Endometrial receptivity testing gives new information about the uterus

Hopeful parents sometimes want their Austin fertility doctor to explain endometrial receptivity testing. To do this, it’s important to understand how the endometrium works. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. At a certain time in the menstrual cycle, the endometrium will thicken and be ready for an embryo to attach. For most women with normal menstrual cycles, this is around cycle day 19-21.

During the IVF embryo transfer process, fertility doctors use hormones to mimic the changes in the uterus that happen during natural conception. Conventional techniques to prepare the uterus for an IVF embryo transfer appear to optimally prepare the uterus for most patients. However, new data shows that about 20-30% of patients can benefit from additional endometrial receptivity testing. Such testing helps make sure their uterus is ready to allow an embryo to attach.

The process of endometrial receptivity testing takes about a month

To do endometrial receptivity testing, the uterus needs to be prepared as if an embryo transfer is planned. Then, on the day that the transfer would otherwise occur, one of our Austin fertility doctors performs a uterine biopsy instead. This is an in-office procedure.

Results of the test will then take about two weeks to come back. Testing will reveal whether the uterus was receptive during the mock cycle, or if there needs to be additional tweaking to make the uterus more receptive to the actual future transfer of an embryo.

IVF patients may significantly benefit from endometrial receptivity testing

Patients who have had multiple IVF embryo transfers without normal implantation may benefit from this additional step. However, even patients who have not had any transfers may consider endometrial receptivity testing before proceeding with an embryo transfer. An example of such a patient is someone who has only one or two high quality embryos and wants to maximize the chance of success with each embryo transfer.

If you have any questions about this exciting new advancement in uterine testing, please contact us to schedule an appointment with an Austin fertility doctor at TFC.