ERA experiences

[Bookbroad]

Hello lovelies

I’m preparing for an ERA after 6 failed transfers. I would be interested to hear about other’s experiences with the procedure. I’ve not been told anything yet at my clinic and feel that knowing a bit more about what to expect will help me on the day.

I recently had an endometrial scratch which was much more painful than I was expecting. I’m so used to being poked and prodded (who isn’t on her) and having to dig deep, but the surprise of it really had quite traumatising effect and I’d like to avoid that for this one by being prepared.

I’m not convinced the procedure will draw any fresh conclusions but after 6 failed transfers you start to put your hope in things you’d previously written off.

Sorry for the ramble. Guess I’m just feeling a bit lonely with it all and scared, would love to hear about others experiences - the good and the bad.

Take care you wonderful women.

Xx

[Ranchu90]

First of all I am really sorry that you had to go through so many unsuccessful cycles. You took the right decision to have ERA test done after so many failures. Overall is an easy procedure but I must admit that taking the biopsy from the lining is not painless. The good thing it is that only take 10 seconds, you can even count and the pain disappears. I haven't had a scratch to compare with but I didn't expect the biopsy to be that painful 😃. Don't be scared at all, having an egg collection is 10 times more dangerous. You are a strong woman I can see that only from your many attempts. If you have further questions please feel free to ask. Take care 💕

[Bookbroad in reply to Ranchu90]

Thank you. Your message is really kind, thanks for taking the time to write. Did you get anything useful back from yours and if so, did it make a difference. My clinic have really managed my expectations on it, but I’m still curious about peoples lived experience.

[Ranchu90 in reply to Bookbroad]

I am not sure if it made any difference as I never transferred a frozen embryo before ERA test. I didn't want to lose any of my precious blast embryos so I decided to test straightaway for reassurance. My result came back as "receptive" so no changes has been done on my progesterone intake. We have now twins from my last transfer 😘

[Cinderella5]

Hey, I had loads of failed transfers and a couple of BFPs but we sadly lost them. I agreed to an ERA as it was literally the only test left that I believed in. It turned out I needed a whole 48hrs longer on progesterone than normal ladies for my uterus to be receptive. We had a bfn after that but we honesty believe that was due yo very poor sperm.....however we got twins on the next transfer. 🥳 I had scratches too and they lasted longer than the ERA biopsy. Take painkillers and hour beforehand....oh and good luck.xx

[Hopecontinues]

Hey there, I totally feel your pain. It's so disappointing to keep getting BFNs and not know what the problem is. I'm just in the process of deciding whether to do it myself, so it's great to see the replies here where it made a difference.

Agreed the scratch is shockingly more painful than you expect. I hope this is a better experience for you. Just keep thinking about the end result.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes and the results.

❤

[Eiluje]

Hello; I have just had one ERA/EMMA/ALICE biopsy after two failed transfer (1 with 2 embryos) — I only have 3 pga tested normal embryos left so being cautious before the next transfer. The biopsy was uncomfortable but not intense pain for me. Took paracetamol beforehand. My result came back post receptive and recommended I repeat it again with a day less progesterone - which I am currently in the process of doing. Only negative side effect is that I had a strange bleed at the time of my period afterwards, then an ultra long 45 day cycle so delayed start of next treatment. I guess it can be like that after a transfer too. IVF definitely teaches you a lesson in patience

[Bookbroad in reply to Eiluje]

Thanks Eiluje and best of luck. Lord the lessons in patience keep coming don’t they. MyMum keeps telling me to be patient and I’m like ‘what do you think I’ve been doing for the last 3 years?!’ 😂😫. Take care and thanks for your message.

[Blueberry211]

Hello I never had a scratch so I cannot compare however I had an ERA and for me it was quite painless. My result showed that I need to transfer 12 hrs before so it was informative regarding the next transfer. Why is a scratch performed- is it done during the transfer to make it more receptive?

Hugs xx

[Bookbroad in reply to Blueberry211]

Thanks Blueberry211. Wishing you the best of luck with this next transfer. From memory they do the scratch a cycle before your transfer. Some theory that the healing process encourages implantation. My clinic don’t really recommend it anymore and the nurse who did it literally told me she hates doing them because they’re painful and distressing for patients. 😳. Maybe for some people they work but for me it was just a pointless, expensive and unpleasant experience.

[Blueberry211 in reply to Bookbroad]

My clinic does not do them at all. ERA should be a breeze then. Dont worry. In the procedure,they will put you on same medication as a transfer ( they mimic a transfer cycle) and take a sample on day 5. Then meds are stopped completely following sample taking and you will receive result on receptivity. They also did EMMA and Alice