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Receiving news of a failed surrogate embryo transfer is undeniably heavy. After months of medical prep and emotional build-up, a negative pregnancy test feels like a major blow.
But it’s important to remember that a failed embryo transfer for surrogacy is often a temporary hurdle in a process that still leads to you bringing your baby home.
At American Surrogacy, we’ve walked this path with many families, helping you handle the logistics and the emotions of what comes next.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and need a clear path forward, get the professional support you deserve to keep your journey on track.
What Happens If Our Surrogate Embryo Transfer Fails?
The most important thing to know is that it’s very common to need more than one transfer attempt to achieve a pregnancy.
Even in a controlled clinical environment, human reproduction is complicated. Many factors—from embryo genetics to the timing of the transfer—have to line up perfectly.
We know the disappointment you’re feeling, and it is okay to take time to process the hope you had for this attempt. However, a negative result is a setback, but it isn't the end of your path to parenthood.
Many successful surrogacy stories involve a second or third transfer, and we offer the medical next steps and support systems needed to help you try again when the time is right.
How Common Is a Failed Embryo Transfer in Surrogacy?
A failed embryo transfer for surrogacy on the first try is not unusual and doesn’t mean you won't become a parent.
Statistics show that the chance of success usually goes up with each attempt, typically only starting to plateau after the third transfer.
If you’re worried about the failure, talk to your doctor about their success rates.
One benefit of working with an agency like ours is our screening. Because our surrogates have prior pregnancies, the chance of repeated failure is often lower than in standard IVF cases.
How Many Embryo Transfers Can We Do?
The answer to how many embryo transfers you can do depends mostly on what you agreed to in your surrogacy contract. Most families and surrogates agree to three attempts, though this is a personal choice you make together.
When you look at clinical data, you’ll see the term “Cumulative Live Birth Rates.” In plain English, these SART outcome tables show that success is measured over all the transfers you do, not just the first one.
Building a family through surrogacy can sometimes take a few tries, and the data reflects that.
What Testing Happens After a Failed Transfer?
If you're asking what happens if an embryo transfer fails medically, your Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) will review the cycle. Often, REs delay extra testing until after two failures.
That said, you can always ask for specific tests to do after a failed embryo transfer sooner if it helps you feel more confident about the next round.
Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA)
One common tool is the endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA). This test checks your surrogate’s "implantation window" by taking a small sample of the uterine lining.
It helps doctors see if they need to shift the transfer timing or adjust progesterone levels to better match her body’s cycle.
EMMA and ALICE Testing
Your doctor might also recommend EMMA and ALICE testing to check the environment of the uterus:
Checks for the healthy uterine microbiome needed for an embryo to implant. Looks for specific bacteria that cause chronic inflammation, which can get in the way of a successful transfer.
Hysteroscopy After Failed FET
A hysteroscopy after failed FET is another way to get answers by allowing for direct uterine visualization.
A doctor uses a tiny camera to look inside the uterus for polyps, scar tissue, or other small issues that don't always show up on an ultrasound.
If they find anything, they can often fix it right then to improve the chances for the next transfer.
How Soon After a Failed Embryo Transfer Can You Try Again?
Most clinics ask you to wait one or two menstrual cycles.
This gives the surrogate’s body time to reset from the medications and gives the medical team a chance to tweak the next plan.
When Should We Consider a New Surrogate?
One failed transfer does NOT mean you need a new surrogate. Usually, the issue is related to the embryo or the timing, not the carrier.
Your contract will usually state how many tries you'll make with one surrogate.
If you and your doctor eventually decide it’s time for a change, we can help you match with someone new, usually within 1–4 months.
What Does This Mean for Our Surrogacy Timeline?
A failed transfer adds time to your journey, but it doesn't stop it. If you stay with the same surrogate, you're looking at a 1–2 month wait for medical clearance.
If you decide to find a new surrogate, the delay is typically two to four months.
How American Surrogacy Supports You After a Failed Transfer
We are here to help you navigate the "what now" part of this process. After a failed transfer, our team will coordinate medical communication, review next steps with your clinic, and help you find a new match quickly if that’s the path you choose.
We are with you every step of the way until you have your baby in your arms.
If you’re ready to look at a new path or explore a rematch, speak with a specialist who can help you shorten your wait time and get back on track.
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.