Factors of failed embryo implantation

There are numerous factors that can impair the implantation of the embryo after an embryo transfer procedure in IVF.

What does “failed embryo implantation” mean?

Repeated embryo implantation failure is determined when transferred embryos fail to implant following several in vitro fertilization treatment cycles. However, there no formal criteria defining the number of IVF cycles or the number of embryos transferred after each attempt.

Failed Embryo Implantation: What Factors Affect It?

Successful embryo implantation is characterized as multifactorial.

• Hormonal changes: some unforeseen hormonal changes in the woman’s body can prevent the implantation of the embryo and consequently the achievement of pregnancy (thyroid disease, hyperprolactinemia, progesterone insufficiency)
• Congenital or acquired anatomical anomalies: In general, congenital anatomical anomalies of the uterus are already known. Thus, health professionals take preventive measures in advance. However, there are also cases of acquired anatomical anomalies such as fibroids and polyps that interfere with the implantation of the embryo.
• Endometrial thickness: The endometrium may exhibit reduced acceptability if it does not have the appropriate thickness or if there have been previous medical interventions that have affected its acceptability.
• Endometrial infections: Bacterial or viral infections of the endometrium may contribute to the failure of the embryo to implant.
• Disorders of the immune system that can reject the embryo.
• Disorders of blood coagulation which impair blood circulation at the time of implantation.
• Chromosomal abnormalities of the couple: The chromosomal abnormalities of the couple may or may not be known. Also, the embryo to be implanted may also display some of them, either transferred by the parents or by its own. Chromosomal abnormalities occur after fertilization and cannot be predicted. An increased chance of chromosomal abnormalities exists when the mother is older than 37 years.

What should I do if I have many failed IVFs?

Unfortunately, the IVF procedure also involves some chances of failure. However, if you have undergone several IVFs without success, you should refer to an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist with further expertise in recurrent implantation failures.

Each failed implantation should be thoroughly investigated and it must be determined which of the above-mentioned factors are responsible for its failure. Determining the factors that make implantation difficult is the A’s and Z’s for your next IVF attempt.

Also, the couple must be informed by the obstetrician-gynecologist about the factors that inhibit the achievement of pregnancy. Then, the appropriate IVF plan should be designed to achieve pregnancy using other available methods to enhance the implantation chances of the embryo.

Failed embryo implantation occurs frequently. Therefore, every woman who experiences “failure” should not be disappointed. The chances of achieving a pregnancy are definitely more than the chances of failure.

The Obstetrician-Gynecologist Dr. Melina Stasinou has extensive experience in assisted reproduction methods and has specialized and worked in specialized clinics that apply the most modern methods. Beyond her vast experience, what distinguishes her is her empathy and her goal to help women experience motherhood. Do not hesitate to contact the physician for any question you may have about assisted reproduction.