A
prepared uterine lining (Endometrium) is critical for successful
implantation after embryo transfer. A commonly used guideline for
assessing the endometrium is to measure its thickness. Endometrial
thickness is often abbreviated as EMT.
During
the stimulation phase of IVF, EMT usually increases in response to
estrogen released by the ovaries. It is generally accepted that it is
a “thick” lining that will be receptive for the embryo(s) after
transfer. The most commonly used cut off for defining a thin
endometrium is less than or equal to 7
mm.
Some studies have suggested that a thin lining is associated with low
IVF pregnancy rates whereas others were not able to confirm this
thesis. Despite this, EMT is now routinely measured using
transvaginal ultrasound during in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Poor
endometrial lining most commonly occurs in women with a history of
unexplained recurrent IVF failures or early recurrent miscarriages
and is usually attributable to the following factors:
-
Endometritis: Chronic infection of the endometrial cells.
-
Fibroids of the uterine wall (non-cancerous muscle tumors of the uterus).
-
Scar tissue of the endometrium (called Asherman’s syndrome), caused by prior D&Cs or other uterine manipulations
Endometrial
thickness cannot predict the outcome of an IVF cycle. The impact of
endometrial patterns on IVF pregnancy rates has been investigated
with conflicting results.
You
can learn more by visiting: http://www.vcrmed.com/ivf-reston-va/
Schedule
an appointment with Dr. Sharara (one of the leading IVF specialists
in the US) to discuss your situation and how we can assist you in IVF
success.
