How long do I need to wait between IVF cycles? Is it better to take a break between IVF cycles? What is the time I should wait between fertility treatments? These are all fertility specialists who get asked quite frequently regarding the typical fertility treatment timeline. Dr. Marcy Maguire, an RMA reproductive endocrinologist, answers all your questions.
I had an unsuccessful IVF or IUI treatment cycle. Should I wait some time before trying to conceive again, or should I try sooner rather than later?
Our approach is to carefully evaluate every unsuccessful cycle and optimize the next one. What kind of treatment cycle have you just completed? We recommend you speak with your fertility specialist to determine your best course of action.
How Long Should You Wait Between IUI Cycles?
In general, for women who ovulate regularly and have unexplained infertility, I recommend up to three months of Clomid in conjunction with intrauterine insemination (IUI). Clomid is an oral medication regularly prescribed for ovulation induction or for patients with unexplained infertility.
In women who do not ovulate regularly due to polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS), I would consider three or four cycles of Femara with intrauterine insemination.
Femara is an oral medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for breast cancer treatment. The medication has been used by reproductive endocrinologists since 2000 for its off-label use of ovulation induction.
Letrozole has been shown to be more effective than Clomid for women with PCOS.
How Long Should You Wait Between IVF Cycles?
Medical thinking on how long you should wait between cycles of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has changed over the last several years. Research published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that an immediate frozen embryo transfer after a failed IVF cycle resulted in higher pregnancy and live birth rates.
The length of time you should wait depends on several factors and varies from patient to patient.
Keep in mind if you are of the age where your egg quality and quantity are decreasing, waiting can further reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
Our practice is exceptionally hands-on. Each patient works closely with a single physician to choose the next treatment cycle to help couples conceive in the shortest amount of time possible.
Infertility Treatment FAQs with Dr. Marcy Maguire
