I had a a endometrial scratch and saline hysterogram
So on Friday the 18th I started my first day of this very exciting cycle with Harley Street Fertility Clinic who have been amazing and supported me all the way through this pandemic so huge shout out to the team! If you follow my Instagram @ivf_chasing_dreams you would have seen me being poked, injected and scratched on my live update stories!
I will be writing a series of blogs over the different treatments that I have had so far at Harley Street Fertility Clinic.
Let’s start with one of the procedures I had on Friday which was called a endometrial scratch and saline hysterogram.
The lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is gently ͚scratched͛ using a thin catheter, which is passed through the cervix. At the same time, the uterine cavity is rinsed with normal saline.
How does it help?
Recent research suggests that locally injuring the endometrium (i.e. scratching the uterine lining) causes the uterus to start a’repair reaction’, which may increase the chances of embryo implantation:
The injury causes increased production of white blood cells in the local area, thereby releasing growth factors, hormones and other factors. The ͚new͛ lining that grows from the scratch is believed to be more receptive to an embryo and hence, increases the chances of pregnancy scientists also believe that the genes responsible for embryo implantation are sometimes not switched on at the time when the embryo is supposed to implant. It is thought that the endometrial scratch may switch those genes on and thus better prepare the endometrium for implantation.
The endometrial scratch is a relatively new procedure and further research is being performed to understand the exact process by which it works.
The saline wash is performed in order to remove any debris from the surface of the endometrium and provide a clean surface for embryo implantation.
How does it help?
Recent research suggests that locally injuring the endometrium (i.e. scratching the uterine lining) causes the uterus to start a’repair reaction’, which may increase the chances of embryo implantation:
the injury causes increased production of white blood cells in the local area, thereby releasing growth factors, hormones and other factors. The ͚new͛ lining that grows from the scratch is believed to be more receptive to an embryo and hence, increases the chances of pregnancy
scientists also believe that the genes responsible for embryo implantation are sometimes not switched on at the time when the embryo is supposed to implant. It is thought that the endometrial scratch may switch those genes on and thus better prepare the endometrium for implantation.
The endometrial scratch is a relatively new procedure and further research is being performed to understand the exact process by which it works.
The saline wash is performed in order to remove any debris from the surface of the endometrium and provide a clean surface for embryo implantation.
When is the best time to have the procedure?
The best time to have the endometrial scratch is 7 to 10 days before the period starts. This is for a standard 28 day cycle, if your periods are infrequent or irregular, your doctor will advise on the best time for the procedure.
Preparing for the procedure
It is critical that this procedure is not performed during a pregnancy, therefore patients should not have unprotected intercourse in the four weeks prior to this procedure to avoid the risk of a possible pregnancy.
To prevent the risk of spreading any infection, all patients must be screened for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea prior to the procedure.
We advise that you take over the counter pain relief 30 minutes prior to the procedure. We recommend Ibuprofen (400 mg) and Buscopan (10 mg). If you are allergic to Ibuprofen another option is Paracetamol (1 gram).
A prophylactic course of antibiotic will be prescribed: 1gm of Azithromycin (250mg x 4) orally and 1gm Flagyl suppository rectally the morning of the procedure.
Patients may eat and drink normally before the procedure. Patients are advised to drink 2 glasses of water 30 minutes before the procedure to ensure a half full bladder.
How is the procedure performed?
The endometrial scratch and saline hysterogram are not painful and although you may experience some discomfort, no anaesthesia is usually required. The procedure is similar to an embryo transfer and takes approximately 30 minutes. You will be able to resume normal daily activities after the procedure.
What are the risks?
There is a small risk that any infection in the cervix may be spread to the uterine cavity. You should contact the clinic immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms within a few days of the procedure:
Unexplained fever
Persistent bleeding or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Increasing lower abdominal pain
Feeling generally unwell
You can head to www.hsfc.org.uk to find out what other add ons they can help with to assist in a successful IVF pregnancy.
Love and light
N
XoXo