Endometrial scratch?

[LB2019]

Hello everyone!

My clinic has recommended an endometrial scratch before my IVF cycle starts. Has anyone else had one? I have been reading conflicting research. I thought it was something I was happy to go for but now not sure.

[KW83]

Hi, it depends a bit on the reason it has been suggested. If it is being done for reasons of biopsy to assess the condition of your endometrium (checking for adhesions, polyps etc) to see if there is anything preventing implantation that might be something positive. This would be done well in advance of a cycle as an investigative measure. If it is simply being suggested as an add on to your cycle, because it migtt improve your chances, you should be aware that the most recent, good quality studies have shown no evidence that it increases birth rate from IVF. You can read the study here: nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/N...

In this scenario you are paying for an often painful procedure that does not have any proven benefit. Obviously it is your decision, but beware of clinics trying to eek some extra money out of you for unnecessary procedures.

[LB2019 in reply to KW83]

That's the study that I had seen this morning. It has been recommended to me on the basis it could increase our chances. I had read up on it before and thought we would go for it but seeing the most recent research I am now not sure whether it is worth it or not. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

[KW83 in reply to LB2019]

It's very unethical for your clinic to say to you that it could increase your chances. New HFEA rules mean that they're not allowed to do that unless there is reliable evidence that is true. It's a hard choice because we're always desperate to do anything that might help, but for my part I always try to listen to my logical brain and ignore the bit of me that is full of doubt and uncertainty. Not always easy particularly if your clinic are not being entirely open and scientific!

[Kyell2]

Hi, I too was thinking of doing this.

I sat down with the embryologist who said as it was my first transfer there was no evidence that it would improve my chances and that HFEA only Amber recommend it.

She said there are a few surveys ongoing at the moment but she thought I would waste my money.

I’m using embryo glue but only because it comes with my Access Fertility package.

I think it’s a personal choice and if you want it do it, you never know I guess xx

[Shelleybean]

I was aware of the research and amber rating, but decided to give it a try on current cycle anyway as it didn’t cost much and I’ve had failed implantation on 2x prev cycles. I was really worried about pain, but took some painkillers before and didn’t find it too bad at all actually. Only just started stims so obviously unaware of the outcome of our treatment yet.

To be honest, if I’d have found out in time I would have gone for an endometrial biopsy at a clinic in Coventry (nowhere near me!). This would have been beneficial in investigating if there is a problem with the endometrium preventing implantation and I was told also has the same (questionable!) therapeutic effect as a scratch, but needs to be done on day 21 of the cycle prior to treatment and there wasn’t enough time for me unless we delayed treatment, which we decided not to do mainly as have had one pregnancy after 1st cycle of IVF (sadly ended in mmc) so not convinced implantation is our issue.

After the prev failed cycles I just thought sod it why not?! 😂 Good luck with your decision, it’s never easy! xx

[LB2019]

Thank you to everyone who has replied. It's something that we are going to go for. It might make a difference but it might not. We've decided we think it's worth a go but I agree that now the research is a little more inconclusive it shouldn't be pushed as much by the clinic. Good luck to everyone who is currently going through a cycle! Xx

[Shelleybean in reply to LB2019]

Good luck, hope it works for you xx

[CharlieW1985]

How long after your scratch do you start treatment? I have a scratch appt coming up soon xx

[LB2019 in reply to CharlieW1985]

I've got my scratch on Friday and treatment starts the following Thursday. X

[Stassi]

Hi my first fresh round of IVF was unsuccessful I didn’t have the scratch. Second round was a frozen cycle and was successful. I changed clinics and my consultant recommended the scratch. Obviously I can’t be certain the scratch had anything to do with being successful but, I would opt to do it again and it didn’t hurt at all. Best of luck to you.

[LB2019 in reply to Stassi]

Thank you, that is really good to hear. I am having it on Friday, I am a little bit worried about discomfort but hopefully my experience is the same as yours. I will be going to the clinic on my own as husband has to work as appointment was made at late notice. I assume I will be ok to drive after?

[Stassi in reply to LB2019]

from what I remember it was so quick and i didn’t find it uncomfortable some may do though. My clinic was in central London so to my appts I got the tube or cabs. I wouldn’t see why you couldn’t drive back afterwards. Maybe just double check with your clinic though.

[LB2019 in reply to Stassi]

Ok, thank you. I will give the clinic a call just to double check. Hopefully I don't really feel anything either then!

[Core]

I’m having the scratch on Monday, I’ve had 3 failed transfers and my clinic didn’t push it at all but when I asked they said there was no conclusive evidence but it couldn’t hurt and was up to me if I wanted to give it a go it is £250 (I’m with NHS) just feel I want to give everything a go xx

[LB2019 in reply to Core]

This is my first go but I want to do everything possible to make it work. Although I know there might still be factors that come into play that will mean it doesn't work. I feel like I want to give it the best chance of working first time. Good luck with yours! x