Ivf Scratch; experiences and stories please!1 failed fet but no scratch prior.

[crisps88]

Hi everyone. Does anyone have any experiences or thoughts on having a scratch?? We’ve just had our first failed ivf FET and we weren’t offered a scratch. I don’t know if I should insist on one? Is this normal for it not to be done or ?? Does anyone have any success stories after the scratch??

Thanks so much in advance x

[Lisaworthy1981]

Hi, sorry to hear about your failed fet!!

I had a scratch with my first transfer which sadly ended in a chemical pregnancy! No scratch with my fet which was a bfn! Then I had another one with my third transfer and we got a bfp! I’m now nearly 17 weeks pregnant!!

I can’t say for sure if it was the scratch but I would definitely recommend having one xx

[Olivia80]

I questioned our doc about it as she recommended one then I read that there’s no conclusive evidence that it works (or doesn’t work). We had a holiday booked and doing a scratch would’ve delayed whole cycle. She said the anxiety around a scratch is bad and the benefit of going into a cycle straight after being in the sun for 10 days outweighs doing the scratch. So we decided against it

[Katbaby19 in reply to Olivia80]

Hi Olivia, just wondering if your going on holidays before you start down reg or immediately before Egg collection . Thinking of booking a break before my next cycle in May...feel it would be a good idea!x

[Olivia80 in reply to Katbaby19]

We were on a frozen cycle this time, started taking pills on last day of the holiday. I’d always endorse a holiday for some nice r&r - wish I had one now too, 5days post transfer 🤦🏼‍♀️

[Lou7744]

Hi there, I had a scratch with my last (4th transfer) which ended in a bfn. For my first 3 transfers, I didn’t have a scratch and had a negative, chemical and BFP which sadly ended in a miscarriage.

I personally wouldn’t have one again as I’ve come to the conclusion that if it’s going to work, it’s going to work!

Wishing you lots of luck for your next round 💕 xx

[Snez84]

I’ve had a bfp with and without the scratch. The bfp with the scratch ended in a MMC and I have my 12 week scan tomorrow for the one without the scratch so fingers crossed all is still ok.

My clinic actually told me there is no evidence it works and they no longer recommend it to their patients. They still offer it but they say it hasn’t increased their success rates xx

[Mifkipi]

My doctor said there isn't enough evidence to prove that scratch actually makes magic... I got my bfp in my 2nd FET round with no scratch for either rounds. Best of luck x

[crisps88]

Thanks so so much for everyone’s replies, they seem so varied. I think there’s no harm (you can probably tell I’ve not had it done lol it’s meant to be very sore and unpleasant!) so I would try to pursue it possibly. Cheers for the advice and your experiences. Congratulations to all the (well deservedly lucky !) ladies success stories are brilliant. Much sympathy to hearing sad stories and horrid to hear the upset. I really wish you all the luck in the world and thank you again. X

[jessisfun]

I had a scratch in rounds 2 and 3, I have a beautiful 20 month old daughter from the 3rd round. I also had another for my recent fet, tested yesterday and it has not worked.

in my opinion when we are throwing so much money at this a scratch is minimal expense so why not? it is unpleasant, but nothing compares to the torture of the 2ww!

[GwinBlue]

I’ve done 7 embryo transfers via 6 rounds. Had two BFPs - which were the two times after I’ve had a scratch - but sadly never get past week five. The first scratch was after a hysteroscopy/laparoscopy so was ok, but the second was just before this most recent fresh cycle and was v painful! I bled from it right up until the start of my cycle (which made it hard to judge d1 for my meds!) It’s a hard choice, but for me I feel it gets me further along in the process than when I don’t have one.

[crisps88]

Thanks a lot. I think I will ask for one, definitely. Any little helps hey! I would go through anything if it meant not going through the heart break of a failed cycle. Ladies my heart goes out to you that have experienced a chemical pregnancy and or a miscarriage it is the worst and don’t know how on earth you can carry on each cycle you’re amazing and do inspirational. Xx

[Scarlett13]

Hi crisp, I’ve had 5 BFNs so far. I’ve had the scratch 3 out of 5 times and never a BFP do have no idea if it’s gonna work or not but my doctors believe in it and it doesn’t do any harm and doesn’t cost a fortune so I think it’s worth a go - and mine have never hurt more than a period cramp x

[crisps88 in reply to Scarlett13]

Thank you for that. I’m so sorry for your 5 negative results, it must be so hard for you. I’ve heard people tell me it is very uncomfortable and painful, but at the end of the day it is so worth it just so I won’t think what if. I’ll have to ask the clinic. X x