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Coming to terms with a failed embryo transfer is one of the hardest parts of the surrogacy process, particularly when you feel like you did everything by the book.
If your surrogate transfer failed with normal high-grade embryos, you are likely dealing with a heavy mix of emotions. There is no right or wrong way to feel.
It is important to know right now that this setback doesn't mean your path to parenthood has ended. By looking at the medical variables and the simple element of biological timing, you can begin to navigate these next steps with a clearer sense of how to move forward.
Take control of your journey and discover the proactive steps you can take today by connecting with a surrogacy specialist to learn more.
Our Transfer With Our GC Failed with a High-Grade PGT Embryo
When a transfer doesn't result in a pregnancy, the emotions that follow are intense and completely valid. It’s easy to assume that a "perfect" embryo should lead to a perfect result, but reproductive medicine rarely works in a straight line.
Even high-grade embryos frequently require more than one attempt before a successful pregnancy takes hold.
A failed euploid embryo transfer is not a reflection of your efforts, nor does it automatically mean something is wrong with your gestational carrier. Research on IVF failure shows that while high-grade embryos offer better statistical odds, they are not a guaranteed pregnancy.
Accepting that this is a common part of the process—rather than a personal failure—is a vital part of preparing for what comes next.
Why Do Euploid Embryos Fail to Implant?
While PGT-A testing confirms that an embryo has the right number of chromosomes, it cannot account for every biological factor involved in a pregnancy.
Research published in Fertility and Sterility highlights that even with a chromosomally normal embryo, failed euploid embryo transfers happen, and success relies on a highly specific "dialogue" between the embryo and the uterine environment.
Common reasons why PGT embryos fail include:
The transfer has to happen during a very specific timeframe when the uterine lining is most receptive. The way an embryo responds to freezing, thawing, and the transfer technique itself can influence the outcome. Sometimes, despite ideal conditions, an embryo simply does not grow for reasons that science cannot yet fully explain. Beyond chromosomes, the DNA integrity of the egg and sperm still plays a role in how the embryo develops after transfer.
What PGT-A testing actually measures — and what it doesn’t
To get a better handle on why PGT embryos fail, it helps to look at what the test is actually checking. PGT-A testing looks for chromosomal normalcy, which helps doctors identify which embryos have a higher chance of sticking and reduces the risk of a miscarriage.
However, PGT-A doesn't measure an embryo's overall health or its specific ability to attach to the uterus.
It is a tool used to improve your odds, but it cannot promise a baby. Shifting your perspective to see genetic testing results as a way to lower risk—rather than a guarantee—can help you manage the emotional weight of a failed cycle.
Failed embryo transfer with a high-grade 5AA embryo — what it really means
Expectations are naturally high when you are transferring a "5AA" embryo, which is often considered the best possible grade. On communities like Reddit's IVF forum, many parents have shared the specific sting of a 5AA failure.
As one user put it, "Because no transfer is 100% guaranteed. My doctor said I was healthy enough at 28 to be an egg donor (MFI only) yet my first transfer failed. Doctor said it was just bad luck.”
Another commenter added, “Probably no one can tell you for sure why, but its thought that most of the time, failures are due to the embryo. Most people (95%) will be successful after 3 euploid transfers with no change in protocol. So the chances are good that all you need to do is keep trying.”
What a failed transfer with a 5AA really shows is that morphology is not a certainty.
Grading describes how the embryo looks to an embryologist—its cell density and shape—but it doesn't reveal its internal genetic drive or its ability to thrive once inside the uterus. Grading predicts a higher probability of success, but it cannot account for the random biological factors that occur during implantation.
What Are the Chances of Success After Two Failed Euploid Embryo Transfers with Our Surrogate?
If you have gone through two failed transfers, you might feel like you're running out of options. However, the number of transfers required for success in surrogacy remains very encouraging, and parenthood is still within reach.
Most intended parents see success within one or two attempts. The success rate often climbs with subsequent transfers as your medical team learns more about how the surrogate responds to the protocol.
If a second transfer fails, your Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) will likely suggest extra diagnostic steps, such as an ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis), to make sure the timing is perfect.
While success rates can start to dip after three failures, many families reach their goal by fine-tuning the medical approach after the first few tries.
Surrogate Embryo Transfer Success Rates — What’s Realistic?
Surrogacy success rates are typically higher than in standard IVF. This is because gestational carriers have a proven track record of healthy pregnancies, which eliminates many of the uterine concerns that can complicate traditional IVF.
While general statistics are a good starting point, you should inquire about your specific fertility clinic’s success rates.
Different labs and transfer protocols can lead to different outcomes, so getting data from your own team is essential.
What To Do After Multiple Failed Surrogate Embryo Transfers with Good Embryos
If you are facing several failed transfers, it is time to sit down with your agency and your doctor to look at the long-term strategy. Your next steps will likely involve:
Your doctor might adjust your surrogate's medication or the timing of the transfer. After two failures, doctors usually want a closer look at the surrogate's uterine environment. Assessing how many embryos you have left and deciding if you need to create more. Most surrogacy contracts include provisions for up to three transfer attempts.
How American Surrogacy Helps Reduce Risk with Highly-Qualified Surrogates
At American Surrogacy, we know that the medical side of this is only one part of the story. We work to lower the risk of failure by requiring every surrogate in our program to have a history of successful, healthy pregnancies.
We also perform an intensive medical record review before a surrogate is ever cleared to match with you.
Our team stays in close contact with your clinic to make sure every detail of the transfer is handled correctly. If you ever need to find a new match, we are ready to help you rematch quickly so your journey doesn't stall.
Most importantly, our Limited Risk Program allows for unlimited matching without you having to pay new agency fees for every match, giving you the financial breathing room to keep going until you hold your baby.
If you are ready to find a program that protects your dream of starting a family, you can start your journey today by connecting with our specialists.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or procedure.