What is embryo implantation and when does it occur?

By (gynecologist), (gynecologist), (gynecologist), (embryologist), (senior clinical embryologist), (embryologist) and (psychologist).
Last Update: 02/19/2024

Embryo implantation is the process by which the embryo, which is about 7 days old since fertilization, attaches to the endometrium and begins gestation. After this, the embryo will begin its development and that of the structures that allow its nutrition, such as the vitelline vesicle and the placenta.

In addition, the synthesis of the beta-hCG hormone will also begin and the woman will feel the first symptoms of pregnancy.

On the other hand, so that the embryo can implant in the endometrium and give rise to an evolving pregnancy, it is essential that this uterine layer acquires certain characteristics of thickness and appearance.

Provided below is an index with the 7 points we are going to expand on in this article.

Conditions for implantation

Embryo implantation is not achieved in all menstrual cycles even if you have unprotected sex during fertile days. The proper uterine environment needs to be created, where the endometrium and embryo can interact.

Thus, implantation is also not 100% safe in assisted reproduction cycles, even though fertilization has taken place in the laboratory and good-quality embryos are transferred.

In the following section, we are going to discuss the most important factors for the implantation of an embryo to take place and thereby achieve pregnancy.

For an embryo to be able to join the endometrium, it must be in the blastocyst stage. At this point in its development, it has about 200-400 cells and is made up of two well-differentiated parts:

Internal cell mass
cells that will give rise to the embryo itself.
Trophoectoderm
are the outermost cells that will form the placenta and other embryonic attachments.

Additionally, prior to implantation, the blastocyst must also have detached from its zona pellucida, the outer layer that surrounds it, and have reached its maximum degree of expansion: the hatched blastocyst.

Another crucial factor that will determine whether implantation occurs is embryo quality, which can only be evaluated in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

On the other hand, in cycles where fertilization occurs naturally in the fallopian tubes, the correct transport of the embryo from the tube to the uterus must also occur.

The endometrium is the innermost layer of the uterus, which is renewed in each menstrual cycle in order to accommodate the embryo during pregnancy. For this reason, if implantation does not take place, the endometrium is shed and eliminated each month in the form of menstruation.

Throughout the menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens little by little and undergoes changes thanks to the action of the female sex hormones: estrogens and progesterone.

For embryo implantation to occur, the endometrium must be receptive. This is achieved when its endometrial thickness is between 7-10 mm and its appearance is trilaminar.

In addition to this, it is also necessary to express certain molecules in the uterus, such as cytokines, integrins, adhesion molecules, and growth factors, which are responsible for mediating a close dialogue with the embryo.

When does implantation occur?

As we have already said, the nesting of the embryo will only take place when the endometrium is receptive. This time of the menstrual cycle is known as the implantation windowand has an approximate duration of 4 days.

In most women, the implantation window runs from day 20 to day 24 of the menstrual cycle. At this time, if there has been fertilization, the blastocyst will be about 6 or 7 days old and ready to implant.

However, there are women with the implantation window displaced, which can lead to implantation failure and sterility.

In short, implantation occurs at a specific time in the menstrual cycle, when the endometrium changes from a nonreceptive to a receptive state under the hormonal influence and there is a synchrony between embryo and endometrium.

Phases of implantation

Once the dialogue between the embryo and the maternal endometrium has been established, the embryo implantation or nesting, which usually takes place in the middle third of the posterior face of the uterus, begins.

In the section below, we are going to describe each of the phases into which this implementation period is divided.

Hatching and pre-contact

On days 5 and 6 of development, the embryo begins to hatch until it detaches from its zona pellucida, the external protein membrane that protects it in its first days after fertilization.

As the embryo increases in size, the zona pellucida becomes thinner until it finally breaks down. Finally, the embryo manages to leave it through a series of contractions and begins to interact with the endometrium.

In patients undergoing IVF treatment, blastocysts that have already hatched can be transferred to the uterus, either because hatching has occurred in culture or because assisted hatching has been performed. Assisted hatching may favor embryo implantation.

If you are interested in reading about this, you can access the next post: assisted hatching prior to embryo transfer.

Apposition

During this phase, the embryo seeks its position on the endometrial tissue and remains immobile while it is oriented so that its internal cell mass points towards the endometrium to allow the proper formation of the placenta later on.

Here, the purported pinopods play an important role: These are the cytoplasmic projections of endometrial epithelial cells that help the blastocyst come into contact.

It is proven that these pinopods are clear morphological markers of endometrial receptivity and only appear during the implantation window, disappearing around the 24th day of the cycle.

Adhesion

The blastocyst trophoectoderm adheres to the endometrial epithelium and is united by the action of the adhesion molecules: integrins β1, β3, and β4, L-selectins, proteoglucans, fibronectins, etc.

