Intentional Endometrial Injury, Endometrial Cells and Ivf Outcomes

The ability of the uterine lining (endometrium) to accept an embryo and facilitate implantation is a critical factor in the establishment of early pregnancy. If the endometrium is not receptive to implantation, then even the transfer of good quality embryos may not result in pregnancy. Therefore, research has focussed on what processes are involved in endometrial receptivity and implantation. Studies in women undergoing endometrial biopsy led to a somewhat surprising finding – that “injury” to the endometrium during biopsy actually resulted in significantly higher pregnancy rates.

The reason why intentional injury to the endometrium can actually increase implantation and pregnancy rates is not entirely clear, however one theory is that injuring (such as by “scratching” of the endometrial surface) promotes remodelling of endometrial tissues which makes them better able to support embryo implantation.

Our research aims to identify the reason why endometrial injury can increase pregnancy rates. Our scientists have discovered two different cell types that appear in the endometrial tissue after injury and believe that the activation of these cell types may be important for improving implantation. The current project will measure these cell types in endometrial biopsy tissues and determine their relationship with endometrial thickness and pregnancy success rates. The goal of this research is to generate information that can be used to improve the treatment of women with recurrent implantation failure.