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Treatment

Implantation failure

We understand that recurrent implantation failure during IVF can be difficult to accept. There are many reasons why this may occur. If this happens during your cycle, your consultant will discuss additional options with you to improve your chances of success next time round.

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What is implantation failure?

Recurrent implantation failure is when you have two or more failed embryo transfers during a cycle of IVF or ICSI.

During your treatment, we will make recommendations on what will give you the best chance of success. In the event that your IVF cycle has failed, we'll work to determine why it is has failed and what can be done in the next cycle to improve your chances.

Diagnosis

Maternal blood tests

Clotting (thrombophilia) screen

Small clots in the blood have been identified as a possible cause for pregnancies failing to progress. In some cases, this can be treated with aspirin or heparin injections to thin the blood.

Immune screen 

Increased levels of uterine natural killer cells (white cells) and autoantibodies (antibodies attacking specific organs) have also been suggested as a cause for the repeated failure of cycles.

The use of steroids and other drugs to suppress the immune system and to help a pregnancy develop are controversial as some of the drugs used in these treatments have side effects for both a mother and her developing baby. It’s important to understand these risks before deciding with your doctor whether testing or treatment is recommended.

A lab
Screening

Embryo factors

Implantation failure can also happen due to embryo factors. These factors do not occur at any lifestyle factors of the parent carrying the embryo.

Genetic screening

  • Small clots in the blood have been identified as a possible cause for pregnancies failing to progress. In some cases, this can be treated with aspirin or heparin injections to thin the blood.

Embryoscope™ (Time-lapse imaging)

  • Recording information by time-lapse photography allows us to assess more subtle changes seen during embryo development and identify the best embryos for transfer.

the microscopic embryo continues to divide into multiple cells and begins to take a new shape

Paternal factors

Sperm DNA fragmentation

  • Assessing the degree of damage to sperm DNA can help identify those couples that would benefit from ICSI treatment.

What is ICSI treatment?

You're not alone. We're here to help

We understand that seeking fertility help can be both physically and mentally demanding. If you'd like to know more about the fertility counselling we offer or you want a consultation with a TFP fertility expert, get in touch.

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Our IVF resources

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Debunking common infertility myths

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Understanding IVF success rates

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Counselling for your fertility journey

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What to eat before and after your IVF journey

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Our clinics

Find your nearest TFP fertility clinic

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Belfast, GB

TFP Belfast Fertility

HFAE Rating
5.5
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London, GB

TFP Boston Place Fertility

HFAE Rating
5.5
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Glasgow, GB

TFP GCRM Fertility

HFAE Rating
5.5
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Nottingham, GB

TFP Nurture Fertility

HFAE Rating
5.5
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Oxford, GB

TFP Oxford Fertility

HFAE Rating
5.5
TFP Simply Fertility
Chelmsford, GB

TFP Simply Fertility

HFAE Rating
5.5
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Maidenhead, GB

TFP Thames Valley Fertility

HFAE Rating
5.5
A single-story brick building labeled "TFP Vision Facility" with large windows, surrounded by a paved area and greenery under a blue sky.
Southampton, GB

TFP Wessex Fertility

HFAE Rating
5.5
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Ready to start your fertility journey? We're here for you

Speak to our patient support team for advice about your options and to book your first consultation with a fertility expert.