Medical Professionals
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What To Do After a Failed IVF Cycle
Is an Endometrial Scratch (Endometrial Biopsy) Right for Me? Submitted by Dr. Allen Morgan Fertility Doctor in NJ
How does scratching help implantation?
If you have just undergone in-vitro fertilization (IVF), but your healthy embryo(s) failed to implant in your uterus, your reproductive endocrinologist may be suggesting an endometrial scratch to accompany your next treatment cycle. Here’s all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What is an endometrial scratch?
Endometrial scratch, also known as an endometrial biopsy, is used to help embryos implant in the womb after IVF. The simple procedure may also offer insight into the cause for healthy embryos failing to implant in the uterus. At the least, mild chronic infection, which is a common cause for failure to implant, could be ruled out. Endometrial scratch is fairly simple, takes about 15 minutes and causes only mild discomfort in most cases. The procedure itself consists of causing a mild superficial injury by “scratching” the lining of the uterus and also getting a small sample to be tested. The best time to perform the endometrial scratch is approximately one week before the next IVF cycle.
Who should have an endometrial scratch performed?
Studies so far have been limited to patients whose embryos failed to implant after IVF despite being healthy and viable. Clinical pregnancy rates in some studies show almost a doubling of the chance to conceive – a remarkable leap in statistics. More research is required to evaluate the role of endometrial scratch in patients going through their first cycle of IVF treatment. There is no evidence to support performing this procedure on first-time IVF patients since the studies so far have been limited to patients who have at least one failed IVF cycle.
Scratching the uterine lining causes a reparative process that releases natural chemicals, hormones and growth factors. Evidence suggests that the new lining cells that grow afterwards are thought to be more receptive to an implanting embryo and so increases the chances of pregnancy. In some studies clinical pregnancy rates were nearly doubled. It’s a complicated biochemical process where the embryo has to chemically communicate with the surface of the endometrium. The interaction must result in some of the cells underneath dying in order to make room for implantation. The embryo must then invade the cells and implant itself into the tissue of the endometrium in order to successfully grow into a baby.
If your first in-vitro fertilization treatment cycle failed despite having healthy embryos, your reproductive endocrinologist may suggest an endometrial scratch with your next IVF cycle. If your fertility doctor hasn’t discussed this option with you, contact Morgan Fertility at 732.363.4777 or Info@AllenMorganMD.com to ask for a consultation to discuss your next steps.
Call 732-363-4777 for more information or visit www.MorganFertility.com.
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Call 732.363.4777 200 Perrine Rd Suite #229 Old Bridge, NJ 08857
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November/December 2018