Genetic Clues to Infertility Discovered by Scientists

Scientists have identified new genetic activity patterns in the uterine lining (endometrium) that may explain why some women struggle to become pregnant even when embryos are healthy. Researchers discovered that a coordinated set of more than 500 genes becomes active when the uterus enters its short "window of receptivity," the period when it is prepared to accept an embryo. In women experiencing infertility or repeated implantation failure, this gene pattern appears significantly weaker or altered, suggesting the uterus may not be biologically prepared for pregnancy despite normal eggs or embryos. The findings could help doctors develop improved diagnostic tests to determine whether the uterus is ready for implantation and guide more personalised fertility treatments, potentially improving success rates in assisted reproduction such as IVF.