Multiple rounds of treatment (without success)

 

In 2020, in Australia and New Zealand, only 1 in 4 women achieved a live birth in their first IVT cycle

It’s more common than you may think for people to undergo multiple cycles of IVF5,6

You may be experiencing a lot of emotions right now, including disappointment. But, it’s important to know that you are not alone in this experience.

Many people need more than one round of IVF to become pregnant, so it’s important to be realistic and patient through this process.6

Here are some suggestions to help you plan the next steps in your journey

Hope for the best, and reflect on past cycles

Take a moment to reflect on how you feel and how your treatment has been going. Refer back to your initial expectations:

  • What was your plan?
  • Have you reached the number of cycles you were willing to undergo?
    • If so, it’s okay to say you’ve reached the end of your IVF journey; there
 are other options available to explore
    • If not, it’s okay to take a breather and resume when you’re ready again

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn more about your situation

Be curious. Write down any questions you may have for your fertility specialist.

Discover alternatives to parenthood that don’t include ART

There is no one correct path to parenthood. Learn about other ways to create your family.

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Our brochure provides tips and support for continuing the journey after multiple cycles.

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What are some proactive steps you can take to support your fertility journey?

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  1. Edwards T (host). The emotional impact of infertility and how to heal[ audio podcast episode ]. July 2020. In: Time to talk fertility. Fertility Centers of Illinois. Available at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-emotional-impact-of-infertility-and-how-toheal/id1509590457?i=1000486531663. Accessed January 2024.
  2. Centre of Perinatal Excellence. When becoming pregnant isn’t easy. Available at: https://www.cope.org.au/planning-a-family/happening. Accessed January 2024.
  3. Simionescu G, et al. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21(4): 306.
  4. Uhler M (host). 20 fertility myths: true or false[ audio podcast episode ]. September 2020. Doctor Podcasting. Available at: https://radiomd.com/audio-player/fcionlineg/item/42997-20-fertility-myths-true-or-false. Accessed October 2022.
  5. Harrison C, et al. Hum Reprod 2022; 37(3): 488–98.
  6. Newman JE, et al. Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand 2020. Sydney: National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, UNSW Sydney. Available at: https://npesu.unsw.edu.au/surveillance/assisted-reproductive-technology-australia-and-new-zealand-2020. Accessed July 2023.
  7. Rodgers A (host). How to boost your fertility naturally[ audio podcast episode ]. June 2020. Doctor Podcasting. Available at: https://radiomd.com/audio-player/fcionlineg/item/41891-how-to-boost-your-fertility-naturally. Accessed October 2022.
  8. Your Fertility. Thinking about having a baby? Available at: https://www.yourfertility.org.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/Thinking_about_having_a_baby_resource.pdf. Accessed October 2022.
  9. Healthline. How does sperm morphology affect fertility? Reviewed August 2017. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/sperm-morphology. Accessed October 2022.
  10. The Fertility Society of Australia, Pre-Conception Health Special Interest Group. The effects of environmental chemicals on fertility and fecundity. April 2021. Available at: https://www.yourfertility.org.au/sites/default/files/2021-04/FSA%20The%20effects%20of%20environmental%20chemicals%20on%20fertility%20and%20fecundity%20April%202021.pdf. Accessed March 2023.
  11. Quit. Smoking and fertility. Available at: https://www.quit. org.au/articles/smoking-and-fertility. Accessed October 2022.
  12. Zhang LJ, et al. BC Med J 2020; 62(9): 323–27.
  13. Ricci E, et al. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34(1): 38–47.
  14. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and pregnancy. Reviewed June 2020. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/tobacco-alcohol-drugs-and-pregnancy. Accessed November 2021.