Seeing a negative result after weeks of injections, appointments, and hope is one of the hardest moments in the fertility journey. It feels like grief. You might feel angry, betrayed by your body, or scared that it will never happen.

First, take a deep breath. You did nothing wrong. Did you drink that one cup of coffee? Did you walk too fast? No. These things do not cause IVF failure. The reality is that human reproduction is complex. Even in nature, perfectly healthy couples only have a 20-25% chance of conceiving each month. IVF improves these odds, but it rarely guarantees 100% success on the first try.

At Karetrip, we know that a failed cycle is not a full stop—it is a detour. This guide explains the medical reasons why it might have happened and how doctors use this information to make the next cycle successful.

Reason 1: Embryo Quality (The Chromosomal Factor)

One of the most common reasons, especially as age increases is IVF failure (about 70-80% of cases) is chromosomal abnormality in the embryo. Even a "good-looking" embryo under the microscope might have missing or extra chromosomes (aneuploidy).

• The Reality: The uterus is smart. If it detects a genetic error, it naturally prevents implantation to avoid an unhealthy pregnancy.
• The Solution: For the next cycle, your doctor might recommend PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing). This biopsy checks the embryo's DNA before transfer to ensure it is genetically normal. PGT-A may be helpful in selected cases but does not guarantee success.

Reason 2: Implantation Failure (The Soil)

Sometimes the "seed" (embryo) is perfect, but the "soil" (uterus) isn't ready.

• Lining Thickness: If the uterine lining is too thin (under 7mm), the embryo struggles to stick.
• Polyps or Fibroids: Small growths inside the uterus can act like an IUD, blocking implantation.
• The Window of Implantation: Every woman has a specific window of time when her uterus is receptive. For some, this window opens earlier or later than average.
• The Solution: Tests like a Hysteroscopy (camera inside the uterus) or an ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) test can pinpoint the exact issue.

Reason 3: Ovarian Response

Sometimes the issue happens before the transfer. If the ovaries didn't respond well to medication, we might get fewer eggs or lower-quality eggs.

The Solution: This is often fixed by changing the Protocol. Your doctor might switch your medication dosage or the type of trigger shot used to get a better response next time.

The "Cumulative Success" Effect

Here is the statistic that gives hope: Success rates increase with the number of attempts. A study published in major medical journals shows that while the success rate for one cycle might be 30-40%, the cumulative success rate after three cycles rises to nearly 65-70%. Your doctor learns something valuable from every failed cycle. The first attempt is often diagnostic; the second attempt is where the protocol is perfected.

Cumulative pregnancy chances increase over multiple cycles, especially in younger patients

Conclusion: Grieve, Then Plan

It is okay to take a break. Take a month or two to let your body and mind heal. A failed cycle does not mean you are infertile; it just means we haven't found the right key for the lock yet. When you are ready, schedule a "post-mortem" review with your fertility specialist to discuss what changes can be made for Round 2.

At Karetrip, we help patients understand symptoms early—before complications develop. We assist with:

• Connecting you to male fertility and IVF specialists.
• Diagnostic planning and second opinions.
• Medical visas, travel, and accommodation.
• End-to-end patient support.

Concerned about your fertility metrics or need a second opinion? Chat with our WhatsApp agent RUA for clear guidance and next steps.

Medical Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog, including text, statistics regarding success rates, and medical explanations, is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fertility outcomes are highly individual and depend on factors such as age, medical history, and genetic profile. Specific procedures mentioned (such as PGT-A or ERA) may not be suitable or effective for every patient. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified fertility specialist with any questions you may have regarding a failed IVF cycle or future treatment plans. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Karetrip website. Karetrip does not endorse any specific tests, physicians, or procedures mentioned herein. Reliance on any information provided by Karetrip is solely at your own risk.