Case Study: Finding Hope After Recurrent Implantation Failure

Two years.

Five IVF egg collections.

Five day 5 embryo transfers.

And still… no pregnancy.

For many couples, IVF brings hope, a scientific bridge toward parenthood. But for some, the journey becomes an emotional and physical marathon that tests resilience in ways few can imagine.

Today, we share the story of A, a patient who came to my clinic after experiencing what is often called Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF), when healthy-looking embryos repeatedly fail to implant, despite seemingly perfect conditions.

Her story reminds us that, even after years of heartbreak, there can still be hope.

(All identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.)

📋 Patient Background

• Age: Late 30s

• IVF history: 5 egg collections and 5 embryo transfers (all day 5 blastocysts created via ICSI due to male factor infertility)

• Diagnosis: “Unexplained infertility”. Thorough investigations by her gynaecologist revealed no clear reason why implantation wasn’t occurring

🧬 Contributing Factors We Noted

While standard fertility investigations had not identified a clear cause, a closer, holistic view highlighted several potential factors:

1️⃣ Male factor infertility: Her husband had a low sperm count, poor morphology, and reduced motility — factors known to influence embryo quality, even with ICSI.

2️⃣ Menstrual signs suggesting internal disharmony:

• Heavy periods with small clots

• Significant cramping and lower back pain

• Breast tenderness before and during menses

• Low libido during ovulation (a time when the body ideally should feel most vital and receptive)

These signs may reflect what Chinese medicine calls blood stasis and qi stagnation, which can impact uterine receptivity.

3️⃣ Poor sleep quality & fatigue:

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Waking up too early (around 3–4am)

• Trouble returning to sleep

• Waking unrefreshed, leading to chronic tiredness

Sleep disturbances and fatigue can disrupt hormonal balance, increase inflammation, and affect the body’s capacity to support implantation.

🧡 My Approach

At Fertility Point Acupuncture, I believe in supporting the whole body, not just the reproductive system. Here’s how we helped A address possible barriers to implantation:

🌿 Acupuncture – to:

• Improve pelvic blood flow and endometrial receptivity

• Regulate nervous system and reduce stress hormones

• Support sleep and hormonal rhythms

🌿 Herbal medicine – carefully selected formulas to:

• Reduce clotting and painful cramping

• Balance hormones and nourish blood

• Address low libido and support vitality during ovulation

🌱 Lifestyle & diet guidance:

• Anti-inflammatory food choices to reduce systemic inflammation

• Gentle daily movement and breathing practices for circulation and stress reduction

• Sleep hygiene strategies to restore healthy circadian rhythm

🧪 Functional medicine testing:

• Explored thyroid function, inflammation markers, and nutrient status (iron, B12, vitamin D, etc.)

🌸 Beyond the Charts: Emotional Healing

Repeated IVF failure can quietly erode confidence, self-worth, and the ability to hope. Our sessions also provided emotional space for A to:

• Process grief and disappointment

• Reconnect with her body as something more than just “failing” cycles

• Restore a sense of agency and calm before the next transfer

✨ Outcomes

After 2 months of weekly acupuncture treatment and herbal medicine, A reported:

• Reduced period pain and fewer clots

• Improved sleep quality and energy on waking

• Higher libido and emotional resilience before her next IVF cycle

And most importantly:

In her very next round of IVF, A fell pregnant.

In June 2025, she welcomed her healthy baby into the world — a moment she had almost stopped believing could happen.

Key Takeaway

Recurrent implantation failure isn’t always truly unexplained. Often, it’s a sign to look deeper: at inflammation, hormones, embryo quality, uterine health, and lifestyle.

A holistic, whole-person approach doesn’t promise guaranteed success, but it creates the best environment for your body to receive and nurture new life.

For A, this meant the difference between more heartbreak and finally holding her baby in her arms.

If you or someone you love is facing repeated IVF disappointment, know this:

💛 You are not alone.

💛 Your story matters.

💛 There are other layers we can explore together.

📞 Want to learn more?

I offer free 15-minute discovery calls to see if acupuncture and herbs could support your journey.

👉 Click here for appointment bookings

Fertility Point Acupuncture – balancing life, nurturing hope.