Maybe, this could be the solution for all childless couples.The new IVF test, Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA), according to experts, can pinpoint to the exact point in a woman’s cycle which is the most suitable time to implant an embryo in the womb, ie, the best chance when a woman can get pregnant.
The test is based on the expression of 238 genes that are related to how receptive the womb lining is, established after a biopsy. ‘The test identifies ‘personalised’ window of implantation in women with recurrent implantation failure,’ after IVF or ICSI.
Endometrial Receptivity Assay can diagnose if the uterine lining is ready for the embryo. There are several instances when IVF fails, even when the embryo might be good. It is not uncommon to see patients who have undergone three, five or even eight cycles of IVF/ICSI. In such circumstances, it is very important to evaluate to find out the reason. Of course, the quality of egg/sperm is important and if those are bad, the only option is to go for donor egg or donor sperm accordingly.
In case gamates and embryo are good, the reason could be failure of implantation. Implantation is the process by which communication happens between the embryo and the inner lining of the uterus. It happens through some chemicals which results in adherence of embryo and subsequent growth in the lining.
About the test
The ‘Endometrial Receptivity Test’ has been newly introduced in India. With this test, experts can diagnose whether the uterine lining is ready to accept the embryo. This is a crucial step to pregnancy. No matter how good the embryo is, if the test is negative, it will not result in pregnancy. Thus, it helps in finding the cause in repeated ART failures.
By changing the dates of the test, one may be able to find a different time frame when the uterus will be receptive to the embryo. This helps in changing the embryo transfer date. The method for the test is quite simple and is done in an outpatient setting by collecting a small sample of the endometrium and sending it for analysis. It is cost effective as it will avoid unnecessary repetition of IVF.
Dr Anita Mani MRCOG (London) Infertility specialist GIFT-IVF Center
anitadane@gmail.com