Why Embryo Viability Testing Can Make a Difference After IVF Failure

Estimated Reading Time: 7–8 minutes

Table of Contents

• Why IVF Cycles Sometimes Fail
• How Embryo Viability Testing Works
• Why Testing Matters After IVF Failure
• Support and Options for Building Your Family After IVF Setbacks

Experiencing an unsuccessful IVF cycle can feel discouraging, especially after investing time, hope, and emotional energy into treatment. Many individuals begin to wonder what went wrong and what they can do differently in their next attempt. One of the most meaningful steps after IVF failure is understanding embryo health more clearly, and this is where embryo viability testing becomes an important tool.

Embryo viability testing, often performed through preimplantation genetic testing, helps determine which embryos have the best chance of implanting and developing into a healthy pregnancy. For individuals who have gone through a failed cycle, this information can be a turning point in planning their next steps.

Why IVF Cycles Sometimes Fail

IVF success depends on many factors, including egg quality, sperm quality, uterine environment, embryo development, and overall genetic health. Even when everything appears normal, embryos may not implant or may stop developing due to subtle chromosomal issues that cannot be seen under a microscope.

Studies show that chromosomal abnormalities are one of the most common reasons for IVF failure. These abnormalities can occur at any age but become more common for individuals over 35. When an embryo has the wrong number of chromosomes, it is less likely to implant and more likely to result in miscarriage or an unsuccessful cycle.

This is why embryo viability testing can provide the clarity many individuals need after an unexpected outcome.

How Embryo Viability Testing Works

Embryo viability testing is usually done through preimplantation genetic testing, also known as PGT. There are different types of PGT based on your needs.

• PGT-A: Checks for missing or extra chromosomes.
• PGT-M: Tests for specific inherited genetic conditions.
• PGT-SR: Looks for chromosome rearrangements that can affect development.

During PGT, a few cells are carefully taken from the embryo after it grows to the blastocyst stage. The embryo continues to grow in the lab or stays frozen while the cells are tested. The purpose is to find the embryos with the highest chance of developing into a healthy pregnancy.

Why Testing Matters After IVF Failure

For many individuals, embryo viability testing provides meaningful insights that were not available during earlier cycles. Some of the most important benefits include:

1. Identifying Chromosomally Healthy Embryos

Individuals often learn that previous embryos may not have implanted simply because they were chromosomally abnormal. Identifying healthy embryos can improve the success rate in the next cycle.

2. Reducing the Risk of Repeated Failure

Choosing embryos with better viability helps reduce the chance of another unsuccessful cycle, saving emotional, financial, and physical strain over time.

3. Providing Answers and Direction

Many individuals and couples feel lost after IVF failure. Seeing genetic results gives them a clearer understanding of what may have contributed to the outcome and helps them plan confidently for their next steps.

4. Supporting Individuals Over 35

Because age increases the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, embryo viability testing becomes especially helpful for those who want to improve their chances while preparing for another transfer.

5. Enhancing the Safety of Single Embryo Transfer

Selecting a chromosomally normal embryo allows many individuals to avoid transferring multiple embryos at once, lowering pregnancy risks while still supporting strong success rates.

Support and Options for Building Your Family After IVF Setbacks

After an IVF cycle does not succeed, many individuals want clearer insight into what they can improve for next time. At Palm Beach Fertility Center, the focus is on helping you understand your experience and offering new options that create a stronger path forward. Instead of repeating the same plan, our team looks at what may support better results, such as embryo health, egg and sperm quality, and the overall treatment approach.

If embryo viability testing is recommended for your situation, we offer access to testing options like PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR. These evaluations are available through our ovation genetics services and can help determine which embryos have the highest potential for a healthy pregnancy. For many individuals, having this information brings greater clarity and confidence as they prepare for their next steps.

We also offer a variety of treatment paths to match different needs. Some individuals choose EZIVF, a less expensive alternative to traditional IVF that still provides many benefits of lab-assisted fertilization. Others find value in relaxation treatments that support emotional well-being and help reduce stress during fertility care.

Your next steps may include another IVF cycle, a frozen embryo transfer, or additional testing to learn more about the reproductive factors that influence success. Our team explains each option clearly and patiently so you can choose the approach that feels right for you.

Throughout the process, individuals receive steady guidance and compassionate support from a team that understands how challenging fertility treatment can be. Our goal is to help you move forward with renewed hope, confidence, and a personalized plan that supports your family-building goals.

Call (888) 819-5177 or fill out our online form to schedule your fertility checkup. Our team will help you explore the path that aligns with your goals and brings new hope for your journey ahead.