Endometrial Scratch: Meaning, Procedure, Benefits, and Risks

What is an Endometrial Scratch?

Endometrial scratching is a procedure used in assisted reproduction to increase the chances of implantation. In this minor but purposeful intervention, a thin and flexible tube known as a catheter is carefully inserted into the uterus. Through this, a small, deliberate scratch is made on the endometrial lining, which is the inner layer of the womb that plays a crucial role in supporting pregnancy.

The underlying idea is that this operation makes the body fix the area of the cut, thereby letting out certain chemicals and hormones that will make the womb lining more acceptable to a new embryo. The procedure may increase the blood flow, tissue renewal, and the secretion of growth factors by triggering the mild healing response, which can facilitate embryo attachment in IVF.

The procedure is not suitable for every woman, and the doctors will only recommend it to those who have had several instances of implantation failure. The decision to undergo this procedure is carefully made after evaluating the individual’s medical history and fertility journey.

Why is an Endometrial Scratch Done?

Embryo implantation is believed to be one of the most crucial steps that decides whether a pregnancy will happen. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) might still be unsuccessful in some cases, even if embryos of the highest quality are transferred. To these women, the cause of infertility is often unknown, and doctors may recommend endometrial scratching to solve their problem.

This treatment is usually recommended in certain situations, such as:

• A woman who has undergone multiple IVF attempts but has never had a positive outcome.
• A condition where the embryos are healthy, but the embryo implantation has not succeeded.
• Conditions where the uterine lining receptivity has to be enhanced to result in a pregnancy.

Some studies show that the endometrial scratching method might sometimes increase the odds of a second pregnancy. However, there is barely sufficient scientific support for this, and the mechanism behind it is not clearly understood.

Benefits of an Endometrial Scratch

In a nutshell, there is ongoing discussion on the ultimate results, yet some women experience positive outcomes following an endometrial scratch. It is assumed that the procedure leads to a mending reaction in the uterus, which might heighten the implantation receptivity of the embryo.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved implantation chances - The tissue injury may lead to the repair of the tissue and also the secretion of growth factors, thus making the endometrial layer more responsive to embryo attachment.
• Support for recurrent implantation failure - Women who have been through many unsuccessful IVF cycles might be helped by the procedure, as the method sometimes makes the uterus more favourable.
• Enhanced endometrial receptivity - The endometrial scratching might be an effective method of stimulating new cell growth to enable the uterus to support embryo development better.
• Possible improvement in pregnancy outcomes - In selected patients, especially in patients with unexplained implantation issues, the likelihood of getting pregnant may be increased by the method.

Though not every patient is a suitable candidate for this operation, these possible benefits still make it an option that needs to be considered when consulting a fertility expert.

Risks and Side Effects of Endometrial Scratch

Just like any other operation, the endometrial scratch can bring about some side effects, yet the majority are of a minor nature. Some of the potential risks of endometrial scratching are as follows:

Possible risks include:

• The procedure may likely generate discomfort and cramping of a mild or moderate level, and such a feeling normally goes away within a very short period of time.
• Endometrial damage may cause mild bleeding and spotting. The temporary nature of this condition and the fact that it resolves on its own make it important to keep an eye on the bleeding rate.
• Every intervention that enters the human body increases the risk of infection. Infection rates will be kept at a minimum if the usual standard of sterility in the procedure is observed.
• It is not meant for women with certain uterine conditions, especially those with abnormal uterine cavities.

It is critical to have a thorough discussion with a fertility expert about the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives related to endometrial scratching. They can assist in making a decision by taking into account the medical history, fertility wish-list, and general health conditions.

Success Rate of Endometrial Scratch in IVF

The effective use of endometrial scratching in IVF is something of an unknown. Some of the findings indicate an advantage, especially in those women who have undergone several unsuccessful IVF treatments, while others show no or almost no benefits.

When Should You Consider Endometrial Scratching?

In IVF, endometrial scratching is not a routine or an automated procedure. This approach should only be considered in a very small number of cases when enhancing the uterine environment might increase the success of implantation.

You may consider it if:

• Women have experienced a minimum of two unsuccessful IVF attempts. Or have attempted embryo transfer multiple times without resulting in a pregnancy; this is done in the hopes that scratching can improve the receptivity of the endometrium.
• As the doctor tries to enhance the chances of implantation, fertility specialists, after reviewing your medical history, test results, and previous IVF outcomes, may suggest this procedure.
• A scratch is not recommended for first-time IVF patients because the vast majority of mothers give birth without any additional assistive techniques. Ultimately, the decision should always be based on personalised medical guidance.

Conclusion

Some IVF patients can have an embryo inserted in their endometrium using a tiny, minimally invasive technique called an endometrial scratch.

At Indira IVF, each patient's reproductive history is noted by the specialists. This allows doctors to provide patients with highly customised advice related to the benefits of endometrial scratching and whether they are likely to gain from it. By combining cutting-edge reproductive procedures with utmost humane care, Indira IVF enables the couple to make better-educated and confident plans for their future pregnancy.