Implantation failure is diagnosed when, after at least three cycles of in vitro fertilization or the transfer of more than ten good-quality embryos, pregnancy is not achieved. Today we have highly effective solutions for every cause of implantation failure: blastocyst‐stage transfer (day 5), preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and assisted hatching. What is implantation failure and why is it important to identify? Embryo implantation requires a good-quality embryo, a receptive endometrium and effective communication between both. When pregnancy is not achieved after three IVF cycles or more than ten embryos transferred, it is called implantation failure. Early detection guides treatment and improves your chances of success. Most common causes Embryonic: chromosomal abnormalities or difficulty hatching from the zona pellucida. Uterine: malformations, fibroids, adhesions, synechiae, endometritis or hydrosalpinx. Hormonal or metabolic: antiphospholipid syndrome, insulin resistance or obesity. Thrombophilias: clotting disorders. How it is diagnosed Blood tests: hormones, metabolic profile, immunological markers and coagulation tests. Transvaginal ultrasound: identifies fibroids or malformations, measures endometrium (ideal ≥ 7 mm) and evaluates hydrosalpinx. Sperm DNA fragmentation: complements semen analysis if genetic damage is suspected. PGT-A: detects aneuploidies and selects euploid embryos. Zona pellucida monitoring: after culture to blastocyst to assess assisted hatching. Reviewing your cycle history (oocyte yield, fertilization, embryo quality) helps personalize prognosis. Treatment options Immunological: specific medication under medical supervision. Uterine: from hormonal therapies to minimally invasive procedures. Embryonic: cutting‐edge techniques: Blastocyst transfer Culturing embryos to day 5–6 allows selection of those with the highest implantation potential. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) By transferring only euploid embryos, you reduce the risk of failure and pregnancy loss, regardless of maternal age. This accelerates the path to pregnancy. Assisted hatching A laser creates a controlled opening in the zona pellucida to facilitate blastocyst–endometrium contact. For more details, see Implantation Failures: Understanding the Challenge. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How Does Maternal Age Affect It? With age, oocyte quality declines and aneuploidy risk increases, making implantation harder. That’s why PGT-A is often recommended after age 35. But each case is unique: immunological, uterine and lifestyle factors also matter. Why Does Endometrial Thickness Matter? An endometrium ≥ 7 mm is associated with better receptivity. But vascularization and the implantation window also count. Specific tests help determine the ideal transfer timing. Is Assisted Hatching Safe? Yes, when performed by trained personnel using advanced laser. It takes seconds and, when done correctly, does not harm the embryo. It is recommended after previous failures and for blastocysts with thickened zona pellucida. Why Shouldn’t I Self-Medicate? Each hormone therapy or immunomodulator requires precise dosing and monitoring. Self-medication can create unnecessary risks. Sources Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2020). Evaluation and treatment of recurrent implantation failure: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 113(2), 278–285. MedlinePlus. (2023). IVF. https://medlineplus.gov/ivf.html American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Assessment and treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss. ACOG Practice Bulletin, 225. ESHRE Recurrent Implantation Failure Working Group. (2019). Definitions and diagnosis of recurrent implantation failure: a consensus statement. Human Reproduction, 34(10), 215–226. We know this journey can be challenging, but you are not alone. Every story is unique and deserves a tailored plan. If you suspect implantation failure, consult a reproductive specialist: together you will increase your chances of success.

Every May 28 we celebrate Nutrition Day, a perfect date to reflect on how diet influences our health and, especially, our fertility. Although we often associate nutrition with weight or energy, few know that a balanced diet is key to increasing your chances of pregnancy. In this article we explain how a proper diet can support fertility, why at Ingenes we place so much importance on this aspect, and what changes you can adopt if you’re trying to have a baby. Why is nutrition essential for fertility? Fertility doesn’t depend solely on reproductive organs. Hormonal balance, cellular function, and metabolism are fueled by what we eat. A diet lacking vitamins and minerals can cause polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovulation disorders, or premature ovarian insufficiency in women, and in men it can affect sperm count, motility, and morphology. At Ingenes we assess your eating habits before any treatment and design a personalized plan to optimize hormone production, egg maturation, and uterine receptivity. Key nutrients to improve your fertility 1. Folic acid (400–800 µg/day) Essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. In women it improves egg quality and neural tube development; in men it increases sperm count and motility. Sources: spinach, lentils, broccoli, avocado, fortified cereals. 2. Zinc (8–12 mg/day) Regulates menstrual cycles and testosterone levels. In men it’s key for spermatogenesis. Sources: lean meats, seafood, pumpkin seeds, nuts. 3. Omega-3 (1–2 g/day) Its anti-inflammatory properties improve uterine blood flow and embryo implantation. In men it enhances sperm motility and membrane fluidity. Sources: salmon, sardines, flaxseed, walnuts. 4. Iron (18 mg/day women; 8 mg/day men) Prevents anemia and supports ovulatory function. Sources: red meat, legumes, spinach, fortified whole grains. 5. Antioxidants (Vitamin C 75 mg/day; Vitamin E 15 mg/day; Selenium 55 µg/day) Protect germ cells from oxidative stress. Sources: citrus fruits, berries, peppers, almonds, sunflower seeds. How does a poor diet affect fertility treatments? A diet high in refined sugars, trans fats, and ultraprocessed foods can: Increase insulin resistance (linked to PCOS). Disrupt ovulation and cycle regularity. Raise chronic inflammation. Reduce sperm DNA integrity. Hinder endometrial receptivity. These metabolic imbalances lower success rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Which diet supports assisted reproduction treatments? We recommend a Mediterranean-style diet: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This pattern has shown: Better ovarian response. Higher quality eggs and embryos. Increased implantation rates. At Ingenes we create personalized nutrition plans based on clinical data and your lifestyle. Learn more about the importance of nutrition in your fertility treatment. Adaptations for PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid conditions PCOS Choose low glycemic carbs, high-fiber foods, and lean proteins to control insulin. Avoid sugary drinks and refined flours. Endometriosis Include anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, turmeric, and leafy greens. Reduce red meat and ultraprocessed foods that may increase inflammation. Hypothyroidism Ensure adequate iodine, selenium, and vitamin D. Cook goitrogenic foods (raw broccoli, soy) well and maintain regular meal schedules. Male nutrition matters too Up to 40% of infertility causes involve male factors. A diet rich in antioxidants, lean proteins, and omega-3 improves: Sperm count, motility, and morphology. DNA integrity. Hormonal balance. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, processed meats, and excess caffeine. Nutrition services at Ingenes Individual assessments with fertility nutritionists. Diet plans for PCOS, low ovarian reserve, or autoimmune conditions. Multidisciplinary coordination with gynecology, reproductive biology, and psychology. Supplementation guidance before IVF, IUI, vitrification, or egg donation. Discover how tailored nutrition boosts your treatment at Ingenes. Celebrate Nutrition Day and nurture your fertility May 28 is a reminder to feed your body with intention. Simple changes—swap soda for water, add berries to your breakfast, or choose grilled fish instead of fried—can make a difference in your reproductive health. Remember, no advice replaces a specialist’s opinion. If you want to increase your chances of pregnancy, consult an assisted reproduction expert. We’re with you on this journey and we believe in you!