Endometrial scratching

The endometrium is a layer of tissue lining the inside of the uterus. At the beginning of a pregnancy, the embryo will attach to the endometrium, this is called implantation.

Endometrial scratching, also known as endometrial injury, is a procedure in which one makes a small damage to the tissue layer inside the uterus by means of a pipelle. This minor damage causes various biological processes to kick in, making it easier for an embryo to implant in the uterus.

Endometrial scratching is a simple, low-cost procedure that can be performed on an outpatient setting in the cycle before the actual IVF cycle. It takes only a few minutes and only causes some slight discomfort for the patient. Discuss with your doctor whether this could be an option for you.