Why did this IVF patient receive such poor quality care ?

Have you ever walked out of an IVF clinic feeling more confused than hopeful? Maybe you did everything “by the book,” followed every instruction, took every shot, paid for every add-on, and still ended up with a negative result. Perhaps, like the woman whose story you’re about to read, you’re left staring at a failed cycle report, wondering: Did I get the best care possible, or did something go wrong that I just didn’t see?

The Pain of Unanswered Questions

Let’s talk about the real, raw emotions of failed IVF: the heartache, the helplessness, and above all, the confusion. One of our blog readers reached out after her third IVF cycle at a well-known clinic in Delhi. She had already endured loss—a miscarriage after her second cycle—so she approached the next round with hope and trust in her doctors.

Here’s what happened to her (shared with permission):

I am 34, my third IVF cycle just failed. My second cycle had worked, but I miscarried at 7 weeks. This time, I was told I have poor ovarian reserve, even though my AFC is usually 10-11. I was given 350 IU Gonal-F for 11 days. They retrieved “10-12 eggs,” but only two were considered good enough, so they also used two donor eggs. All four embryos (mine and donor) were called “AA quality” and transferred on day 2. The clinic said my lining was “perfect,” and used an embryo “GLUE” to help with implantation. Still, I got a negative result. Why did it fail when everything seemed perfect? I feel so lost and dejected.

Sound familiar? If you’ve been through something similar, you know the feeling—being left without answers, blaming your own body, and wondering if you should trust your doctor or start over somewhere else.

What Really Happened Here?

Let’s break down the key problems in her treatment, not to criticize but so you (and every patient) can learn to ask the right questions and demand the care you deserve.

• Vague egg and embryo numbers: A clinic should tell you exactly how many eggs they retrieved and how many embryos were made. “10-12 eggs” is not an acceptable answer. You deserve concrete numbers and clarity.
• Misleading grading: There is no such thing as “AA quality” eggs. Eggs are either mature or immature. Embryo grading is a real thing, but it must be explained and documented. If you’re confused, your clinic should take the time to clarify, not brush you off with fancy labels.
• Mixing your embryos with donor embryos: Transferring both your embryos and donor embryos together is not only medically unsound, but also against accepted guidelines (like those from ICMR). It creates confusion about parentage and is simply not ethical.
• Embryo “Glue” and other costly add-ons: Some clinics promote expensive extras like “embryo glue,” but there is no high-quality evidence that these increase your chances of pregnancy. These add-ons may only add to your bill, not your chances of success.
• Transferring embryos on Day 2: Most good clinics now culture embryos to Day 5 (blastocyst stage) for better selection and higher pregnancy rates. Day 2 transfers are outdated, and often a sign that the lab cannot maintain embryos longer—or they are rushing your care.

Why Are Patients Still Left in the Dark?

This isn’t just one woman’s story. Sadly, even well-educated, proactive patients are sometimes shortchanged by clinics prioritizing profits or convenience over transparency and ethics. Many clinics still:

• Withhold key information (like actual embryo numbers or quality)
• Use confusing medical jargon or invented terminology
• Recommend costly treatments or “add-ons” without clear evidence
• Discourage questions or dismiss patient concerns

When patients don’t get clear answers, they start to blame themselves instead of the system that failed them.

We see this in so many emails and consultations. Patients are told their “lining is beautiful” or that “everything was perfect,” yet they’re left to deal with failure alone—and sometimes, with lighter wallets.

What Good IVF Care Should Look Like

Every patient deserves:

• Complete transparency about every aspect of their treatment
• Clear, jargon-free explanations of results and choices
• Protocols based on medical evidence, not what’s easiest for the clinic
• Individualized care, not a one-size-fits-all approach
• Empathy and respect—because this journey is as emotional as it is medical

At Malpani Infertility Clinic, we believe in giving patients the information and support they need to make informed decisions. We don’t push unnecessary add-ons or hide behind confusing terminology. Our goal is to empower you, so you can become an expert in your own care. If something doesn’t add up, we’ll explain why, and help you find a path forward that makes sense both emotionally and scientifically.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Hopes

So, how can you make sure you’re getting the care you need and deserve?

• Ask specific questions: How many eggs? How many mature? What is the real grading system you use for embryos?
• Request detailed reports: You should get a written summary of your cycle, including numbers, grades, and any lab notes.
• Be wary of “miracle” add-ons: If your clinic pushes expensive extras, ask for published evidence of benefit in patients like you.
• Insist on transparency: If your doctor cannot explain why they’re recommending a certain protocol, consider seeking another opinion.
• Trust your instincts: If you feel rushed, ignored, or confused, remember: It’s your body, your money, and your dream.

If you are ever in doubt, reach out for a second opinion. Sometimes, just talking to someone who will take the time to explain the truth—without sugarcoating—can change the entire course of your journey.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Infertility is already a tough path. Dealing with poor quality care should not be another burden. If you feel let down by a previous clinic, know that you are not alone. Many couples have found new hope and success simply by switching to a team that listens, explains, and puts their needs first.

At Malpani Infertility Clinic, our priority is not just a positive test but your confidence and peace of mind throughout the process. We invite you to reach out for a confidential chat—whether you want a second opinion, a review of your past cycles, or simply honest advice about your next steps.

You deserve more than vague explanations and false hope. If you want honest, expert guidance—whether you’re planning your first IVF or reeling from a failed cycle—speak to our expert fertility advisor today. We’re here to answer your questions and help you make the best choices for your future.