Embryo implantation is a natural part of the conception process.

When couples undergo infertility treatment, though, reaching this phase of conception is a little different compared to the natural process of conception. In either case, understanding the process can help couples prepare for getting pregnant.

The Natural Process of Conception

There are four steps in the conception process. The last step in the process is embryo implantation. Defects at any point in the process can make it more difficult for couples to get pregnant.

The first step is sperm transport. The semen that men ejaculate protects sperm from the acidic vaginal environment. Within 20 to 30 minutes, this gel liquefies to free the sperm so that they can reach women’s fallopian tubes. Some of the sperm survive for up to five days.

The second step is egg transport, which requires ovulation. After the egg leaves the ovary, the finger-like, or fimbriated, end of the fallopian tube picks up the egg. It takes about 30 hours for the egg to move through the tube. When it reaches the uterus, egg transport is complete.

There’s only a 12- to 24-hour window for sperm to fertilize an egg after ovulation, which is the third step. Fertilization occurs in the ampullary-isthmic junction, which is a specific area of the fallopian tube. The egg rests here for fertilization and development while the uterus prepares to receive it. Also, the zona pellucida is a membrane around the egg that prevents multiple sperm penetration.

Embryo development continues in the third step and involves a series of events. For up to seven days, the embryo undergoes mitosis, or several cell divisions. Then, it becomes a blastocyst or mass of organized cells.

The fourth and final step in the conception process is embryo implantation. This process involves the blastocyst hatching out of the zona pellucida. At this point, it reaches the uterus so that implantation can begin. This part of the process consists of the blastocyst attaching to the uterine lining.

Embryo Implantation During Infertility Treatment

When couples struggle to get pregnant, there’s a disruption in the conception process. It could happen because of poor sperm motility, lack of ovulation, defective fallopian tube function, or unsuccessful embryo implantation. Infertility testing can determine the cause.

An infertility clinic can provide in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination, or other methods to achieve pregnancy. With IVF, the egg and sperm are fertilized in a lab until the embryo becomes a blastocyst. Then, the mother, or a surrogate, receives blastocysts implantation at a Chicago treatment center.

Likelihood of Implantation

Blastocysts implantation at a Chicago clinic bypasses the problems that occur during the conception process. However, it’s still possible for infertility procedures to fail if the blastocysts don’t attach to the uterus.

Half of the fertilized eggs don’t attach during the natural conception process. During IVF, it’s possible for the blastocyst to implant but not grow. In some cases, it may grow but stop growing before full conception. Because of that, embryo health and uterine receptiveness are crucial to successful embryo implantation at a Chicago clinic.

Trust in Advanced Reproductive Center for Infertility Treatment

At Advanced Reproductive Center, we beat the odds of embryo implantation in Chicago. In 2014, our procedure was successful in 69.2% of cases involving women younger than 35. This figure was much higher than the 46% national average.

However, Advanced Reproductive Center is more than an IVF treatment center in Chicago. Our friendly and compassionate staff offers a range of infertility services and treatments for young and middle-aged couples. For instance, we offer treatment for medical conditions that cause infertility. Some of our other services include:

Don’t get discouraged if you and your partner have trouble getting pregnant. Contact Advanced Reproductive Center to determine the cause. Dial 312.485.4847 for more information about IVF and embryo implantation.