Intralipid therapy for Recurrent Implantation Failure

At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Los Angeles California, we welcome patients with a broad range of fertility challenges.  From same sex couples using donor sperm, to women with blocked fallopian tubes seeking tubal reversal, to couples with genetic mutations seeking IVF with PGD, we are experienced, capable and eager to help all of our patients. 

One group of patients in which we have enjoyed tremendous recent success is comprised of those who have failed several prior IVF cycles for unexplained reasons.  The term "recurrent implantation failure" (RIF) has been introduced to describe these patients who have undergone two to three embryo transfers with good quality embryos, have no identifiable reproductive pathology (uterine abnormalities, clotting disorder etc.)  yet fail to conceive. 

We are proud to claim that the last 7 patients with RIF treated in our practice have all conceived and have ongoing pregnancies!  We believe that in addition to our meticulous treatment and care, the key to this success is Intralipid therapy.

Intralipid is a milky white solution made of soybean oil, fat and sugar that was originally used to provide calories to patients who could not eat.  It has been safely used for this purpose for over 4 decades.  Additionally, some of the key components of Intralipid are used in the delivery of a very common anesthetic medication called propofal.  This medicine is used millions of times per year and known to be safe and effective.  More recently, certain absorptive properties of Intralipid have been identified.  For example, Intralipid is known to be a successful antidote to overdose of local anesthetic medication.      

It is this absorptive property which may explain Intralipid’s success in RIF.   If the biochemical environment in women with RIF is not conducive to conception, Intralipid may alter that environment providing the embryo an opportunity to implant in the womb.

While we still have a great deal to learn about RIF and potential treatments, we are excited and hopeful that Intralipid therapy may provide hope to those who have suffered multiple unexplained failures.

If you have questions about Intralipid, recurrent implantation failure, or fertility treatments in general, please contact us, we are happy to speak with you.