My Embryo Transfer Failed. Here's How I'm Getting Through It (As a Fertility Doctor)

I finally share something I know so many of you have been waiting for. My embryo transfer failed. In this episode, I walk you through what happened, what I felt as both a fertility doctor and a patient, and the real reasons embryo transfers sometimes do not work even when everything looks perfect. We talk about the science behind failed implantation, what recurrent implantation failure actually means, and at what point you should start asking deeper questions about your IVF journey. One of the biggest misconceptions is that a chromosomally normal embryo should always work. The reality is more nuanced. Even strong embryos may not implant due to embryo competency, metabolic health, uterine factors, or variables we still do not fully understand. I explain the most common causes of failed embryo transfer including chromosomal abnormalities, embryo quality beyond genetics, uterine environment, inflammation, endometriosis, and metabolic health. We also discuss what testing is useful, what testing is controversial, and when additional investigation makes sense. If you have experienced one or two failed transfers, this episode is meant to ground you in data and help you avoid spiraling. If you are facing recurrent implantation failure, I break down what that diagnosis means and what next steps may look like. I also share my personal protocol, what I am changing for the next transfer, and how I am thinking about resilience in this process. Fertility is one of the few areas in life where doing the same thing again can lead to a different outcome. That does not make it easy, but it does mean there is still reason for hope. If you are preparing for an embryo transfer, navigating IVF, or coping with a failed cycle, this episode will help you understand the science, the decisions, and the emotional reality behind what happens next. _____ Topics covered: Why embryo transfers fail Causes of implantation failure Chromosomal normal embryos that still do not work Recurrent implantation failure explained Uterine testing and controversial tests Metabolic health and IVF success Protocol changes after a failed transfer How to move forward after disappointment _____ If this resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone navigating their own fertility journey. Follow me! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepod YouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every week. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more!