Endometrial Scratch
What is Endometrial Scratching?
An endometrial scratch is a procedure which is performed to help embryos implant and increases the chances pregnancy. Research has shown that scratching the uterine lining causes a ‘repair reaction’ which may increase embryo implantation rates. The repair process releases growth factors, hormones and chemicals. The new lining which grows after the procedure is thought to be more receptive to an implanting embryo and so increases the chances of pregnancy. It is possible that genes which are responsible for implantation of embryos are sometimes not ‘switched on’ during the time when embryos are supposed to implant. Endometrial scratching may ‘switch on’ the genes that are responsible for preparation of the endometrium for implantation, which increases the chances of pregnancy. More research is being undertaken to understand the exact reasons why this happens.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Endometrial scratch may be recommended for women who have not achieved a pregnancy after several attempts of embryo transfer, despite the transfer of good quality embryos and the absence of other causes of failed implantation. The technique was used for patients who have had a failed assisted conception treatment cycles, but there is now emerging evidence that it may be useful in all treatment cycles, including patients having treatment for the first time.
It is usual for an endometrial scratch to be performed around day 21 during the cycle before your treatment commences.
New research and evidence suggest that scratching the uterine lining causes a ‘repair reaction’ which may increase embryo implantation rates:
The repair process releases growth factors, hormones and chemicals. The new lining which grows after the procedure is thought to be more receptive to an implanting embryo and so increases the chances of pregnancy.
‘Gene switching’ - scientists believe that the genes which are responsible for implantation of embryos are sometimes not ‘switched on’ during the time when embryos are supposed to implant. Endometrial scratching may ‘switch on’ the genes that are responsible for preparation of the endometrium for implantation, which increases the chances of pregnancy. Research is still being gathered to understand exactly how this works.
You must not have unprotected intercourse in the four weeks before the planned endometrial scratch appointment. You should use a condom for contraception during the cycle of the scratch appointment to avoid the risk of a possible pregnancy. Your clinic will advise you of the day that you will need your endometrial scratch which is usually around 7 – 9 days before your period is due.

You may eat and drink normally before the procedure. You do not need to empty your bladder before the procedure unless you feel uncomfortable with a full bladder. You should wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the lower part of your body. You should bring a sanitary towel with you for use after the procedure.

We recommend taking Paracetamol or similar mild analgesic half an hour before your appointment; this may help relieve any discomfort during the procedure.

A speculum is inserted into the vagina, the same as when having a smear test or embryo transfer. A very fine tube is passed into the cervical canal and into the uterus. The tube is then gently moved to ‘scratch’ the endometrium (lining of the womb). The procedure should only take 15-20 minutes. You may experience a little discomfort but no anaesthetic is required. The doctor or nurse performing the procedure will explain what is going to happen and then you will be asked to sign a consent form. A fine, thin plastic tube (flexible catheter) will then be passed through the opening of the cervix into the cavity of the uterus to gently and superficially scratch the lining of the uterus. (Inserting and moving the catheter up and down may cause mild abdominal cramping similar to period pain). Some mild bleeding is common after the procedure.
After the procedure you will be able to continue your normal daily activities, but you may benefit from not going back to work the same day. You can eat and drink normally immediately after. We recommend that you make arrangements for a relative or a friend to drive you home in case you experience more discomfort than usual during or after the procedure.
Endometrial scratch is a very safe procedure which does not require any anaesthetic. It is usual to experience some cramping pains during and after the procedure, but these will ease in a very short time. We will ensure you feel well before you leave the clinic. Very rarely, the procedure can cause pelvic infection. There is a very small risk that any infection within the cervix may spread to the uterine cavity during the procedure. This would become apparent up to 10 days following the procedure. If you suspect and experience any of the following signs and symptoms within a few days of the procedure, please contact your GP and inform them that you have had an endometrial scratch (biopsy):
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Persistent bleeding.
Increasing lower abdominal pain.
Unexplained fever.
Feeling generally unwell.
We recommend that you take Paracetamol before the Endometrial Scratch and if you do experience any discomfort later in the day it is advisable to take a further dose after four hours. It is common to experience period type pains which may last for a few hours following the procedure.
Service Pricing:
Monday - Friday: £200.00

Please note: There is a £50 non-refundable deposit to be paid at the time of booking and £150 on the day of the procedure. Please be aware the deposit is not transferable and is only valid for use within 6 months of purchase.

How do I book an Endometrial Scratch?
