IVF is generally considered a whirlwind of emotions due to its regular cycles and processes involved. When consulting with a doctor, the common discussion or dilemma most IVF patients ask is about difficulties in pregnancy related to implantation and endometrial thickness.
Our Indian women are more concerned about the thickness of the endometrial lining.
An expert fertility specialist says that the normal range of endometrial thickness that is apt for optimistic IVF results is between 6mm and 9mm.Â
In this article, we will discuss the normal ranges of endometrium thickness, their impact on pregnancy, as well as the methods and treatments available to repair your current medical condition to make you a more informed decision about your IVF treatment.
Endometrial Thickness: Understanding the Differences for IVF
When it comes to your IVF journey, understanding your endometrial thickness is important. Medically speaking, your endometrium goes through two key stages that can impact your IVF cycle.Â
Essentially, the endometrium can be classified as either thin or thick, and both can affect your chances of success.Â
The endometrium is regarded as thin if its wall is less than 6 mm thick. However, if the thickness is more than 12 mm, it is regarded as a thick endometrium, which is frequently used as an indicator of poor embryo implantation.
Endometrial Thickness and Euploid Embryo
In addition to endometrial thickness, other important considerations for a couple undergoing IVF include the embryo’s quality, particularly the blastocyst (a day 5 embryo), and its chromosome health, including whether or not it is euploid.Â
An euploid embryo interacts with the endometrium wall. Patients always worry about the endometrium thickness as it connects directly with their IVF results.
An expert fertility specialist says that the thickness of the endometrium below 6 mm may slow down your chances of getting pregnant, but it doesn’t eliminate them.
 Experts and innovative technologies are there to help your dream come true.
Common Protocols for Endometrial Preparation in IVF
1. How to Assess Endometrial Health: Key Tests and Evaluations
To improve your endometrial thickness, your doctor will likely prescribe oral estrogens.Â
Once your endometrium reaches the ideal thickness, usually between 7-9 mm, an endometrial Doppler study will be done to assess the blood flow in your lining. If the results are satisfactory, your doctor will schedule your embryo transfer.
Before this, in a popular IVF clinic in India, additional tests are often performed to ensure the best outcome.Â
Your estrogen and progesterone levels will be checked, and typically, patients with estrogen levels above 300 and progesterone levels below 1.2 are considered for embryo transfer.
Before treatment, a detailed assessment is done, including a 3D ultrasound of the endometrial cavity. If necessary, a hysteroscopic biopsy may be performed to check for chronic endometritis, a condition in India that can cause a thin endometrium. It is diagnosed through a simple biopsy and testing for MUM-1, a marker specific to plasma cells.
2. Natural and Modified Natural Cycle Protocols for Thin Endometrium
If your assessments come back negative, you will typically be switched to a Natural Cycle Embryo Transfer or a Modified Natural Cycle Transfer protocol. The modified protocol, which may include letrozole, is often preferred based on your specific case.
When a healthy follicle and corpus luteum are formed, it naturally helps your endometrium by boosting estrogen levels. The success rates for embryo transfer in these cases are similar to those with the HRT protocol, and about 50-80% of patients with a thin endometrium experience positive results from this approach.
3. Stem Cell Therapy and Other Advanced Treatments for Endometrial Health
In certain cases, additional procedures like Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for the endometrium may be needed.Â
This involves extracting precursor cells from the bone marrow, processing them to concentrate the stem cells, and then using a special technique to implant them into the endometrium.
This therapy is considered experimental, but it may have about a 60% success rate. The procedure is performed with hysteroscopic surgery, and it’s important to ensure that the surgery is done properly for the best results.
Endometrial PRP is no longer considered effective for increasing endometrial thickness, so it is used only sparingly. If needed, Autologous Stem Cell Therapy is a much better option than PRP.
Hysteroscopy in Endometrial Health
In India, endometrial tuberculosis is a common, silent infection that can lead to thin endometrium in many women. For these patients, a thorough hysteroscopy is needed to identify signs of past infections. These women may benefit greatly from Autologous Stem Cell Therapy for their endometrium.
Debunking Myths About Endometrial Health
Fertility specialists advise against using oral supplements like sildenafil citrate or low molecular weight heparin for increasing endometrial thickness, as they do not provide significant benefits. It’s important to focus on more effective treatment options for your specific situation.
Additionally, there isn’t a specific diet that can help improve endometrial thickness, so no particular dietary changes are advised.
While exercises, including pelvic-focused yoga postures, can improve overall health and blood flow to the pelvis, they don’t have proven effects on increasing endometrial thickness. So, although they’re good for your well-being, they won’t directly impact your endometrial health.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to fertility; each person’s and couple’s experience is different. To get the greatest results, you must comprehend your unique situation and take a customised technique to solve it.
You can investigate the possibilities that suit your circumstances and make your aspirations of starting a family a reality by collaborating closely with an informed and encouraging team. Finding the best options for you can make all the difference in the success of your IVF procedure, and your journey deserves the best care.
FAQ’s
Although a thin endometrium (less than 6 mm) can reduce the likelihood of an IVF cycle being successful, failure is not always the result.
Many women with thin endometriums have had successful pregnancies thanks to advancements in medical treatments, including hormone therapy and specialised procedures like the Modified Natural Cycle.
For specialised treatments, speaking with a reproductive professional might significantly increase your chances.
