Endometrial Scratch

Service Description

Please Book Scratch on days 20-23 of the preceding cycle; Endometrial scratching is carried out before IVF. During the procedure, the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is ‘scratched’ using a small sterile plastic tube, which is inserted in after a speculum exam like a smear test. It may be uncomfortable or painful—there is a slight chance of infection, pain, and spotting after the procedure. The theory is that this procedure triggers the body to repair the scratch site, releasing chemicals and hormones that make the womb lining more receptive to an embryo implanting. Some also suggest the treatment may activate genes that cause the womb lining to be more receptive to an embryo implanting.HFEA advice: For most fertility patients undergoing IVF or ICSI, endometrial scratching is rated amber for improving the chances of having a baby. However, on balance, it is not clear whether this add-on is effective at improving the treatment outcome. There is conflicting moderate/high-quality evidence—in some studies, the add-on has been found to be effective, but in other studies, it has not.