The endometrium in assisted reproductive technology: How thin is thin?

• Main Authors: Nalini Mahajan (Author), S Sharma (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 0974-1208; 1998-4766; 10.4103/0974-1208.178632
• Keywords: Assisted reproductive technology; endometrial receptivity array; frozen embryo transfer; thin endometrium; Gynecology and obstetrics; RG1-991
• Source: Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, Vol 9, Iss 1, Pp 3-8 (2016)

A thin endometrium is encountered infrequently (2.4%) in assisted reproductive technology cycles. When it does occur it is a cause of concern as it is associated with lower implantation rate and pregnancy rate. Though pregnancies have been reported at 4 and 5 mm it is apparent that an endometrial thickness <6 mm is associated with a trend toward lower probability of pregnancy. Hormone replacement therapy - frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles appear to give better results due to an improvement in endometrial receptivity (ER). The etiology of thin endometrium plays a significant part in its receptivity. A number of treatments have been tried to improve endometrial growth, but none has been validated so far. Confirming ER of a thin endometrium by an ER array test before FET offers reassurance.