Anyone had a “scratch”

[Olivia80]

We’ve been recommended a scratch on our next (FET) cycle. Problem is, timings. The clinic has said it needs to be on day 21 of cycle, but we’re on holiday and they won’t do it earlier (it would need to be done around day 16.

If we don’t do it, we could start our cycle the day we come home from holiday (vit d levels nice and high!)

I’ve also read articles that there’s little evidence the scratch works.

Would you do it?

Would you wait?

I’m so sick of all the treatment I just want to get on with it (and I won’t cancel the holiday!)

[jengi]

Hi Olivia

So I was offered this in my first round. I’m a scientist so asked my consultant what the science says about the procedure. She told me it has only been trialled and demonstrated to be effective in women on their 2nd round or more of IVF. For that reason I opted against it for the 1st round. I was then offered it in my 2nd round of short protocol and opted for it. As it happens it was complete waste of time & money as I never got to start my 2nd short protocol for a number of reasons... cysts (no history previously), thick endometrium etc.

I don’t want to scare you, only be honest, my experience was that it was incredibly painful. I reacted terribly, my body went into shock, I fainted and threw up. I wasn’t let go home until nearly 3 o’clock. Once home, I then slept through until the next morning. It was very unpleasant experience for me & my husband. Of course, this is just my experience and others will not be quite so dramatic!

I’ve since realised that the latest science does support it but the quality of the science is only classed as medium. There was an interesting article in the Telegraph published about this in July last year.

google.co.uk/amp/s/www.tele...

Here’s another article

cochrane.org/CD009517/MENST...

So in brief, I’d do your research and be sure that this is something you need & that it will be beneficial and an effective way to spend your money.

Good luck Xx

[Lou7744]

Hi there, I had a scratch last Tuesday. It was over really quick and I can only describe it as a weird sensation! I’m glad that it only lasted a few seconds and for me, luckily went straight forward.

I’m on my forth transfer, that’s why my consultant has recommended having it done 💕 xx

[Scarlett13]

Hi, I’ve had the scratch 3 x now but still no BFP, but will always have the scratch done each time. I get mine done at a private hospital for £160 which is cheaper than what my clinic charge. My clinic says it needs to be done within a window of a few days/week, not a precise day. I found it no more painful than a period cramp. It was over very quickly and I was fine to drive myself home. X

[Snez84]

Hey Olivia! I’m not going to be much help as I’ve had an FET with the scratch and an FET without it and both have ended with a BFP. My cycle with the scratch did end in a miscarriage at 10 weeks and my current cycle (no scratch) is too early to tell as my OTD is today. So far so good though!

I also didn’t find the scratch painful at all but I guess everyone is different.

On a final note, my clinic no longer promote the scratch as an add on. It’s a tough one but I’d say go with your gut and I’m sure it’ll be the right decision xx

[Cinderella5]

I had a couple of scratches and transferred without too....all bfns so can't say either way. I think mine was done around day 19 at the earliest. Could you ask the clinic of they would consider doing it early? If you do have it take painkillers beforehand & take a towel in case of bleeding...its pretty sore but over quickly.xx

[Tugsgirl]

It’s got an Amber light on the hfea guide which means it’s shown some promise but further evidence is needed. I’ve had bfps with scratch but I’m currently 10 and a half weeks pregnant without scratch xx