Mock Cycles — Building a Reliable Transfer Plan

This article explains mock cycles within the Uterine & Implantation (RIF/RPL) pathway, focusing on decisions that actually impact outcomes, budgets, and timelines—helping you move forward with confidence.

What It Is

A mock cycle is a practice embryo transfer cycle that mimics medications and monitoring, without transferring an embryo. It allows clinicians to:

• Test uterine response and lining development.
• Confirm hormone timing and medication protocols.
• Reduce risks and improve planning for the actual embryo transfer.

Who It Helps

Mock cycles are most helpful for patients who:

• Have experienced recurrent implantation failure (RIF) or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).
• Show unpredictable endometrial response in previous cycles.
• Require personalized timing adjustments for frozen embryo transfers.
• Want to minimize risks and maximize the chance of success.

Step-by-Step

1. Medication start: Same protocol as real transfer.
2. Monitoring: Ultrasounds and blood tests track endometrial thickness and hormone response.
3. Assessment: Confirm lining pattern, thickness, and readiness.
4. Adjustments: Modify dosage, timing, or luteal support as needed.
5. Finalize transfer plan: Use insights to optimize the real embryo transfer cycle.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Confirms correct medication and timing before embryo use.
• Reduces stress during the actual transfer.
• Detects potential issues with endometrial lining early.

Cons:

• Adds 1–2 weeks or more to overall timeline.
• Involves additional monitoring, appointments, and costs.
• Not always necessary for first-time IVF patients with predictable responses.

Costs & Logistics

• Line items: Medications, monitoring, lab tests, clinic visits.
• Insurance: Coverage varies; medications may or may not be included.
• Planning: Coordinate pharmacy, clinic calendar, and personal schedule to prevent delays.

What Improves Outcomes

• Using mock cycles only when indicated by history or prior cycles.
• Applying findings to fine-tune medication start, dose, and timing.
• Coordinating logistics (pharmacy, clinic, travel) to prevent missed windows.
• Documenting thresholds for lining thickness and hormone levels.

Case Study

A 38-year-old with two prior failed frozen transfers used a mock cycle. Monitoring showed her endometrial lining developed slower than expected. Adjusting medications and timing based on these results led to a successful transfer on her next cycle.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Performing mock cycles routinely without clinical indication.
• Ignoring the importance of exact protocol replication.
• Overlooking coordination with pharmacy or clinic schedules.
• Failing to implement findings from the mock cycle into the real transfer.

FAQs

Q. Do all IVF patients need a mock cycle?

Ans : No. Mock cycles are recommended mainly for patients with previous failed transfers, inconsistent lining response, or complex histories.

Q. How long does a mock cycle take?

Ans :Typically 3–4 weeks, similar in duration to a frozen embryo transfer cycle.

Q. Does a mock cycle use embryos?

Ans :No. It is purely diagnostic; no embryos are transferred during this cycle.

Q. What information does a mock cycle provide?

Ans :It evaluates how your uterus responds to medications, lining thickness, hormone levels, and timing for embryo transfer.

Q. Is insurance coverage available for mock cycles?

Ans : Coverage varies. Some insurers cover medications and monitoring, but patients should confirm specifics with both their clinic and insurer.

Next Steps

• Free 15-min nurse consult
• Upload labs for review
• Personalized cost breakdown for your cycle

Related Links

Uterine implantation

Intended Parents

Become a Surrogate 

Fixed‑Cost Packages

Upload Labs

Locations (NYC)

SART

CDC ART

ASRM