What is the “Pregnancy Vaccine” in IVF?
The so-called “pregnancy vaccine” is an advanced immune therapy used in IVF treatment to support embryo implantation. It is particularly recommended for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated IVF failure.
In this treatment, specialised immune cells obtained from the patient’s own blood are processed in a laboratory and applied into the uterus. The goal is to improve the uterine environment and help the body better accept the embryo, increasing the chances of successful implantation.
It is important to note that this treatment is not a vaccine in the traditional sense (such as flu or tetanus vaccines). It is a personalised medical protocol developed specifically for fertility treatment.
How is Endometrial Immune Therapy Performed?
This treatment involves several carefully planned steps and is tailored individually for each patient.
1. Blood Collection
A blood sample is usually taken on the day of egg retrieval to obtain the necessary immune cells.
2. Isolation of Immune Cells
From the blood sample, specific immune cells (mononuclear cells) are separated using advanced laboratory techniques.
3. Laboratory Processing
These cells are cultured in a specialised environment enriched with growth factors, signalling molecules, and hormones.
This process is designed to create a supportive microenvironment that enhances implantation potential.
4. Uterine Application
On the day of embryo transfer—or shortly before—the prepared cell mixture is gently applied into the uterus using a thin catheter.
This helps prepare the endometrium to receive the embryo more effectively.
What is the Purpose of This Treatment?
1. Regulating the Immune Balance
In some patients, the immune system may recognise the embryo as a foreign entity. This therapy helps regulate that response and creates a more balanced immune environment.
2. Supporting Embryo Implantation
The growth factors and immune cells used in the procedure can enhance the embryo’s ability to attach to the uterine lining.
3. Improving IVF Success Rates
This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with previous failed IVF attempts, aiming to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
Who is This Treatment Recommended For?
Endometrial immune therapy may be considered in the following cases:
- Recurrent IVF failure
- Repeated biochemical pregnancies
- First-trimester miscarriages
- Suspected immune-related implantation problems
- Suspected high NK cell activity
- Implantation failure despite normal ERA results
Is the Treatment Safe?
Since the treatment uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is extremely low.
When performed by experienced specialists in a qualified centre, it is considered a safe and well-tolerated supportive therapy.
Support Implantation with Personalised Immune Therapy
Endometrial immune therapy is an innovative approach designed to address immune-related challenges in IVF treatment.
At Dogus IVF Center, each patient receives a personalised treatment plan based on their specific needs, with the goal of maximising implantation success and achieving a healthy pregnancy.
