacy offers a compassionate and empowering path forward for those ready to grow their families.

What Is Social Infertility?

Social infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a child due to social or relational circumstances rather than medical ones. This includes individuals who are healthy and fertile but face barriers because they are single, in same-sex relationships or in partnerships that lack biological compatibility.

Unlike medical infertility, which stems from physical conditions, social infertility arises from systemic limitation, including outdated clinic protocols, restrictive insurance policies and narrow definitions of family in reproductive care.

Who Is Affected by Social Infertility?

Several groups of people face social infertility:

• Single individuals who want to raise a child but don’t have a partner and cannot access fertility treatment without one
• Same-sex couples who require a combination of egg donors, sperm donors and/or gestational surrogates
• Trans and non-binary individuals who may not be biologically compatible with their partners or may face discrimination
• Families with financial limitations whose insurance may not cover fertility treatments unless a medical diagnosis is present

Despite rising awareness, social infertility often remains underrepresented in mainstream conversations. Many of these intended parents encounter extra emotional and logistical challenges on the road to family.

American Surrogacy welcomes all family structures. Whether you’re single, partnered or LGBTQ+, we ensure that your journey is supported with legal, emotional and logistical guidance every step of the way.

If you’re an LGBT parent wanting to grow your family, learn more about our programs for LGBT families.

Emotional Impact of Social Infertility

Experiencing social infertility can come with a wave of complex emotions:

• Grief over not being able to pursue a traditional path to parenthood
• Frustration when facing policies or systems that don’t reflect your reality
• Loneliness, especially when there are few resources or communities that address your situation
• Self-doubt rooted in societal stigma, leaving you wondering if your dream of parenthood is even possible

At American Surrogacy, we want to affirm that your desire to become a parent is valid and that your journey, while different, is no less worthy of support or celebration.

Why Social Infertility Matters

Social infertility is not just a personal issue. It reflects larger shifts in society that deserve recognition and response.

• Changing Social Dynamics: More people are marrying later or not at all, yet still want children. In 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the median age for first marriages is 28 for women and 30 for men.
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Advocacy: While legal protections have improved, barriers persist. A 2022 report found that 36% of LGBTQ+ adults experienced discrimination in the past year.
• Medical Industry Shift: Clinics and agencies are becoming more inclusive, but many are still structured around heterosexual couples.

Without visibility and acknowledgment, critical resources lag behind. Insurance coverage, legislation and support systems often fail to serve people experiencing social infertility. Greater awareness leads to better care for everyone.

How Surrogacy Can Help Hopeful Parents Facing Social Infertility

Surrogacy can be a powerful and empowering solution for people facing social infertility. It helps hopeful parents build families by offering a path that accommodates unique personal circumstances, including being single or part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Here’s how gestational surrogacy works:

• Step 1: The intended parent(s) work with an agency to create a plan.
• Step 2: If needed, they find an egg or sperm donor.
• Step 3: An embryo is created through in vitro fertilization.
• Step 4: The embryo is transferred to a gestational surrogate.
• Step 5: The surrogate carries the pregnancy and delivers the baby.

If you’re concerned about budgeting for journey to parenthood, learn more about our affordable surrogacy options and other financing resources available to you.

Social Infertility Isn’t the End — Take the First Step Toward Parenthood

Experiencing social infertility doesn’t mean your dream of parenthood has to end — just that the path forward may look different.  If you’re ready to explore how surrogacy can support your parenting goals, we invite you to speak with a surrogacy specialist today.

Let’s create a path to parenthood that fits your life. Fill out our free form to get started today.

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.