Cherish-UK is a private pregnancy and fertility scanning clinic, you can self refer and arrange an appointment at your convenience. To book an Endometrial Scratch please telephone us on 0121 354 4777 or 07580 611 879, fill out our online enquiry form or email us at info@cherish-uk.com
What Our Clients Say
  • Becky Vernon
    Diana was extremely friendly and professional. She made me feel completely at ease and explained every step of the process to me. She offered my advice for my next steps. I will definitely return if needed in the future and advise others to do the same if the situation arises.
    Becky Vernon
  • Tsvetelina
    The three ladies working at the clinic are amazing!They comforted me throughout my pregnancy assuring me with their professionalism.Thanks to Dianne I I had peaceful days and nights.She even called my midwife when the one refused to take action on the issue there was.Whithin 2 hrs I had booked an appointment at Triage.With all the support I received the pregnancy went smoothly and now we have a 16 months old healthy girl!Thank you ladies!
    Tsvetelina
  • Jade Matthews
    Jacqui and Rachel are absolutely fabulous. They always treated me with absolute respect. Did every test and every procedure required with utmost care and attention. They were rhere befire the start of my ivf cycle, throughout my ivf cycle and throughout my successful pregnancy. So much time spent cultivating a fantastic relationship. They were always there to support me through some pretty scary moments and they were always bang on with their reassurances. I will always be truly grateful to them for listening to me, and providing any and every service I needed in a caring, respectful manner. Thank you so much for everything you did for me.
    Jade Matthews
  • Hannah Metcalfe - Sutton Coldfield
    I cannot fault the service we received today. As soon as I arrived Diana made me feel at ease. Having being very worried this was very welcome. The scan was very detailed, I listened to the heartbeat and I came away with lots of photos and reassurance that at 10 weeks pregnant everything is as it should be. I would definitely use Cherish again for a scan in the future. Thank you!
    Hannah Metcalfe - Sutton Coldfield
  • Linda Krumina
    First of all making an appointment was so very easy and the clinic got back to me on email in less than 12 hours. We had an appointment on a Sunday and Diana was very professional, knowledgable and was able to answer all our questions with great knowledge and expertise. My partner and I felt very comfortable and reassured during the appointment. Overall a great experience and I would strongly recommend the clinic.
    Linda Krumina
  • Shelley Clarke - Birmingham
    I've had first came to Cherish when I couldn't get seen at my local EPU and Jacqui was so reassuring and supportive at such a vulnerable time. I've since returned for scans and an endometrial scratch in preparation for IVF cycles. Jacqui, Diana and Rachel offer a first class service and you never have a problem fitting me in for appointments at late notice. I wouldn't go anywhere else after experiencing your excellent care and service and you've all been so helpful and reassuring every time I visit. I hope that someday I'll be returning to have my pregnancy scans with you. Thanks ladies and I'll always recommend you to others.
    Shelley Clarke - Birmingham
  • Vivien Johnson
    We visited Cherish this week for 4d Scan with our daughter in law and our son.  They let us all in to see these precious scans.  We thank you so much for that.  Lots of bodies in the room, grandparents  and the babies sister but Diana took it all in her stride.  Our little baby wasn’t playing ball and did everything she could to avoid having her picture taken.  Diana was simply amazing, managing to get some pictures and was so lovely, caring and reassuring.  At the end she invited us back as the pictures hadnt been as good as she wanted for us. We have been again today and our little girl was not quite as camera shy, and Diana was once again simply wonderful.  She even captured the little one holding her hands, quite a difference to putting then completely intro to of her face, lifting the cord up and then turning her back on us completely. Diana was so very patient. Cherish you deserve every success. Thoroughly recommended.
    Vivien Johnson
  • Sam Hirons - Birmingham
    Absolute amazing. Appointment same day I called, images and report within hours of appointment. Thank you so much
    Sam Hirons - Birmingham
  • Taylor
    Upon arrival we were greeted by Diana and welcomed, I had four family members with me, of which staff were happy to accommodate for and allow in the room to see our baby... the experience was so special and Diana worked hard to get the perfect images and provide the best information and reassurance.We will be booking up once I’m 26 weeks for the 4D scan and would highly recommend Cherish to all expecting mothers.
    Taylor
  • Sam Moore - Birmingham
    I visited Cherish via a referral from my private GP and I can only say good things about my experience. To say I was nervous beforehand is putting in lightly but from Rachel who made the appointment to Jacqui who conducted the scan, I was made to feel ease and not embarrassed. Which for me was hugely important as a previous scan with a private hospital was not handled so sympathetically or professionally.Each step of the scan was explained and the whole experience was made as painless as possible. The results emailed to me the same day, impeccable service, Thank you, Sam.
