Experiencing a failed IVF cycle can be a sudden and traumatic loss – couples may experience feelings of grief, anger, and uncertainty about what to do next. Clinically, one or even several failed cycles, does not necessarily mean the end of the line, but does warrant a careful and calm reassessment of both the medical issues and the emotional work that come alongside. After a failed cycle, a psychologist will ensure that the next steps reflect a balance of evidence-based medical reviews and practical, compassion-centred psychological support to assist couples to regain control and be in an informed position to make decisions.
Medical reviews
Medically, it is important to have a structured review of the cycle post failure. A medical review of the cycle will often include reassessment of the embryo quality, uterine and endometrial factors, ovarian response, male factors, and the laboratory protocols, all of which can have a bearing on whether an embryo will implant and subsequently progress. It is also increasingly clear in recent systematic reviews that cause(s) of implantation failure is often multi-faceted, and may include embryo genetics and quality, endometrial receptivity, uterine aetiology, and clinical or laboratory factors. For couples who have experienced recurrent failures, the recommendation is to undergo a staged multi-disciplinary workup with attention to both medical and emotional reviews. This assessment helps clinicians decide if further testing (for example, genetic testing of embryos, scans for uterine pathology, or adjustments in stimulation and transfer techniques) is likely to change the outcome.
Psychological impacts
While the medical team is performing assessments, it is necessary to address the collateral psychological impacts of the procedure immediately. The outcome of an IVF failure typically elicits grief responses that may resemble a bereavement process: sadness, anger, guilt, shame, and feelings of personal failure are prevalent responses. Randomised and controlled studies have documented how arrangements for structured counselling and facilitated support groups significantly shorten the distress period, positively affect participants’ self-esteem, and improve coping in relatives after unsuccessful cycles. Psychological care is not optional; it aids with decision-making, assists couples in learning to tolerate uncertainty, and reduces the risk that stress contributes to ongoing medical issues. Simple interventions — brief individual therapy, couple therapy, or small hope-focused groups — can be remarkably stabilising.
Taking action
It is common for lifestyle and preconception care to be neglected, but these are applicable levers, where couples can take action right away. Research studies to support modifiable factors, such as tobacco and high alcohol use, extreme body weights, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and environmental exposures that were associated with reduced fertility potential and poorer assisted reproductive technology outcomes are modest. Decreases in oxidative damage (with an antioxidant rich diet), normalising your BMI, stopping smoking, and limiting the amount of alcohol and caffeine consumed are all measures that can be taken while your team continues testing. In addition to this, moderate physical activity can be a positive factor in mental and metabolic health, but high-intensity exercise and sudden, drastic weight loss may be harmful. These changes not only potentially improve biological readiness for another cycle, but they also reframe agency: couples can do tangible things while medical answers are sought.
The next practical steps from a psychologist’s lens include allowing a short, intentional pause to process grief (this might be a few weeks, depending on emotional state and medical urgency), communicating openly with your partner about expectations and fears, and seeking professional support — ideally from providers experienced in fertility-related distress. It helps to set small goals: one for emotional recovery (e.g., therapy sessions), one for lifestyle change (e.g., smoking cessation), and one for medical clarity (e.g., a multidisciplinary review meeting with your clinic). Social support — from family, friends, or peer networks — buffers anxiety and improves resilience, and clinics should encourage connections to validated support resources.
In situations of multiple failed transfers, teams of specialists may explore variables around stimulation, embryo selection, and even3 the option to consider donor gametes or surrogacy on a case-by-case basis. With poor prognosis in mind, it is recommended that all parties be counselled up front about realistic chances of conception and applicable alternatives; psychological counselling should also be offered before intervening with a low chance of success.
A shifting point
A no-fault cycle is a very emotionally charged event, but it can also be a shifting point. A thoughtful medical review, prompt psychological support, and a purposeful change of lifestyle can all enhance the chances of viability in subsequent or delayed attempts, whether that is a new cycle, another alternative reproductive technology pathway, or taking stock of your life apart from fertility goals. Caring, collaborative healthcare teams support patients as they move towards making medically sound and emotionally sustainable decisions. If you or your partner is struggling after a failed IVF cycle, request a multidisciplinary review from the clinic, and remember, it is normal to feel lost now, but that does not constrain other opportunities in the future.
(M.J. Saranya is a senior psychological counsellor at Nova IVF Fertility, Coimbatore. mj.saranya@novaivffertiliy.com)
Published – October 11, 2025 04:00 pm IST
