title: Local and systemic factors and implantation: what is the evidence?
abstract: Significant progress has been made in the understanding of embryonic competence and endometrial receptivity since the inception of assisted reproductive technology. The endometrium is a highly dynamic tissue that plays a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. In response to steroid sex hormones, the endometrium undergoes marked changes during the menstrual cycle that are critical for acceptance of the nascent embryo. There is also a wide body of literature on systemic factors that impact assisted reproductive technology outcomes. Patient prognosis is impacted by an array of factors that tip the scales in her favor or against success. Recognizing the local and systemic factors will allow clinicians to better understand and optimize the maternal environment at the time of implantation. This review will address the current literature on endometrial and systemic factors related to impaired implantation and highlight recent advances in this area of reproductive medicine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Health System, Greenville, South Carolina.
authors.forename: Chelsea
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morin
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
authors.forename: Jae-Wook
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
authors.forename: Richard T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Health System, Greenville, South Carolina. Electronic address: blessey@ghs.org.
authors.forename: Bruce A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Lessey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000639:trends; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
keywords: Endometrium; IVF; immune factors; implantation; thyroid; vitamin D