IVF study surpasses recruitment target for five consecutive months

Congratulations to the gynaecology research team who have surpassed their recruitment target for the Endometrial Scratch study for five consecutive months.

The study is investigating the use of the endometrial scratch in younger women undergoing their first IVF treatment cycle, whereby a small amount of tissue is taken from the lining of the womb to boost chances of successful pregnancy.

The procedure can sometimes improve the chance of achieving pregnancy in women who have previously had several unsuccessful attempts at IVF.

It is not known exactly why this procedure is beneficial, but it is thought that the process of ‘scratching’ the womb lining may release chemicals which help the embryo to implant.

Dr Lamiya Mohiyiddeen, consultant in reproductive medicine at Saint Mary’s Hospital at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is co-applicant for the study’s National Institute for Health Research funding award.

Saint Mary’s is a collaborating centre for the study, which is being run from the University of Sheffield Clinical Trials Research Unit.

During the trial, which is expected to run until December 2018, 1044 women will be recruited and be randomised to either receive the endometrial scratch procedure followed by standard IVF, or to just receive standard IVF. The pregnancy rates in each group will be analysed to assess if the endometrial scratch has a positive effect.

Dr Lamiya Mohiyiddeen, principal investigator for Endometrial Scratch at Saint Mary’s, said:

The team should be very proud of their efforts in securing such an impressive result. To surpass our recruitment target in Manchester for five consecutive months is a fine achievement, and testament to the hard work and commitment of research staff here. The level of interest in the Endometrial Scratch study demonstrates how crucial this research is. We hope the results give fresh hope to the young women involved in the emotional process of IVF and result in many successful pregnancies in future.