    Sam Moore - Birmingham
  • Jessica
    When I first arrived, I was so nervous, but instantly felt welcome as I walked in, Dianne talked me through the whole of the scan and reassured me, I definitely will be returning in a few weeks! Highly recommend!
    Jessica
  • Debbie King - Leamington
    The ladies at Cherish are fantastic and so supportive. They do a brilliant and professional job and are also willing to do all they can to help you stay sane through what can be anxious times. Have been back numerous times for various reasons including scans, blood tests, administering medication and prescription requests, and will continue to go back despite the distance from my home. Thank you ladies
    Debbie King - Leamington
  • Hayley Neal - Birmingham
    I have used Cherish for a number of services during my IVF cycles and have always found them to be extremely friendly and professional during what can be a stressful time. The services they offer have been invaluable to me whilst having IVF treatment abroad.
    Hayley Neal - Birmingham
  • Rifat Riaz - Birmingham
    Excellent prompt service. Felt very relaxed and reassured.
    Rifat Riaz - Birmingham
  • S Begum - Birmingham
    I was experiencing some pain and very heavy cycles and I was quite worried. I have visited Cherish a few times and I must say that the service is outstanding. I had a gynaecology scan and I was reassured that everything was ok. Definitely recommend Cherish to everyone !
    S Begum - Birmingham
  • Samina - Birmingham
    Had a really good experience today. Felt comfortable and made sure I was comfortable at all times. Gave really good advice on next step as well as reassuring me everything would be ok. I would recommend Cherish to anyone. Thank you for all you help xx
    Samina - Birmingham
  • Katie Williams - Sutton Coldfield
    I had a gynaecology scan with Jacqui following a miscarriage 12 weeks ago. The hospital had unfortunately left me with many unanswered questions as to my ongoing bleeding and an abnormality found on a scan with no follow up arranged. Jacqui was great with us and we feel a lot more reassured. It was definitely worth it for the peace of mind. Thank you!
    Katie Williams - Sutton Coldfield
  • Samina Ali - Birmingham
    I had a most amazing experience seeing my baby at 7 weeks 3 days for the reassurance scan. Jacqui made sure everything was ok whilst doing the scan and was happy for me and husband to. I was then shown how a baby grows in each week. It was truly an amazing experience. Even managed to capture a video of the heartbeat. Would definitely recommend and would definitely come back for a gender scan.
    Samina Ali - Birmingham
  • Lauren Irvine - Birmingham
    Absolutely fabulous service when my husband and I had our reassurance scan. Diana was so lovely and made me feel really comfortable and at ease! Have already booked in for my next scan! Brilliant!
    Lauren Irvine - Birmingham
  • Aleksandra - Birmingham
    I had a Harmony test and a scan, as according to NHS test results, there was a higher risk of Down Syndrome. We were really anxious and wanted to be sure that our baby is fine. I was a lot calmer after the scan. Diana was wonderful, she answered all my questions, checked everything, let me listen to baby's heartbeat and even gave me lots of pictures. The results came very quickly (low risk), so I can enjoy my pregnancy without stress. I really recommend Cherish and this test, it's worth every money to know that your baby is fine!
    Aleksandra - Birmingham
  • Mahya Johnson - Derbyshire
    We visited Cherish for the Harmony Test after having a previous Edward's syndrome baby. Diana was very kind and understanding of our anxieties. She was patient with us and explained everything in detail. Results were emailed back to us after a week as promised. Facilities were clean and quiet. We would highly recommend.
    Mahya Johnson - Derbyshire
  • Katy Nichols - Leicestershire
    It's been a year since our little boy arrived into the world, and we could not have embarked upon the journey of IUI and, later IVF, without the support of Jackie and Diana from Cherish. From the tests needed for the clinic in Denmark, to follicle tracking scans, they met all of our treatment needs and did so in the warmest way, always making us relaxed and comfortable. No last minute appointment (needed before flights could be booked or medication could be taken) was ever too much trouble. We could think of no better place to find out our baby was healthy with an early scan or that we were expecting a boy at 16 weeks. This review is long overdue, but we wish to thank you ladies for helping to make our dreams come true. We wish you every success with Cherish - the women of the midlands rely on you and your incredible service! Katy and Fay
    Katy Nichols - Leicestershire
  • Magdalena Eren - Birmingham
    What a wonderful service, very friendly Jackie provided us more details about mine pregnancy then I found from my previous 4 NHS scans. Plus Diana delivered to us Panorama test results which made us the most happy future parents.
