There is not always a clear explanation
When IVF treatment does not lead to pregnancy, there is not always a clear explanation. The embryo’s ability to develop, conditions in the uterus and the interaction between them all matter. Even when everything looks good, an embryo transfer can be unsuccessful.
What can affect implantation?
The embryo’s chromosomes and development. An embryo can look good under the microscope but still have chromosomal abnormalities that prevent it from developing further. The risk increases with the age of the eggs.
The uterine lining and cavity. A very thin lining, adhesions, polyps or certain fibroids can affect the chances of implantation. However, the thickness of the lining alone does not determine the outcome.
Hormones and timing. The embryo’s stage of development needs to match the maturity of the uterine lining. The dose and timing of progesterone treatment can therefore be important.
Other medical conditions. For example, fluid-filled fallopian tubes and certain inflammatory conditions in the uterus may need to be assessed.
An unsuccessful attempt does not mean that the person has done anything wrong. Nor can we conclude that the body is rejecting the embryo or that worry and stress have prevented it from implanting.
How does Chinese medicine view this?
In traditional Chinese medicine, TCM, fertility is viewed as part of the body as a whole. Assessment therefore also considers menstruation, pain, sleep, digestion, feeling cold and emotional wellbeing, alongside the tongue and pulse.
As a simplified illustration, the body can be compared to a factory where several parts need to work together. The factory needs resources, energy, functioning transport and a suitable working environment. This analogy describes the TCM perspective. It is not a Western medical explanation for why a particular embryo does not implant, but a way of explaining how TCM views it.
Kidney deficiency or a lack of Jing – the factory’s underlying capacity. In TCM, kidney function and Jing are linked to reproduction, development and ageing. Here, kidney deficiency does not mean kidney disease, but a traditional pattern considered to describe reduced reserves with ageing or illness. “Strengthening the kidneys” is a treatment concept within TCM. At our clinic, we have observed that kidney-strengthening herbs can improve follicular development. There are also many scientific articles within modern TCM reporting the same findings.
Qi and blood deficiency – energy and materials. In the factory analogy, Qi corresponds to the energy that drives the work, while blood represents nourishment and resources. Tiredness, paleness and light periods are examples of symptoms that may form part of this pattern. The TCM concept of blood deficiency is not the same as medically diagnosed anaemia.
Qi stagnation and blood stasis – the flow through the factory. For the work to function, transport needs to flow. In TCM, period pain, blood clots and pelvic pain, for example, may be interpreted as signs of stagnation or blood stasis. This does not in itself mean that reduced blood flow to the uterus has been demonstrated.
Cold, heat and dampness – the factory’s working environment. These concepts describe different symptom patterns used to tailor treatment. They can be likened to conditions in the factory, but should not be interpreted as literal measurements of the temperature or moisture of the uterus.
Emotional wellbeing – how the factory’s employees feel. A long fertility journey can involve worry, grief and considerable pressure. Many people do not feel well. In TCM, emotions are considered capable of negatively affecting the body and disrupting fertility. We therefore help people find calm and emotional balance. This makes a big difference to the possibility of becoming pregnant.
How do we work?
From the TCM perspective, we tailor treatment to the full pattern of symptoms. Our aim is to relieve individual symptoms and support wellbeing before and during the fertility journey.
We want to offer the body care and support while the fertility clinic assesses the medical circumstances. It is not possible to promise that TCM will cause an embryo to implant or result in a live birth. Among the patients who came to us after previous unsuccessful IVF attempts, 70 percent became pregnant during follow-up, either naturally or through IVF.
Becoming pregnant is not about willpower; the body and emotions also need to be ready for it.