The Treatment of Recurrent Implant Failure in Assisted Reproductive Technology

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is the repeated failure of an embryo to implant in the uterus of an otherwise healthy woman of childbearing age. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has much to offer women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), both in terms of preparation for conception as well as assistance during the biomedical treatment itself. With a good working knowledge of the treatment protocols used in ART, and a clear understanding of the causes of RIF, a TCM practitioner can make an accurate diagnosis and provide effective treatment, the results of which will be seen in the subsequent ART cycle. This article discusses the causes, diagnosis and treatment of RIF according to both Western biomedicine and TCM, and is illustrated by a case study from the author’s own practice.