The effect of endometrial scratch on natural-cycle cryopreserved embryo transfer outcomes: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

The benefit of endometrial scratch (ES) prior to embryo transfer is controversial. Systemic analysis has confirmed its potential benefit, especially in women with repeated IVF failures, yet most studies have focused on fresh embryo transfer, and its effect on vitrified-warmed embryo transfer (FET) cycles is yet to be explored. We hereby present our prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study on the evaluation of the implantation and pregnancy rate after ES prior to natural-cycle FET. A total of 299 patients underwent natural-cycle FET and were randomized to receive ES (n = 115) or endocervical manipulation as control (n = 114) prior to FET cycle, and a total of 196 patients had embryo transfer (93 patients in each group). Our study showed no significant difference in the implantation and pregnancy rate, as well as the clinical and ongoing pregnancy or live birth rates between the two groups. It appears that ES does not have any beneficial effect on an unselected group of women undergoing FET in natural cycles. Further studies on its effect in women with recurrent implantation failure after IVF are warranted.

Keywords: Endometrial injury; Endometrial scratch; Implantation; Natural cycle; Pregnancy rate; Vitrified-warmed embryo transfer.