Endometrial Receptivity Array (ERA)
The Endometrium is one such important environment that helps embryo development, particularly in its early stages. The endometrium is a thin layer of protective tissue that borders the uterus and is where the fertilized egg implants to develop into a baby throughout the gestation period. Endometrium offers the required nutrients for the baby's development, such as proteins, glycogens, lipids, and other fluids. An extremely thin or very thick Endometrium, on the other hand, might jeopardize a pregnancy, resulting in pregnancy loss or recurrent IVF failures. It is thus important to ensure that the pregnant woman has a healthy Endometrium from the beginning.
What exactly is the ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Array)?
A healthy endometrium may be assessed with vaginal ultrasound to determine its fluctuating size, which is what most physicians do. Another method, however, provides a better indication of whether the Endometrium is prepared to help in the process of embryo implantation. The Endometrial Receptivity Array, or ERA, is the name given to this technique. The ERA, as the name implies, is the time or implantation window during which the Endometrium is receptive to embryo implantation. Once the embryo reaches the uterus, the implantation window is believed to be between 4-5 days. At this phase, it is critical to determine the likelihood of the endometrium is receptive to assist successful implantation. The procedure is a biopsy in which a small sample of the uterine lining is removed for an in-depth molecular analysis of 248 genes.
Who is the right candidate for ERA?
- Recurrent miscarriage,
- Multiple miscarriages,
- Multiple IVF implantation failures.
It does not imply that a malfunctioning Endometrium causes the aforementioned problems; rather, ERA is utilized as a technique to validate or rule out the involvement of a dysfunctional Endometrium.
What occurs during ERA?
It is a simple procedure that causes little pain and does not need hospitalization in general. Preparation for the procedure, on the other hand, normally starts around a month or a month and a half before the embryo transfer. To generate a supportive environment before the procedure, the patient is given hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
During the process, an instrument known as a pipelle is introduced via the vagina when the implantation window is predicted to be most conducive. A small amount of tissue (RNA extraction) is removed from the uterine lining using a pipelle via a scratch,' which may result in a minor cramp or bleeding after the procedure. As previously stated, it is subsequently transported to the laboratory for molecular examination.
The results of a molecular analysis are typically of three types, indicating:
- Pre-Receptive: The endometrium is not yet prepared to allow for implantation.
- Receptive: The endometrium is ready for the embryo to implant;
- Post Receptive: Indicates that the endometrium is no longer capable of supporting the implantation.
Do you have any comments or questions regarding the ERA test? Get in touch to learn more or consult with Dr. Neha Lalla top Gynaecologist in Dubai to understand your situation better.
Comments
Post a Comment