In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is one of the most common fertility treatments, and also one of the most successful. IVF assists with each stage of conception to address a wide range of fertility issues, including unknown causes of infertility. Although IVF has high rates of success, it does not always work on the first try.
If patients fail to get pregnant, they are often eager to learn how long to wait after an unsuccessful IVF cycle before trying again.
Fertility specialists at CCRM Fertility of Arizona help individuals from Scottsdale, AZ, Gilbert, AZ, and surrounding areas consider the best timing between IVF cycles, and why taking a break can be beneficial.
.
Ideal Spacing Between IVF Cycles
There are a lot of factors that go into determining the ideal spacing between IVF cycles. It is important to consider the patient’s age, their fertile health, and their emotional well-being. Additionally, IVF spacing may be dependent on whether the cycle will start completely from the beginning (meaning the patient needs to undergo ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval) or whether there are frozen embryos from a previous cycle that are ready for use.
While our doctors look at the details of each patient’s situation to advise them how long they should wait between IVF cycles, there are some general guidelines. The standard spacing between IVF cycles is around four to six weeks after a negative pregnancy test. Basically, it is ideal to wait until the patient has gone through at least one full menstrual cycle before starting another round of IVF.
Why Do I Need a Break?
After undergoing an unsuccessful IVF cycle, many women are understandably eager to try again. Although waiting four to six weeks can feel like a long time, there are some reasons that this small break is recommended.
- Let inflammation subside – The medications used for ovarian stimulation are likely to cause some degree of inflammation in the reproductive system. Inflammation is not a big concern, but most doctors agree it is best to let the inflammation subside before starting a new IVF cycle.
- Reduce stress/anxiety – Any fertility treatment can be stressful, especially if it is unsuccessful. It is good to take a break, focus on something else for a while, and let the mind unwind a bit.
- Financial considerations – IVF treatment can be pricey. For some, a break is necessary to get finances in order and prepare to pay for another cycle of treatment.
Preparing for Your Next IVF Cycle
After a failed IVF attempt, our doctors will consider what may have caused treatment to be unsuccessful, and whether we should make any adjustments for the next IVF cycle. We will discuss these considerations with our patients, but there is nothing they need to do to prepare for the next round of treatment, other than keeping the mind and body as healthy as possible. In the weeks leading up to a second IVF cycle, we suggest:
- Eating a well-balanced diet that is high in nutrients
- Staying physically active, but avoiding high-impact activities
- Finding moments to relax and let the mind focus (yoga, meditation, deep breathing, etc.)
