Endometrium Scratch?: Hi, Just had a... - Fertility Network UK

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Endometrium Scratch?

Rach_316 profile image
10 Replies

Hi,

Just had a question and was wondering if anyone could help. The nurse at the clinic would like me to have a endometrium scratch. Would just like to know anyone else experience with this procedure? Did it hurt? Was it successful? Any info would be great.

Thanks Xx

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Rach_316 profile image
Rach_316
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10 Replies
Lamb82 profile image
Lamb82

Hello. We had it on cycle 2 and 3 and we got a BFP both times. Cycle 2 sadly ended in mmc, but this time just had 7weeks scan and little one is looking great! I personally found the procedure very uncomfortable, but it was over in 30 seconds so worth it! X

Blondyboo profile image
Blondyboo

I had mine last week, I found it rather painful but it's seems to depend on who's doing it! Some girls find it not much worse than a smear others not so! But as said it's only for a minute or so and the pains stops as soon as they stop doing it! Just a bit crampy after and a bit of bleeding xx worth it if it helps as much as they say! Xx

DC13 profile image
DC13

I have had the procedures done. It is not comfortable and will last about 30 seconds which seem a little bit like forever. Would i do it again. Yes. Was I successful No. Do I think it is worth doing for a bit of discomfort Yes.

I had the procedure, it was a little uncomfortable but nothing I couldn't handle. Just felt a bit crampy afterwards. However, my period then came early & I didn't know if it was bleeding from the scratch or actually my period! xx

DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK

Hi Rach_316. I’m sure you will probably know all about this by now, but I will go through the basics anyhow for you. The lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is gently ’scratched’ using a thin catheter (a fine, flexible, sterile, plastic tube) which is passed through the cervix.

This is often offered to women who have had two unsuccessful IVF cycles, but can be offered during any cycle, depending upon your consultant’s recommendations. New research and evidence suggests that scratching the uterine lining causes a ‘repair reaction’ which may increase embryo implantation rates. There have also been studies that show it also promotes uterine stem cells to develop. More research is underway to understand exactly how this works. It is usually done on day 21 of a treatment cycle, but if your periods are irregular, your consultant will advise on the best time for the procedure to be carried out. You must make sure that you have protected sex for one month prior to the treatment, to ensure that you are not pregnant. The procedure should not be too painful, but you may experience a little discomfort. It is much the same as having embryo transfer, and is often followed by slight bleeding afterwards. You will most probably be prescribed a course of antibiotics to take afterwards, to ensure you don’t get any infection. It is quite safe to take some paracetamol, should you feel any discomfort afterwards. I’m sure you will be fine if you do decide to go ahead with it, and I do hope it all goes OK for you. Diane

Daisy-Mae profile image
Daisy-Mae

I had it on my second cycle and got a bfp. Not sure if the scratch helped but I decided it was worth a try. Good luck with whatever you decide xx

Rach_316 profile image
Rach_316

Thank you all, you have made me feel so much better about it all. Strangely feeling ready to get it done now 😊 And get started. Good luck to you all with your journeys. Xxx

I had this last week, didn't hurt one bit was just slightly uncomfortable for about 30seconds X

Karinyaa profile image
Karinyaa

Some time ago I was doing a research on my own. Here what I got. ;)

Most failed cycles occur because the embryo was genetically abnormal and not healthy enough to develop into a baby. Sometimes other factors play a role, too. For instance, if the uterine lining is not optimized, then it may be more difficult for an embryo to implant.

Women who have had multiple failed IVF cycles, despite seemingly good quality embryos, may be candidates for what we call “endometrial scratching.”

Studies suggest that, in women who have failed prior IVF cycles, endometrial scratching appears to improve the implantation rate of a subsequent cycle.

Endometrial scratching typically involves performing an endometrial biopsy around day 21 of the menstrual cycle. The biopsy is performed with a very small pipelle (tiny plastic tube) that is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. A small sample of endometrial tissue is obtained. The procedure often causes cramping, and we recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever ahead of time. Endometrial scratching can also be done at the time of a hysteroscopy.

"The mechanism behind endometrial scratching is not entirely understood, but we speculate that disrupting the lining of the uterus releases growth factors that help to improve embryo implantation. Patients who have failed two or more IVF cycles seem to benefit the most from this procedure. Some studies suggest that endometrial scratching may be as much as 70% more likely to result in a clinical pregnancy as opposed to no treatment (in patients with more than two prior failed cycles)."

Hope this helps. Wishing you the best of luck X

Rach_316 profile image
Rach_316 in reply to Karinyaa

Thanks so much, it's nice to know more information on this Xx

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