Failed IVF Cycle: Factors Affecting Implantation

IVFFertility
Written By Kristen

I know this is something every single one of you is concerned about... IMPLANTATION! Sadly, you are probably very well aware of the fact that just because you have an embryo put in, doesn’t mean you are going to get pregnant. But why? We are putting the embryo right in there!!! Why wouldn’t it work?⠀

 
Failed IVF Cycle
 

Failed IVF Cycle: Factors Affecting Implantation

Sadly, the majority of embryos are not chromosomally normal. And the older you are, the less normal embryos you have. This would be one of the main reasons an embryo didn’t work, or miscarried early. ⠀

Uterine issues

Uterine issues such as fibroids, polyps, adhesions, endometritis (inflammation) can all interfere with implantation. You many also have a congenital malformation such as septate uterus or bicornuate uterus. Your doctor may suggest a test called hysteroscopy to check your uterus for abnormalities. ⠀

Endometrial issues

Endometrial Issues such as being too thin, or progesterone wasn’t supportive enough to maintain a thick lining. The endometrium needs to be receptive to an embryo!

Embryo issues

Embryo issues can include the metabolism of the embryo and how is genes are functioning, the trophectoderm wasn’t good enough to hatch and invade the endometrium. If you had a day 3 embryo, a lot of embryos will do great until day 3 and then fail to develop after then as the genome won’t activate, poor DNA

Immune issues

Immune issues these are relatively new in the area of reproductive medicine and are highly controversial among specialists. Some specialists claim that increased natural killer (NK) cells affect the immune system and it’s response to an embryo leading to issues with implantation or early miscarriage. There is currently not enough strong evidence to support this and the proposed treatments such as intralipids, IV immunoglobulins and steroids.

-Kristen, Embryologist

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.

Kristen

My name is Kristen and I’ve been an Embryologist for 5 and a half years. I studied Biomedical Science and have a Master's degree in Reproductive Medicine, so have always had a passion for fertility and a desire to help others going through such a hard and emotional journey. I’ve always had a massive empathy for our patients coming through for treatment but that grew to a whole new level once I myself started trying to conceive.

My husband and I had our own battle when we started trying 4 years ago due to me having PCOS/high LH/high AMH/anovulatory long cycles and I very quickly learned the sadness, despair and obsession a lot of mamas get. I didn’t cope very well and became very obsessive about trying anything/everything and even doing pregnancy tests multiple times a day! Luckily, we were successful before reaching the IVF stage (because I’d already done the investigations and tracking before starting TTC) and now have a 1 and 3-year-old.

https://www.instagram.com/ilikemyeggsfertilised/
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