Why second IVF cycles are much easier than the first

Many women go to pieces when their first IVF cycle fails; and some will just give up trying to have a baby after this failure.

This is a tragedy, because second IVF cycles are often much easier than your first cycle.

For one, you know what to expect. The fear of the unknown has gone away; and you have
learned that there is no pain or surgery during the IVF treatment . Also, you have an additional comfort factor, because you have now established a relationship with your doctor and the nurses.

More importantly, you now have much more realistic expectations. In the first IVF cycle hopes are always very high. You expect this to work finally - after all, you've spent so much time, money and energy to get to this stage ! Surely God will not be so unkind and allow this cycle to
fail. Isn't IVF technology much better these days ? And wasn't your doctor very hopeful ? And weren't your embryos of Grade A quality ? How can the cycle fail when you've done everything right ?

The sad truth is that most cycles do fail, unfortunately, for reasons which are beyond our control. Human reproduction is an inefficient enterprise, whether it's in the bedroom or in the clinic.

Patients who have dealt with IVF failure are much more emotionally resilient. They can deal better with the IVF emotional roller coaster ride, and are much less stressed out.

Second cycles are much easier for IVF doctors as well ! We know how your body responds to the meds and can fine tune and tweak the protocol to optimise your ovarian response.