Endometrial scratch
A procedure involving a small deliberate injury to the womb lining, done before an embryo transfer cycle, intended to encourage implantation.
In plain English
It's a small deliberate scratch of the womb lining, done ahead of a transfer, in theory to trigger a helpful healing response.
Why it matters
The HFEA rates this as an add-on with no consistent evidence of improving live birth rates for most patients, so it's not something to assume will help.
Related terms
Guides that cover this
Sources
- Treatment add-ons with limited evidence, HFEA. Link checked 17 September 2026.
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