IVF is often considered an expensive treatment, and the amount of emotional stress and anxiety that a couple goes through while undergoing an IVF treatment is inexplicable. IVF failures can cause depression at times, and no couple wants to go through the dilemma of repeated implantation failure or RIF. Suppose a woman fails an IVF cycle despite having good quality embryos, and an experienced doctor has carried out the procedure, then modern technologies such as ERA offer new hope to the couple.
What is an ERA test?
In the field of fertility treatment, the term ERA stands for Endometrial Receptivity Array or Endometrial Receptivity Analysis. It is a genetic test in which a small sample of a woman’s endometrial tissue is taken to assess if her endometrial lining is properly developed such that it can successfully accept an implanting embryo. An ERA Test or Endometrial Receptivity Analysis claims to help women pursuing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) determine whether their endometrium is receiving an embryo at the right time in an attempt to maximize their chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth.
Even outside of a fertility clinic, getting pregnant is a delicate science. It involves all the right pieces being in the right place at the right time. One of the most important pieces in this reproductive orchestra is the relationship between a woman’s endometrium (uterine lining) and the embryo that is about to implant inside it.
The endometrial receptivity array (ERA) test helps the doctor determine if the endometrium (womb lining) is in good condition to support the attached embryo. A healthy endometrium is always required for proper implantation. The endometrium becomes thick during the monthly cycle, and the blood flow increases. This is considered the optimal time for implantation to happen, and this period is called the ‘implantation window,’ which is around 6 to 10 days after ovulation. The ERA test can analyze whether this ‘implantation window’ is happening at the right time and allows the specialists to plan the timing of embryo transfer.
How does the ERA test work?
The test consists of two parts:
- Taking a sample of a woman’s endometrium (a biopsy)
- Having that sample tested for its gene expression
Based on what genes are being expressed in the biopsy, the test claims to give clinicians information on whether the endometrium is receptive or non-receptive to an embryo at the time of the biopsy.
The biopsy is usually performed at the exact moment when doctors would transfer an embryo into a patient’s uterus.
A thin catheter is inserted into the womb through the cervix, and the suction is created to collect a small sample of the endometrial tissue. The tissue is then sent for further investigations, and the results are usually provided in two to three weeks. An ERA is performed in a mock cycle, and once the biopsy is attained, the genes involved in the receptivity are analyzed, and the ERA predicts the endometrium to be either- “receptive” or “non-receptive.”
Receptive – The embryo transfer can be performed at the same time in the future cycle.
Non-receptive – Indicates that a woman’s endometrium is displaced and an embryo transfer has to be performed after altering the progesterone timing.
Once the correct window of implantation is identified, then a personalized embryo transfer can be planned for in the subsequent month.
How is the ERA test beneficial?
Studies reveal that almost thirty per cent of recurrent implantation failure results from the non-receptive endometrial lining. Research has shown that by employing ERA in cases of women with recurrent implantation failures, a successful pregnancy rate of more than 70% can be achieved.
Once the doctor determines the time of your cycle when your endometrium is optimal to support implantation, it becomes easier to achieve success, as implantation can happen during the appropriate time.
ERA, which is done using the latest scientific technology, analyses the expression of 236 genes per sample with the objective of determining the optimal time window for planting the embryo into a woman’s uterus. In conclusion, the ERA may improve pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF.
If you or someone you care about has struggled with failed IVF cycles which are unexplained, consider asking your fertility expert about ERA. Aaradhya Fertility Centre is equipped with state-of-art-infrastructure and cutting-edge IVF Technology. The supportive and caring staff is always by your side to motivate and guide you throughout the journey. Call us at 8886592229 or visit
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