The implantation of the embryo into the uterus of the mother is a very complex process. In order to avoid rejection of the embryo, an immune tolerance against the embryo must develop. The seminal plasma (ejaculate without sperm), which is mainly made up of the secretion from the seminal vesicale and 25% secretion from the prostate gland, appears to have an active role to play in this process.
The seminal plasma also contains a variety of messenger substances such as interleukin and TGF. Its purpose is the growth of blood vessels and the promotion of inflammation. It also influences immunological reactions.
The implantation of an embryo requires a complex interplay of the messengers of seminal plasma, the cells of the uterus and the immune system.
The seminal plasma conditions the mother's immune response and causes an immune tolerance to the embryo. The seminal plasma also causes molecular and cellular changes in the lining of the uterus necessary for embryo implantation and development.
The seminal plasma thus has a crucial role in the preparation of the uterus for the embryo and probably in the implantation of the embryo as well as the formation of a stable and healthy pregnancy.
Preparation of implantation support
The ejaculate is divided by centrifugation into spermatozoa and seminal plasma. The sperm lies at the bottom of the tube. 0.5 - 0.1 ml of seminal plasma is syringed off. This is then injected through the cervix after follicle puncture or embryo transfer.This new procedure of flushing helps couples with repeated implantation complications to achieve a stable and healthy pregnancy!
A couple with fertility problems tells of their experience using the flushing technique
Petra Kaserer (30) became pregnant at the fourth attempt using the flushing technique.
Petra and Roman Kaserer from Wilhering, Austria, first visited Dr Loimer at his fertility clinic in Linz in January 2007. At that time, the couple had been trying to conceive for a year.
Petra Kaserer suffers from PCO syndrome - polycystic ovaries. Patients with this syndrome have irregular bleeding and seldom ovulate. Therefore, their chances of conceiving naturally are low.
In February 2007, Petra Kaserer began the first hormonal stimulation with follicle aspiration (suction of the ovar from the ovaries), but only one mature egg could be obtained. The remaining oocytes were immature and could not be fertilized. The outcome of this treatment was negative.
In June 2007, after re-stimulation, 13 oocytes were obtained. Two embryos were replaced in the patient, but unfortunately, this attempt was also unsuccessful.
After the treatment in June 2007, more embryos were available and these were cryopreserved (stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees). In September 2007, a cryotransfer with a frozen embryo took place. Once again, the treatment was unfortunately unsuccessful.
After a long break to consider further treatment, the couple returned in November 2008 for a new trial in the fertility clinic.
The patient was suffering from considerable mental stress and Dr Loimer believed that a new strategy was necessary. He proposed flushing which had already been used on several patients with repeated implantation problems.
4th December 2008 Harvest of 9 oocytes from ovaries.
8th December 2008 Two embryos transferred.
22nd December 2008 Positive pregnancy test!
12th January 2009 Baby's heartbeat detected.
On August 21st, 2009 a healthy baby boy Stefan was born, 4100 g and 54 cm. In September we had the pleasure of seeing see him at KinderWunschKlinik Wels together with his happy and proud parents!