Jul 19 2009 12:00AM
New research has shown that many cases of recurrent implantatioon failure (that is, when a couple have repeated unsuccessful cycles of IVF treatment) might be due to reduced ability of the womb to accept the embryos, what is termed uterine receptivity.
This research, which included over 1000 cases, showed that uterine receptivity could be increased by doing a scope of the womb (a minor procedure called hysterocopy) in a particular way before repeating the IVF, and this would increase the chances of success by a factor of 75%. It seems to work by altering the chemical and immunological factors of the lining of the womb in way favourable to pregnancy.
In fact, this is one of the methods we use at the Istishari Fertility Center to deal with the many cases of recurrent implantation failure referred to us. Undoubtedly, it is one of the factors behind the high success rate we get with these couples. There are other factors, and we will discuss them in future news items, so watch this space.