After weeks of appointments, injections and waiting, hearing that your IVF cycle has not worked can be difficult. You may feel disappointed, tired or unsure where to go from here. You might want to try again quickly, or you may not feel ready to think about another cycle yet.
This tells us IVF does not always work on the first attempt, even when treatment goes as planned. The chances of pregnancy vary from person to person, and age is one of the factors that can affect the outcome.
To put this into context, Alpha IVF Singapore’s data up to 2025 showed the following clinical pregnancy rates per frozen blastocyst transfer for cycles without preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). A blastocyst is an embryo at a later stage of development. [6]
| Age group | Clinical pregnancy rate |
| Below 34 years | 72% |
| 35 to 39 years | 65% |
| Above 40 years | 37% |
| Overall | 59% |
A clinical pregnancy is a pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound. These figures are not live birth rates or a prediction of your own result.
Your doctor can help you understand what your previous cycle and medical history mean for your options. An unsuccessful attempt does not automatically mean the next one will have the same outcome. [1]
So, where do you go from here? These five steps can help you look after yourself and work through the practical decisions ahead.
Step 1 Check your recovery instructions
Start with the immediate details. Confirm with your clinic what to do with any remaining prescribed medication, whether further appointments are needed, and whom to contact if you feel unwell or have concerns. Follow your treatment team’s instructions rather than advice from someone who had a different treatment plan.
Ask when you can return to your usual activities and when another cycle could be medically appropriate. Your doctor can advise based on the treatment you had and your recovery. You do not need to commit to another attempt while discussing these questions. [2]
Step 2 Choose the support you need
You may want to talk about what happened, or you may prefer some privacy. Let the people close to you know what would help. A simple response such as “We’re taking some time to process this and will share more when we’re ready” can make repeated questions easier to handle.
If you have a partner, check in with each other without assuming you feel the same way. One of you may want to discuss the next cycle while the other needs a little space. A counsellor with experience in fertility concerns can offer another place to talk. [3]
Step 3 Think about how treatment would fit into daily life
If you are considering another attempt, think about what made the last cycle difficult to manage. Was it getting to appointments, arranging time away from work, travelling to the clinic, or keeping up with responsibilities at home?
Ask the clinic about the likely appointment schedule and which dates may change. This can help you to plan leave, transport and practical support without relying on an exact timetable. You could also discuss with your partner or someone you trust on specific help, such as accompanying you to an appointment or taking on household tasks. Small arrangements can make the planning feel more manageable.
Step 4 Work out the costs before committing
Request a written estimate for the treatment being considered. Check whether medicines, scans, procedures, embryo freezing and storage are included, and ask which charges could vary. A frozen embryo transfer and another egg collection cycle may involve different costs, so clarify which plan the estimate covers.
For IVF treatment in Singapore, MediSave may be used for eligible assisted conception procedures, subject to per-cycle withdrawal limits and a lifetime limit. Ask the clinic to check how previous claims affect the amount you may still use. [4]
Government IVF co-funding is a separate scheme for eligible couples at public assisted reproduction centres; it does not cover IVF treatment at private centres. Check the current CPF and MOH guidance before setting your budget. [4,5]
Step 5 Decide whether you are ready to continue
Bring together your doctor’s advice and your own priorities. Consider the estimated chance of success, the demands of treatment, your emotional wellbeing and the costs. Ask how taking a break might affect your options, so you can consider timing with the relevant medical information. [1]
Trying again, pausing or choosing not to continue are decisions you can discuss openly. If you and your partner have different views, counselling may help you work through them. [1]
A next step that feels manageable
For now, choose one thing to deal with: clarify your recovery instructions, ask someone for practical help, or request a cost estimate. You can return to the bigger decisions once you have the information and support you need. Talk to us if you need any help.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Yu Su Ling, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist at Alpha IVF & Women's Specialists Centre, where she also serves as Clinical Governance Officer. Dr Yu specialises in IVF, infertility, gynaecological endocrinology, and menopause management. Her research interests include intrafallopian tube catheterisation, growth hormone augmentation in IVF, and ovarian tissue transplantation.
References
- HFEA. Coping if treatment does not work – https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/coping-if-treatment-doesnt-work/
- HFEA. In vitro fertilisation IVF – https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf/
- HFEA. Getting emotional support – https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/getting-emotional-support/
- CPF Board. Using MediSave for outpatient treatments – https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/healthcare-financing/using-your-medisave-savings/using-medisave-for-outpatient-treatments
- MOH. Marriage and parenthood schemes – https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/schemes-and-subsidies/marriage-and-parenthood-schemes/
- Alpha IVF Singapore. Pregnancy outcomes. Data up to 2025 – https://www.alphaspecialists.com.sg/ivf-success-rate/
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