This happens about 7 days after fertilization, when the blastocyst already has a diameter of 300-400 µm.

Invasion

The blastocyst, more specifically the trophoblast or embryonic trophectoderm, proliferates towards the endometrium, displaces the epithelial cells, and finally invades the endometrial stroma, making contact with the maternal blood.

This entire invasion mechanism is controlled by cytokines, molecules that act as mediators of implantation and allow dialogue between the embryo and the endometrium.

In response to this dialogue, the blastocyst is activated and initiates differentiation of the trophoblast into cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast.

Specifically, the syncytiotrophoblast is the one that acquires the invasive capacity. It synthesizes proteolytic enzymes such as serinproteases, metalloproteinases, and collagenases that break the basement membrane of the endometrial epithelium and allow the complete entry of the blastocyst.

This destruction of the endometrium during the penetration of the syncytiotrophoblast is the cause of the slight vaginal bleeding that some women suffer and that can be confused with abnormal menstruation. It's the known implantation bleeding.

Although at first glance it may seem simple for a blastocyst to be implanted in the maternal endometrium, this process is highly complex and not yet fully known.

FAQs from users

Does stress affect embryo implantation?

By Blanca Paraíso M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc. (gynecologist).

Embryo implantation is a complex process in which several factors are involved. It is a dialogue that takes place between the transferred embryo and the properly prepared endometrium at that time. Most of the research on the interaction between emotional stress and infertility over the last 30 years has shown that, although infertility causes stress, stress does not necessarily cause infertility. However, acute and chronic stress can reduce the success rate of fertility treatments.

Stress acts by different mechanisms and its correct assessment requires a collaboration between gynecology, biology and psychology. The available evidence determines that the fertility treatment protocol should include stress management and stress reduction as factors of major importance.

For this purpose, there are various psychological methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy or adequate training in relaxation techniques that help to reduce stress levels. Therefore, it is important to have an initial psychological assessment to evaluate stressors that may interfere with the reproductive health of both members of the couple, whether to initiate assisted reproduction treatment, or in any couple with infertility, whatever its origin.

How important are cytokines in the embryo implantation process?

By Manuel Muñoz M.D., Ph.D. (gynecologist).

Cytokines are proteins that regulate interactions between different cells in the body and therefore contribute to the "dialogue" between them. It is logical to think that this interaction or dialogue between the endometrium and the embryo is modulated, among others, by this set of proteins called cytokines. Their function is key, and each day it is understood a little better what is the role they play and what is their true relevance.

Can transvaginal ultrasound affect embryo implantation?

By Antonio Forgiarini M.D., M.Sc. (gynecologist).

Antonio Forgiarini, gynaecologist at the Next Fertility clinic in Valencia answers us in this video:

No, there is no reason to think that it could happen. We use transvaginal ultrasound normally with a recent pregnancy or during the controls, in the first ecography after the the embryo transfer or sometimes while we do the transfer. It's a a very hard moment but, if we cannot see the uterus with transabdominal ecography, we can use the transvaginal one and we have absolutely good results as pregnancies.

What is the difference between fertilization and implantation?

By Sara Salgado B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

Fertilization is the union between the egg and the sperm to create a new being: the embryo, which will develop during pregnancy. Implantation, on the other hand, is the process by which the embryo enters the endometrium (the layer that lines the uterus internally) in order to form the placenta and thus be able to nourish and grow during pregnancy.

Does the egg, the zygote, embryo or fetus implant?

By Sara Salgado B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

The embryo is the one that penetrates the endometrium during implantation. Once fertilization occurs, we are no longer talking about egg, but zygote. Once the zygote is formed, it is divided to give rise to what we call embryo. From the 8th week of pregnancy, the embryo is called fetus.

For more information about the differences, refer to the following article: What is the difference between zygote, embryo and fetus?

Does embryo implantation slightly hurt?

By Sara Salgado B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

A slight discomfort may be noticed as in menstruation, but there is no significant pain. Normally, the woman does not notice anything and does not realize that implantation has taken place until the pregnancy test is done and she tests positive.

Is an anormal implanation of the embryo possible?

By Sara Salgado B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

Yes, it can implant in the wrong place outside the uterus. This is called ectopic pregnancy and can occur, for example, in the fallopian tubes.

It is also possible for the embryo to implant correctly in the endometrium but not be able to continue its development, i.e. give rise to a non-evolutionary gestation. This can occur because there is some alteration in the embryo, either in its development or in its genes.

An example of non-evolutionary gestation is the biochemical pregnancy, in which the gestational sac is formed, but there is no fetus inside. In this type of pregnancy a spontaneous abortion occurs, usually very early.

How do I know if the embryo has implanted? Are there symptoms?

By Sara Salgado B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

To know if there has been implantation, a pregnancy test must be done. It is necessary to wait either 15 days after ovulation, or until the period is delayed, for the result of this test to be reliable.

