The Path to Parenthood: Not on the First Try, but with Every Attempt
Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that concerns many patients and, unfortunately, is sometimes surrounded by misconceptions: IVF and its success rate. One of the most common beliefs I encounter in my practice is: "If IVF didn't work the first time, it's not meant to be, and you should give up." This is a deeply mistaken and, most importantly, unfair belief toward you. In this article, I will try to explain why this is not the case, based on scientific data and my many years of experience as a women's health doctor.
The First Attempt is Not a Verdict, but Information
When a couple undergoes their first IVF cycle, of course, our primary hope is for success. We rely on a well-thought-out strategy discussed with the couple, on the patient's adherence to the doctor's recommendations, and on the trust between the couple and the doctor. Success is the result of a collaborative effort. However, it is important to remember that the first attempt is, in essence, a diagnostic cycle. Although each body is unique and its reaction to stimulation, the quality of embryos, and the specifics of implantation can vary, it is this meticulous diagnosis, a well-built strategy, and adherence to all recommendations that allow us to account for these nuances. Even though we put in every effort and carefully follow the plan, the first attempt does not always lead to success.
At this point, when so much hope and effort have been invested, it is extremely important to remember: the first setback is not a failure but a valuable source of information. It gives us the opportunity to understand how your body reacts to the treatment and allows us to make adjustments to the next protocol. Based on this information, we can optimize the protocol, possibly change the stimulation scheme, adjust the luteal phase support, or consider other approaches such as preimplantation genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A). This personalized approach significantly increases the chances of success in future cycles.
Science is on Our Side: Cumulative IVF Success Rates
It is important to look at IVF success not from the perspective of a single cycle, but from the perspective of cumulative success—that is, the probability of having a baby after several attempts, not just one. International scientific societies such as the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) regularly publish detailed statistical data that confirm this principle.
According to the latest data from ASRM and ESHRE, the cumulative success rates of IVF significantly increase with each subsequent attempt. For example, according to SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology), which is associated with ASRM, for women under 35, the cumulative success rate after three full IVF cycles can reach 70-75% (SART, 2024). This is almost twice as high as the success rate of a single attempt.
Moreover, the latest publications from ESHRE in 2024 and 2025 (ESHRE, 2024; ESHRE, 2025) also confirm that the chances of success increase with each new attempt. This shows that persistence and a willingness to continue the journey with an experienced reproductive endocrinologist pay off.
Why Can Each Subsequent Attempt Be More Successful?
Each setback not only gives us information but also allows us to improve our tactics. We can:
- Change the stimulation protocol. If the previous cycle resulted in an insufficient number of eggs or low quality, we can use a milder or, conversely, a more intensive scheme.
- Review medication support. Based on your body's reaction, we can adjust hormonal support to create ideal conditions for implantation.
- Apply additional methods. Sometimes, auxiliary techniques are added to the protocol, such as laser hatching, PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy), ERA test (endometrial receptivity analysis), and others.
- Improve the quality of the embryology stage. The embryology laboratory is constantly evolving, using the latest technologies for embryo selection and cultivation, which also increases the chances of success.
I understand that each IVF attempt is not only a financial cost but also a huge emotional burden. This is a journey that requires great patience and inner strength. I want each of my patients to know that we do not simply "make attempts," hoping for luck. We create a strategy with you that becomes more accurate and effective with each step. We make improvements every time, based on all our accumulated experience and advanced scientific knowledge, to bring you as close as possible to your cherished goal.
Not Just Statistics, but an Individualized Approach
The story of each couple is unique. This is why the role of the reproductive endocrinologist is to be your reliable guide on this journey, developing an individual treatment plan that takes into account all factors: from age and diagnosis to the results of previous cycles and overall health. The doctor not only applies medical knowledge but also provides emotional support, helping you cope with this difficult task.
Therefore, if you have faced a setback, please do not give up. It is not the end of your journey, but an opportunity for a deeper analysis of the situation and the search for a new, more effective solution together with a specialist.
Remember that each attempt is a step forward. Persistence, combined with advanced scientific achievements and a competent approach, significantly increases your chances of success. The path to parenthood may be long, but with each new step, it becomes closer.
If you have questions or doubts, do not hesitate to contact any qualified reproductive endocrinologist. Our task is to educate and support you. We are here to help you navigate this path with confidence and hope.
For a personalized consultation, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Irina Ivanovna Ergül — an experienced specialist in reproductive medicine, member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), who recently attended the organization’s international conference in Paris.
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References:
- ESHRE. (2025). The European IVF Monitoring Programme (EIM). Human Reproduction, 40(5), 1083–1098.
- ESHRE. (2024). The European IVF Monitoring Programme (EIM). Human Reproduction, 39(5), 987–1002.
- SART. (2024). The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Summary Report.
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2023). Infertility: An ASRM Fact Sheet.
- SART. (2023). The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Summary Report.