To scratch or not to scratch

[Rfletcher]

So I had another FET on 2nd November and yet again got a positive result which then over the following week faded to a negative with my bloods dropping.

This morning I had an appointment with my consultant and he mentioned an endometriosis scratch. He has never mentioned this before and I didn’t really know what it was. I assumed it was for ladies with endometriosis (I thankfully don’t have this). I’m confused, he said it might help this time, why have I not been offered it before?

We only have one embryo left, I want to do anything possible to help this little one along but I’m worried about doing something new when it’s our last chance.

Has anyone experienced this? What would you suggest?

Thank you.

Xx

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely, sorry to hear about your BFN

An endometrial scratch is where they irritate the lining of your uterus, in order to stimulate a response: "The theory is that this procedure triggers the body to repair the site of the scratch, releasing chemicals and hormones that make the womb lining more receptive to an embryo implanting."

Have you ever had an ERA test done? I ask because you seem to get implantation but it doesn't carry on - and sometimes it's because the timing of the transfer is wrong. i.e. your body doesn't yet have enough progesterone to sustain the implantation.

Has your consultant suggested any other tests too? xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

HI Rfletcher. I think "Millbanks" has described an endo scratch pretty well. The HFEA has an "Add-on" section for advice hfea.gov.uk The ERA test is another one to possibly look into. Good luck! Diane

[Rfletcher]

Thank you for this, it really helps.

He did say to me that my progesterone levels were really good when transfer happened. I had a blood test on the day of transfer and they go from that. They seemed happy with my levels each time, it just doesn’t seem to stick around. Xx

[Hidden]

Scratch helped us, chemical first round but the 2 scratches are now 2 and 3 years old. Please read an article done by Auckland University called Pippelle study gives you a bit more info. It's 50/50 chance but I think it's worth it.

[Rfletcher in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, that’s fantastic that it worked for you 🥰

[zytajones]

Hi Rfletcher,As babka said, it's 50/50 chance. In my case endo scratch didn't help.

Best of luck with decision!

[Rfletcher in reply to zytajones]

Thank you, it’s nice to get both sides of it. X

[Peonie100]

Have you had EMMA and ALICE? They check for infection which is otherwise symptomless and can sometimes cause implantation failure. The procedure also acts as a scratch as they take a biopsy of the endometrium.

[Rfletcher in reply to Peonie100]

No this is something Iv not had or heard of. I shall look into it, thank you. X

[Mai94]

I think if it’s your last embryo throw everything at it if you can lovely. 2 early miscarriages and a failed round. We were having our last transfer of two embryos - have one embryo left but decided we’d have a break if this one didn’t work. So I had the scratch, used embryo glue, took progesterone alongside a natural cycle even though theoretically I didn’t need it (consultant said occasionally some ladies get pregnancy and progesterone is high enough for that but not to support the pregnancy). We used glue and I also took aspirin and fragmin. Again nothing to suggest I needed them but consultant was happy to give them a ago, some woman’s blood is more viscous she said so it benefits from the blood thinners!Currently 20 weeks with twins so whether it was coincidence or the additional things we tried I don’t know but I just remember thinking if this is our last go for a while I want to make sure I try everything I am able to!

Good luck 🤞🏽 xx

[Rfletcher in reply to Mai94]

Thank you,

So I always have the Supricur injections before the transfer as well as elle solo tablets and the progesterone pessary and glue is used as standers at our clinic. Iv never used aspirin (when did you start to take it) or fragmin.

That’s fantastic news about being 20 weeks with twins. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy journey and thank you for this great advice. Xxx

[Mai94 in reply to Rfletcher]

Thank you 😊 I think they were both with the positive test! So the day I tested I started asprin and injecting fragmin both up until 12 weeks (aspirin had continued as twins apparently increase pre-eclampsia risk).

Good luck x

[Orchard21]

So I read a lot on here which has been so helpful so thank you all. This is my first time sharing. I had failed transfers then was finally offered the scratch and had unexplained infertility every test came back normal retrievals always responded normally too. I then had the scratch and got pregnant naturally the following month after getting the scratch. We were in same boat as only had one egg left but due to my age was due for another retrieval the following month and we’re then going to use that single and what was collected after the scratch . I am now 20 weeks pregnant. I would get the scratch they did mine with a biopsy which came back normal. I truly believe the scratch got me pregnant. Good luck!!

[Rfletcher in reply to Orchard21]

Oh wow, that’s fantastic. Congratulations. Xxx

[Orchard21 in reply to Rfletcher]

Thank you we are so happy!

[Rfletcher]

Thank you so much for your advice. I have definitely decided what I need to do. If this will give me a slightly higher chance then I’m willing to to do anything (hope it’s not too uncomfortable). I’m not able to do anything until late feb early March because of giving my body time after this latest fail. I think it will do me good to clear my head over Christmas and then start a fresh.

Good luck everyone.

Xxx

[Orchard21]

It doesn’t take too long not the funniest experience but not terrible. I wish you so much luck! Best wishes