How do you perform endometrial scratching?

During the procedure the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is 'scratched' using a small sterile plastic tube. 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.


How painful is endometrial scratching?

Endometrial scratching is an additional procedure offered at IVF clinics that is suggested for boosting success rates; it's thought to make the womb more receptive to an embryo implanting but can be very painful and is another cost for customers to cover.

When is the best time to do endometrial scratch?

Timing of endometrial scratch

The optimum time for the procedure is in the cycle before your IVF treatment. The best time is often day 21 of your cycle, however if you have an irregular menstrual cycle the timing could be different. Your consultant will advise you of the optimal date.


How long does endometrial scratch take?

The Procedure

Endometrial scratching is simple, low-cost, minimally invasive, and only takes 15-20 minutes. It is performed at an outpatient appointment and is the same method used to gain a sample from an endometrial biopsy.

Is an endometrial scratch worth it?

In summary, it was found that unselected subfertile women generally benefit less from endometrial scratching, but scratching appears to be successful in women who have experienced repeated implantation failure.


IVF: Let’s address Endometrial scratching



Do you need a full bladder for an endometrial scratch?

You will be asked to have a comfortably full bladder before having the scratch as this eases the procedure.

How much does an endometrial scratch cost?

An Endometrial Scratch costs £265 in addition to your standard treatment cost. The final cost of your treatment will depend on your individual circumstances.

What to expect after endometrial scratch?

It is not unusual to experience mild (period like) cramping and/or a small amount of vaginal spotting or bleeding after ES. Take over the counter pain relief if needed. The procedure is performed in the cycle before your treatment.


How long do the benefits of an endometrial scratch last?

In order for you to have an endometrial scratch, you will need to be seen by a clinician. It is normally per- formed between days 20 and 25 of your menstrual cycle and its effect can last up to 3 months.

Is endometrial scratch harmful?

There is a small risk that if you have an infection within your cervix before 'scratching', this may cause the infection to spread into the uterus. Your clinic can treat this if necessary. Endometrial scratching does not carry any additional known risks for the child born as a result of fertility treatment.

Can you fall pregnant after a womb scrape?

A simple technique, which involves scratches to the womb lining, could more than double a women's chances of becoming pregnant, a study has found. Women who underwent the procedure during natural or assisted conception were twice as likely to get pregnant than those who didn't.


How much endometrium is required for IVF?

However, it is generally accepted that an endometrial thickness below a minimum value of 6 to 8 mm showed negative predictive value for IVF outcomes,[1,2,2426] and clinical pregnancy as well as live birth rates are significantly higher in patients with an endometrial thickness >9 to 10 mm.

Why would you need your uterus scraped?

Reasons for the procedure

A D&C may be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure for abnormal bleeding. A D&C may be performed to determine the cause of abnormal or excessive uterine bleeding, to detect cancer, or as part of infertility (inability to become pregnant) investigation.

Do they numb you for endometrial biopsy?

Your provider may numb the area using a small needle to inject medicine, or he or she may apply a numbing spray to your cervix. A type of forceps may be used to hold the cervix steady for the biopsy. You may feel some cramping when it is applied.


Is a hysteroscopy necessary before IVF?

A hysteroscopy before IVF treatment is a must. It won't always be recommended, but have one anyway. A hysteroscopy is the best way to check your uterus is healthy and ready to carry a baby. It can spot things an ultrasound scan can't.

Can endometrial scratching be done under anesthesia?

No anaesthetic is required, but patients are generally advised to take over-the-counter pain medication beforehand as it can cause some pain. Pain during the scratch procedure was reported during one study as an average of 6/10. An endometrial biopsy can also be performed at the same time as a hysteroscopy.

How can I prepare my uterus for implantation?

Getting an estrogen boost may help improve the uterine lining over time. Furthermore, supplements such as iron, digestive enzymes, fish oils, and vitamin E can help. Some studies show L-Arginine, turmeric, and even low-dose aspirin can also help.


Can I drive home after an endometrial biopsy?

Following Endometrial Biopsy

You may drive home following the procedure, unless additional medications have to be given in the office to complete your procedure. Some vaginal bleeding or spotting is common following the procedure. If you experience heavy bleeding, please call your doctor.

Can endometrial scratch cause miscarriage?

In this respect, localized endometrial injury in patients during the COH cycle raised embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate, with no significant effect on miscarriage or multiple pregnancy rate.

Is endometrial biopsy same as endometrial scratch?

This is the very same procedure a gynaecologist would use in order to get an endometrial sample for analysis, where it is called an endometrial biopsy. The procedure has been re-purposed and re-named as endometrial scratching recently due to its potential use in the fertility area.


Is scar tissue in the uterus painful?

In severe cases, more than two-thirds of the endometrium and cervix can be covered with scar tissue. Heavily scarred uterine surfaces may stick together, restricting menstrual flow and causing pain.

When is the best time to do a endometrial biopsy?

An endometrial biopsy can be done during your menstrual cycle, but it is better to have it done when you are not on your period.

Is endometrial ablation worth it?

For many women, endometrial ablation is a good option because it is minimally invasive and avoids chronic medication use. Endometrial ablation can reduce abnormal bleeding or stop bleeding completely by destroying the lining of the uterus, or the endometrium, through high levels of heat.


Can my doctor burn endometrial lining to stop bleeding?

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding (periods). The procedure works by ablating (destroying) the tissue in the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium.

How uncomfortable is an endometrial biopsy?

The instruments may feel cold. You may feel some cramping when the cervix is grasped. You may have some mild cramping as the instruments enter the uterus and the sample is collected. The discomfort is mild, though for some women it can be severe.