    Magdalena Eren - Birmingham
  • Hannah Bevan - Birmingham
    With a scary start of pregnancy I did not know what to expect at the scan. Even when I walked in i found it calming and a nice atmosphere to be in. Jacqui greeted me and is so so lovely. She put me at ease and scan went perfectly! All my worries went away. I would recommend this company to anyone, you do a brilliant job. Thank you so much.!
    Hannah Bevan - Birmingham
  • Rena Miras-Pye - Sutton Coldfield
    I had such great care from Cherish at two separate scans. I needed a scan to check lining for embryo transfer and I was fitted in at short notice and given lots of information. I was so impressed and if the transfer is successful I will be using Cherish for an early scan.
    Rena Miras-Pye - Sutton Coldfield
  • Tsvetelina
    The three ladies working at the clinic are amazing!They comforted me throughout my pregnancy assuring me with their professionalism.Thanks to Dianne I I had peaceful days and nights.She even called my midwife when the one refused to take action on the issue there was.Whithin 2 hrs I had booked an appointment at Triage.With all the support I received the pregnancy went smoothly and now we have a 16 months old healthy girl!Thank you ladies!
    Tsvetelina
  • Jade Matthews
    Jacqui and Rachel are absolutely fabulous. They always treated me with absolute respect. Did every test and every procedure required with utmost care and attention. They were rhere befire the start of my ivf cycle, throughout my ivf cycle and throughout my successful pregnancy. So much time spent cultivating a fantastic relationship. They were always there to support me through some pretty scary moments and they were always bang on with their reassurances. I will always be truly grateful to them for listening to me, and providing any and every service I needed in a caring, respectful manner. Thank you so much for everything you did for me.
    Jade Matthews
  • "I've met Jacqui here at Cherish on 3 occasions now, Jacqui gives you high standards of service, you automatically feel relaxed when you met her & is very clear with all she talks through with you, I will always return back here for all pregnancies, and most definitely highly recommend there friendly, professional service."
  • Linda Krumina
    First of all making an appointment was so very easy and the clinic got back to me on email in less than 12 hours. We had an appointment on a Sunday and Diana was very professional, knowledgable and was able to answer all our questions with great knowledge and expertise. My partner and I felt very comfortable and reassured during the appointment. Overall a great experience and I would strongly recommend the clinic.
    Linda Krumina
  • Vivien Johnson
    We visited Cherish this week for 4d Scan with our daughter in law and our son.  They let us all in to see these precious scans.  We thank you so much for that.  Lots of bodies in the room, grandparents and the babies sister but Diana took it all in her stride.  Our little baby wasn’t playing ball and did everything she could to avoid having her picture taken.  Diana was simply amazing, managing to get some pictures and was so lovely, caring and reassuring.  At the end she invited us back as the pictures hadn't been as good as she wanted for us.  We have been again today and our little girl was not quite as camera shy, and Diana was once again simply wonderful.  She even captured the little one holding her hands,  quite a difference to putting then completely intro to of her face, lifting the cord up and then turning her back on us completely.  Diana was so very patient.    Cherish you deserve every success.  Thoroughly recommended
    Vivien Johnson
  • Taylor
    Upon arrival we were greeted by Diana and welcomed, I had four family members with me, of which staff were happy to accommodate for and allow in the room to see our baby... the experience was so special and Diana worked hard to get the perfect images and provide the best information and reassurance.We will be booking up once I’m 26 weeks for the 4D scan and would highly recommend Cherish to all expecting mothers.
    Taylor
  • Jessica
    When I first arrived, I was so nervous, but instantly felt welcome as I walked in, Dianne talked me through the whole of the scan and reassured me, I definitely will be returning in a few weeks! Highly recommend!
    Jessica
  • Annonymous
    Another amazing experience today, this is the 4th time I have been here including the times I came with my previous pregnancy with my son, I instantly felt at ease and was reassured by Dianne straight away that everything was perfectly fine with my baby. I will be back again soon! 🙂 x
    Annonymous
  • Annonymous
    Jacqui was very supportive, reassuring and knowledgeable. The scan was completed professionally and the report sent swiftly and directly to my clinic. I will definitely be using Cherish again.
    Annonymous
For more information or assistance, feel welcome to contact one of our friendly team and they will be happy to help.