What’s a scratch

[Gillyc1]

I’ve seen posts about a scratch and it helped with implantation. What’s people’s thoughts on this, are they worth it and how much do they cost xx

[Crazymrsrees79]

blog.ivf.com.au/endometrial...

Here’s a little info for you. I’ve asked about this in my last appointment and the consultant said there’s no proof that it works but I say if you want it then ask. Not sure how much it is though sorry x

[Gillyc1 in reply to Crazymrsrees79]

Thanks for that. We have a lot of confidence in my daughters consultant so will ask her about it xx

[Dunla]

Hi, it’s a really quick procedure. It’s usually carried out on day 21 of your menstrual cycle. The doctor gently scratches the lining of your uterus (endometrium) to deliberately agitate it. They do it by passing a thin catheter through your cervix into your womb. There is some evidence to suggest this aids embryo implantation. At my clinic it costs £160. So relatively inexpensive in comparison to the overall cost of IVF. I thought I’d nothing to lose by giving it a go! x

[Gillyc1 in reply to Dunla]

If it can’t do any harm it’s worth a go I suppose xx

[kirdrew]

I had the scratch twice as explained above. To be honest I think we all look at doing these extra things so we feel that we are giving ourselves every chance, it gave me hope at the time. There is no evidence and it didn't help me. Three failed ivf attempts.

[Gillyc1 in reply to kirdrew]

This is such a hard journey and as you said you will do anything to give it a better chance . So sorry it didn’t work for you xx

[E_05]

Everyone has already explained the scratch but I just wanted to say at the time it definitely helped me feel like I was doing something different for my next cycle. However I’ve had the scratch 2/4 cycles and both those were unsuccessful. It’s £230 at my clinic so isn’t something Il have again but I think it’s worth trying if you haven’t before x

[Gillyc1 in reply to E_05]

Thankyou xx

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

Have a read of this hfea guidance on it: hfea.gov.uk/treatments/expl...

[Gillyc1 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

Thankyou xx

[Blondyboo]

I’ve had 2 and 3rd time had implantation cuts more intense than scratch it’s done under general with hysteroscopy. Turns out my lining was over thick with poor blood supply and so the cuts helped me a lot and we believe made our 4th ivf work. I had a dvd if it being done and you can see the poor blood supply until the cuts get deeper down into the lining. Scratch is the same idea and for £150 ish worth every penny in our eyes x

[Gillyc1 in reply to Blondyboo]

Thankyou xx

[EleJen]

Hi, I haven't had it but my clinic is doing a clinical trail on the scratch to see if there is enough evidence to support it so it's worth asking at your clinic.. I participated as we wouldn't have ivf without research and the science behind it makes sense to me but 50% had it the others didn't so they could monitor with and without (I was selected not to have it, totally random selection by computer).. If your selected for it it's free.. Speak to your clinic just in case although it wouldn't be a guarantee you'd get it.. xx

[Gillyc1 in reply to EleJen]

Yes we will do thankyou xx

[besgstan]

There is some good research out their regarding endometrial scratches. Most clinics recommend them after having suffered failed embryo implantations. Some even off clinical trials where you have the scratch for free. If you pay from my own liking around the price seems to be around the £200-300 mark. You have it done on day 21 of your cycle then wait for your next period then start ivf treatment. I found it uncomfortable (had it done last week) as it's makes you want to squirm and wriggle but it's over with quickly. Take paracetamol half hour before and it's fine xx

[Gillyc1 in reply to besgstan]

Thankyou xx

[Snowy76]

We've been offered it now after a failed first round. Our clinic is trialling it just now on younger women but suggested it would be helpful here (am older). Will cost us approx £220.

[Gillyc1 in reply to Snowy76]

Thankyou xx