How Many IVF Cycles Will I Need?

Understanding Expectations—And How CHR Supports You Every Step of the Way

For anyone starting or continuing their IVF journey, the question of how many cycles it will take to conceive is one of the most pressing—and understandably so. IVF is not only a financial and physical investment, but an emotional one as well. Patients want to know what to expect, how to plan, and how to hold on to hope while staying grounded in reality.

At the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR) in New York City, we treat some of the most complex fertility cases in the country. Because of this, our approach to this question looks very different from what you might read somewhere else.

The General IVF Landscape

In general, many fertility clinics report relatively high success rates with a single cycle—especially in younger women and those with no significant underlying fertility issues. For women under 35, the chance of a live birth from one IVF cycle using their own eggs may be around 40–50%. These numbers often decline with age, particularly after 37.

Some public sources and fertility networks suggest that most patients will succeed within 3 cycles. But those numbers are often built from populations that are not representative of the patients we serve at CHR.

CHR’s Patient Population: An Outlier in Age and Complexity

At CHR, our median patient age is 44. That number alone sets us far apart from most IVF centers in the U.S., where median patient ages tend to hover around 36. Our patients come to us with unique challenges—many have been told they are out of options elsewhere or that their only chance is egg donation. Others come with complex diagnoses, low ovarian reserve, autoimmune conditions, or histories of repeated IVF failure.

Because of this, the answer to "how many IVF cycles will I need?" is almost always: more than one.

We want success to come as quickly and easily as possible for every patient. But for most CHR patients, multiple IVF cycles are necessary to collect enough embryos, navigate implantation, and address the biological realities that come with age and diminished ovarian reserve.

Why Multiple IVF Cycles May Be Needed

Here are a few key reasons why more than one cycle is common, especially for our patient population:

• Ovarian reserve is lower, meaning fewer eggs may be retrieved per cycle
• Egg quality declines with age, increasing the likelihood of eggs or embryos not maturing properly 
• Implantation challenges may delay success, even with a good-quality embryo
• Immune or hormonal factors may need to be identified and managed over time
• Some investigating may need to happen over several cycles to figure out your underlying cause. We don’t believe in unexplained infertility. 

In other words, needing multiple IVF cycles is not a sign of failure. It’s a strategic, data-driven approach to increasing your odds—and preserving your chance of success with your own eggs

CHR’s Solution: The Multi-Cycle IVF Package

Because we understand the realities our patients face, CHR has developed a multiple-cycle IVF package. This program is designed to:

• Reduce the financial burden of multiple cycles
• Allow for flexibility in timing and response
• Create a plan that’s realistic, proactive, and built around your specific diagnosis
• Help you emotionally and logistically prepare for the journey ahead

Our team works closely with each patient to set expectations, adjust protocols, and individualize treatment based on how your body responds. No two cycles are ever exactly alike—because no two patients are.

The Bottom Line

If you’re asking yourself how many IVF cycles you’ll need, the honest answer is: it depends. For some, it may be one. For others, especially patients with more complex profiles, it may take two, three, or more cycles. What matters most is that your care team is honest, proactive, and responsive to your unique biology.

At CHR, we don’t chase average outcomes—we aim for the best possible outcome for you. And we build every protocol with the understanding that success may take time, but it is still within reach.

Ready to Talk?

If you’ve been told IVF won’t work or that egg donation is your only path, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Schedule a consultation with CHR and learn how our decades of experience, personalized protocols, and data-driven care can help move you forward.

To learn more about our multi-cycle packages or speak to a coordinator make an appointment or call 212-994-4400.