To Endo Scratch or Not?

[41nearly42]

Hello lovely ladies,

I'm a long time lurker, but infrequent poster. I get so much information and value from all of your conversations, so thank you!

Earlier this year I went through my first round of ICSI. We were fortunate to get 1 embryo for a day 2 transfer, but sadly this did not take. Last week we visited our clinic for our follow up appointment, and amongst other things they suggested for our next round that an endometrial scratch might be a good idea. When we analysed the results of the last cycle, our specialist's feelings (and our own) was that the reason we didn't get BFP was due to the embryo being a grade 3 quality. However they can't rule out that it wasn't an issue with my lining.

I'm now really uncertain whether to go ahead and have this procedure on our next cycle. Being completely honest, I don't like the idea of it because it seems such an unnatural process, but then I guess the whole IVF process is unnatural! My gut feel is that my lining is fine and that it was the embryo quality, but I need to make a decision and don't know what to do!

Does anyone else have experience of having an endo scratch? Do you think it helps/is sensible to do? I'd really appreciate hearing thoughts on this one.

Hugs x

[Hidden]

I had Endo scratch done before my 1st cycle - and got a BFN during our fresh transfer, but a BFP following cycle naturally.

I would do it again - there is a lot of research saying it helps. To be honest - I would be afriad to do a cycle without it in the future, in case I got a negative and wondered if it would have changed that. I feel like it helped switch things 'on' for me in addition to the IVF cycle...

But you have to decide what feels right for you....

I got Accupuncture before my first cycle and wouldn't bother doing that again - but others swear it contributed to a BFP.

Don't do anything that doesn't feel right.

Best of Luck!

Xxx

[41nearly42 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. I did acupuncture for my first cycle too. I'm not sure whether it made any difference, but I feel like I will continue with it for my second cycle as I don't want to do any less than last time! I'm also being switched from long to short protocol this time and higher dosage, so hopefully that will help.

[Hidden in reply to 41nearly42]

Aww best of luck.

Yes I do believe you have to do what feels right for you. As everyone is so different.

Best of Luck! Hope it works this time around 😀 xxx

[Hidden in reply to 41nearly42]

Hey just saw this and thought of you -

theguardian.com/society/201...

One of the other ladies kindly shared just now.

Xxx

[41nearly42 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks - that's very interesting to read. I wish my clinic hadn't even mentioned it because now I feel like I have a really hard decision to make, and whichever option I choose I will wonder whether I should have done it that way!

[Hidden in reply to 41nearly42]

I know - I didn't even know it existed until they asked me to be part of the trial.

Hope the article helps with your decision.

Xxx

[Cinderella5]

There is a lot of researching going on with scratches at the moment with promising results. The theory is that it helps rejuvinate new growth of rich blood flow lining which is ideal for implantation. I had scratches done on prep for my transfers but it didnt help unfortunately. I guess the whole thing is about having no regrets really so if you think you may regret not having it then it will do no harm. Its a little nippy if Im honest but its over quickly.xx

[41nearly42 in reply to Cinderella5]

I think your point about whether I would have regrets is probably the biggest thing. As long as there's no detrimental possibilities with the scratch then I guess it cannot hurt. Thank you

[Sarah_S]

Your first round sounds like mine. I was switched to short protocol too, took DHEA and had the scratch. When I read about it, it made logical sense to me as to why it might help, and there is some evidence behind it, but you definitely should follow your gut instinct on these choices. For my last cycle I had the scratch, had 2 embryos of different quality transferred on day 2 and one took, so that does suggest the better quality one survived, but who knows! Sorry not sure I've really helped! I read a fertility book by Dr Robert Winston (sorry I've forgotten the book name) which mentioned the scratch and persuaded me. When it comes to optional add-ons it's one of the cheaper ones (in relation to the cost of ivf!) so I felt like it was worth trying x

[41nearly42 in reply to Sarah_S]

Hi Sarah, what's DHEA? I think the more I read the more I'm being swayed to try the scratch. At the end of the day, if the cycle doesn't work and I didn't have it I guess I'd always wonder if it would have made a difference. Thank you for your reply, so glad that one took for you on your last cycle - that gives me hope

[Sarah_S in reply to 41nearly42]

DHEA is a supplement which supposedly helps egg quality. You start it 3 months before your cycle. I bought mine from Biovea. I've got a fact sheet from my clinic about it if you want it x

[41nearly42 in reply to Sarah_S]

I see thanks for the info. It would be very interesting to read the fact sheet yes please. Would you be able to send me the fact sheet to my email? Not sure if you can add attachments to messages on here?!

[Sarah_S in reply to 41nearly42]

Will pm you x

[Tugsgirl]

I’ve had three on four transfers. Two of those gave me bfps. I definitely think they’re worth trying xx

[41nearly42 in reply to Tugsgirl]

Thank you - that's reassuring to hear xx

[Lou7744]

Hi there, I haven’t had the scratch on either of my transfers - first was positive, 2nd time negative.

For me I think what’s meant to be is meant to be! Go with your gut instinct 💕 xx

[41nearly42 in reply to Lou7744]

Thanks, I do believe in gut instinct, so I will take some quiet time this week to listen to it and see where it leads me...

[E_05]

I’ve had 4 transfers and the 2 times I had the scratch they were unsuccessful however if it’s something you’ve never had before I do think it’s worth trying at least you can look back and know you’ve done all you could. Good luck on whatever you decide xx

[41nearly42 in reply to E_05]

Thank you x

[Apdp]

I’m the same as you but worried about the scratch. Just started my 3rd cycle. If doesn’t work going to try the scratch. I’ll just try anything lol x

[41nearly42 in reply to Apdp]

I really hope your 3rd cycle works for you x

[Hidden]

I’ve had it once but for me personally I wouldn’t do it again as it too painful, doesn’t hurt after but the 3 consecutive scratches I had killed me and only resulted in a chemical pregnancy. Consultants swear by them but I’ve had more success without a scratch. Go with your gut xxx

[41nearly42 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for this, it's good to get another viewpoint x

[Hidden in reply to 41nearly42]

dailymail.co.uk/health/arti... My sister sent me this article in the daily mail today about Endo scratching proved to be of no benefit, worth a read x