If a patient undergoes embryo transfer three or more times with four or more good-quality embryos but still does not achieve pregnancy, this condition is called recurrent implantation failure (RIF). In recent years, the number of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures has increased. At the same time, advances in embryo culture techniques have enabled more couples to reach the embryo transfer stage. As a result, the number of patients struggling with recurrent implantation failure has also been rising.
The causes of implantation failure may involve problems with the embryo itself, the uterine environment, or the immune system. However, in many cases the exact cause remains unclear.
From the perspective of Traditional Oriental Medicine, one possible factor behind implantation failure is phlegm-dampness (Tan-Shi). Phlegm-dampness refers to excess body fluids that accumulate in the body and become thick and stagnant.
Water is essential for the body, but when it is not properly metabolized and eliminated, it can accumulate and generate heat. This can disrupt the normal circulation of qi and blood. The uterus tends to collect fluids, blood, and heat, making it a place where damp-heat can easily accumulate. Therefore, in treatment it is important not only to “add” or supplement, but also to focus on eliminating excess from the body.
People with a phlegm-dampness constitution often tend to overeat or overdrink. Therefore, improving dietary habits and removing accumulated damp-heat from the body are essential. In some cases, good outcomes have been observed when herbal formulas used for improving obesity are combined with SHAWKEA T-1, which has a diuretic effect that helps remove excess fluid from the body. However, because herbal medicine must be prescribed according to an individual’s specific pattern (sho), it should always be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Another important factor to consider in implantation failure is chronic inflammation. When inflammation persists in the body over a long period, the immune balance may become disrupted. This can lead to an excessive immune response in which the body mistakenly identifies the embryo, half of whose genetic material comes from another person, as a foreign substance and attacks it. In some cases, the body may produce autoantibodies that target its own tissues, or immune reactions may become overactive.
Chronic endometritis, a condition in which persistent inflammation occurs in the endometrium due to bacterial infection or other causes, has also been identified as a potential contributor to implantation failure.
Research has shown that SHWAKEA T-1 possesses antiviral and antibacterial properties. For this reason, it may offer multiple benefits in fertility treatment. Its use alongside treatment provided by fertility clinics may be helpful.