The woman may also have symptoms of pregnancy such as implantation bleeding.

You may consult this article to find out more about the symptoms that may appear after embryo implantation: First signs of embryo implantation.

Can you favor embryo implantation?

By Sara Salgado B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

There are a number of tricks that can help improve the chances of implantation. Having a positive mood, reducing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising moderately and avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco and caffeine can help implantation to some extent.

How many days does it take for the fertilized egg to implant?

By Zaira Salvador B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).

Implantation of the embryo takes approximately 4-5 days, from the time the blastocyst hatches until the trofoectoderm completely invades the endometrium.

This occurs between days 5 and 8 of embryonic development, i.e., this is the time it takes for the embryo to implant after fertilization between the egg and sperm.

In the course of gestation, embryo implantation occurs in the fourth week of pregnancy, before the beginning of the second month. If you want to know all the details that happen in this week, you can read more here: 4 weeks pregnant: embryo implantation in the uterus.

For women seeking pregnancy through assisted reproduction, proper endometrial preparation is essential for embryo implantation to take place. You can read more about this in the following article: How will the endometrium for the embryo transfer be prepared?

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References

Norberto López Serna. Biología del desarrollo. Cuaderno de trabajo. Capítulo 9: Implantación. McGraw-Hill 2012; ISBN: 978-607-15-0657-3

Mardon H, Grewal S, Mills K. Experimental models for investigating implantation of the human embryo. Semin Reprod Med 2007; 25:410 – 417.

Borini A, Lagalla C, Cattoli M, Sereni E, Sciajno R, Flamigni C, Coticchio G: Predictive factors for embryo implantation potential. Reprod Biomed Online 2005, 10:653–668.

FAQs from users: 'Does stress affect embryo implantation?', 'How important are cytokines in the embryo implantation process?', 'Can transvaginal ultrasound affect embryo implantation?', 'What is the difference between fertilization and implantation?', 'Does the egg, the zygote, embryo or fetus implant?', 'Does embryo implantation slightly hurt?', 'Is an anormal implanation of the embryo possible?', 'How do I know if the embryo has implanted? Are there symptoms?', 'Can you favor embryo implantation?' and 'How many days does it take for the fertilized egg to implant?'.

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Authors and contributors

 Antonio Forgiarini
Antonio Forgiarini
M.D., M.Sc.
Gynecologist
Bachelor's Degree in Medicine from the Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, with specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University Clinical Hospital of Valencia, Spain. Master's Degree in Human Reproduction, and currently works as an OB/GYN specialized in Assisted Procreation at fertility clinics Millet and IMER Valencia. More information about Antonio Forgiarini
License: 464621719
 Blanca Paraíso
Blanca Paraíso
M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc.
Gynecologist
Bachelor's Degree in Medicine and Ph.D from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). Postgraduate Course in Statistics of Health Sciences. Doctor specialized in Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Assisted Procreation. More information about Blanca Paraíso
License: 454505579
 Manuel Muñoz
Manuel Muñoz
M.D., Ph.D.
Gynecologist
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Alicante in 1992. Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Doctor of Medicine by the University of Valencia (2012). Sub-specialty in Reproductive Medicine at IVI Valencia. Level III ultrasound SESEGO. Director of IVI Alicante and IVI Elche. More information about Manuel Muñoz
Licence: 3005457
 Sara Salgado
Sara Salgado
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Embryologist
Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Master's Degree in Human Assisted Reproduction from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). Certificate of University Expert in Genetic Diagnosis Techniques from the University of Valencia (UV). More information about Sara Salgado
 Silvia Jiménez Bravo
Silvia Jiménez Bravo
B.Sc., Ph.D.
Senior Clinical Embryologist
Bachelor's Degree & PhD in Biology from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). Certificate of Clinical Embryologist from ASEBIR (Asociación para el Estudio de la Biología de la Reproducción). Director of embryology laboratory at Reprofiv. More information about Silvia Jiménez Bravo
 Zaira Salvador
Zaira Salvador
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Embryologist
Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology from the Technical University of Valencia (UPV). Biotechnology Degree from the National University of Ireland en Galway (NUIG) and embryologist specializing in Assisted Reproduction, with a Master's Degree in Biotechnology of Human Reproduction from the University of Valencia (UV) and the Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI) More information about Zaira Salvador
License: 3185-CV
Adapted into english by:
 Cristina  Algarra Goosman
Cristina Algarra Goosman
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Psychologist
Graduated in Psychology by the University of Valencia (UV) and specialized in Clinical Psychology by the European University Center and specific training in Infertility: Legal, Medical and Psychosocial Aspects by University of Valencia (UV) and ADEIT.
More information about Cristina Algarra Goosman
Member number: CV16874

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