When an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle is unsuccessful, one of the most frequently asked questions is how long you should wait before trying again. The answer is not universal and should not be based solely on the need to “rest”, but on an objective medical assessment that allows the next treatment to be optimised without compromising the chances of success.
Is it always necessary to wait before repeating IVF?
There is no standard waiting time to all patients. In many cases, it is possible to start a new attempt in the next cycle or after a short rest period, if there are no medical contraindications.
The key is to analyse what happened in the previous cycle and whether adjustments to the treatment are necessary before repeating it.
Clinical factors that define the waiting time
Among the most relevant clinical factors are the patient's age, ovarian response during stimulation, the number and quality of embryos obtained, and the type of protocol used. In older women, delaying the next attempt without a clear medical reason may decrease the chances of success. In other cases, however, it may be useful to make minor adjustments before repeating the treatment.
A particularly important aspect of the waiting time is the availability of cryopreserved embryos from the previous cycle. The transfer of frozen embryos does not require further ovarian stimulation or puncture to obtain oocytes, making it a simpler and better tolerated process.
On the other hand, if a new ovarian puncture is necessary to obtain oocytes, the treatment will follow the same phases as the previous cycle. In this context, having already gone through the process gives many patients a greater sense of control and peace of mind, as they already know each of the steps.
The balance between time and probability of success
Waiting too long does not always improve the prognosis, and in certain situations it can even reduce it. The aim is not to simply rest, but to use time strategically to identify and correct those factors that can improve the outcome of the next cycle.
Therefore, a detailed review of the failed cycle is an essential step before making any decisions.
Dr Cristina Guix
Gynaecologist specialist in fertility at Barcelona IVF
