Any experience with "womb scratching?"

ecb3588 · December 2015

Hey all...does anyone have any experience with endometrial stimulation, aka womb scratching? My RE wants to do this on me this month before our FET in January. I have never heard of it, and there is limited info online, but it appears it is done to stimulate endometrial receptivity and improve implantation. With only one little frozen embaby, I'll take anything that will increase my chances, but was wondering if anyone else has done it and if it helped?

oxinfree · December 2015

Hey @erinscaren - at my clinic in Canada, this was suggested as the next course of action if our third IVF cycle didn't work. We took a break from our infertility journey and since moved to the US. In my meeting with our new RE this wasn't something we've discussed yet, but I am having a biopsy done and depending on what comes out of that, it may be something that is brought up again I don't know.

In terms of having it done and whether it helped, I'm obviously not able to comment. Hopefully someone else is as I'd be interested to hear more about it. From my understanding it gets rid of old possibly unreceptive lining and encourages fresh tissue for implantation.

If your RE is suggesting it there must be a reason. What's your past history like?

ecb3588 · December 2015

@oxinfree We are here because of male plumbing issues, IVF is our only option. Did our first IVF cycle in Oct/Nov which resulted in 2 embryos. The first was a fresh 3 day transfer and didn't take. Our hope now lies with this last frozen one, or we have to start all over. From limited information I have found, it does seem like this is done more in other countries besides the US, but seems like a low risk procedure, so if it increases our chances, I am all for it. I'd pretty much try anything at this point! Thanks for your input!

Knottie1450873714 · December 2015

Hi! After two failed IVF transfers, my RE suggested an endometrial scratch. I had this done prior to my recent transfer on 11/22. So far I had my first beta yesterday at 8dp5dt and an HCG of 34! My first positive pregnancy from IVF. Going in tomorrow for second beta and hoping it rises! Cuz right now I'm freaked out.

So not sure if it was the endometrial scratch, the fact that I had switched clinics after my second failed IVF transfer, but I agree with erinscaren and would try just about anything at this point!!

ecb3588 · December 2015

@RK711 Wow congrats on your BFP! I am sure your beta tomorrow will be great! I am excited for you! This gives me hope that our FET is gonna be successful with this extra little procedure!

Knottie1450873714 · December 2015

@erinscaren Thanks!! I'm glad you are considering having it done. I wish I had it with my first two IVF cycles. Oh well. Hopefully this will be the little extra something something our bodies need for a successful pregnancy! Best of luck to you next month!

caitiemae · December 2015

@erinscaren Sorry I don't know much about endometrial scratches other than that it's supposed to improve implantation rates. I saw you mentioned you have to do IVF for "male plumbing" issues. If you don't mind me asking, any chance you're another CF wife, or just an old vasectomy? My husband has CF and has an incomplete vas deferens and had to have a surgical sperm aspiration. Luckily, we were blessed and got a BFP the first transfer. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough sperm left over to freeze so when we decide to expand our family, we have just one more transfer left to try and I'll definitely be asking my RE to do anything that could slightly increase the odds of it working. Please let us know how everything goes, I'm definitely interested to hear how the endometrial scratch goes if you do decide to get one. Best of luck on your transfer and praying that this will be your BFP!

ecb3588 · December 2015

@caitiemae Well I am so glad you guys got a BFP on the first try! There is so much extra pressure when you are dealing with a limited supply! DH had a vasectomy with a failed reversal attempt, his initial urologist did such a hack job, the specialist couldn't even attempt to put it together once he got in there. It was so bad, they gave us half the money back on our "non refundable" procedure if that tells you anything! My RE didn't really present the endometrial scratching as a choice, they just said be here on the 16th to have it done, so I guess I'm having it done! Lol! I'm really hoping it works, I hope the only reason I ever have to start this mess over for is a sibling! Good luck to you and a h&h 9 months!

ecb3588 · December 2015

For anyone who may be interested, I just got a call from the research nurse from my clinic. She said this procedure basically irritates the lining which has been shown to improve implantation rates. They started doing them on everyone doing a fet this past January and are doing a study to see which of 2 ways to do it is the best, or if they are the same, which is less painful. At least by being in the study, the procedure will be free for me. Every little bit helps when you're doing this oop!

Knottie1450873714 · December 2015

That's fabulous that it's covered! I had to pay OOP for mine. What state do you live in?

ecb3588 · December 2015

@rk711 I am in NC. She said it would cost about $500, but if I participate in the study, it's free! I participated in a study for my ER and there was no compensation for that, so at least this has an extra benefit for me!

laurenlindsey09 · January 2016

My doctor told me the same thing. I had an endometrial biopsy (sound similar but I'm no dr) after a round of clomid just 2 days ago. I'll keep my fingers crossed that those little embryos will snug right in and stay put, for all of us going through it!

Cmartin6706 · January 2016

My DW had to have "a field" of polyps removed after the RE failed to detect them before our first IVF. Her doctor said doing so scratched her lining and improved implantation chances for the following 6 months. We tried IUIs during that timeframe and had CPs.

ecb3588 · January 2016

I had the procedure done last month, it was no biggie. Thought it would be way worse than it was. Still waiting for FET this month, but hopefully there is a comfy notch in there for the little embaby now!

halips · January 2016

@erinscaren I had the scratch done yesterday in prep for my next cycle that start on the 22nd. It was a tiny bit painful but only for a few seconds and then I was fine. Here's hoping it's what both of us need to get the BFP! When is your FET scheduled?

ecb3588 · January 2016

@halips So good to hear from you! I feel like our Oct/Nov group got scattered as everyone moved on to their next plans. Yes, I agree, tiny bit of pain, but over in a few seconds. I rated it only a 3/10 on the pain scale. I'm very hopeful it is going to help get us to our BFPs. What is next up for you? I can't remember if you have any snowflakes left, or are you doing a new IVF cycle?

halips · January 2016

@erinscaren I honestly think our Oct/Nov group had a lot of sadness, that may be part of the reason it quieted down I don't have any snowflakes left, so a new IVF cycle for me, starting on the 22nd. I'm cautiously optimistic that this will be the one. My fingers are crossed for you that your upcoming FET will be the one for you as well! Keep me updated!

ecb3588 · January 2016

@halips I know, I don't know what happened, we had some bad juju for sure. Each of the Oct/Nov girls holds a special place for me though, and I cheer for each of you a little more than anyone else! I have such hope for you and this next IVF cycle!

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