Endometrial Preparation with Natural Cycle

 

 

 

 

 

Endometrial preparation is a fundamental process in assisted reproduction treatments, which aims at preparing the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus) to receive an embryo and favour its implantation. 

It is used in cases where the embryo has already been generated in a previous cycle (cryopreserved embryo transfer), in the reception of donated embryos, or in the generation of embryos from a synchronous egg donation cycle.

This procedure can be performed using different approaches, depending on the individual needs of each patient.

In the case of the Natural Cycle preparation, the woman’s own menstrual cycle and therefore her endogenous hormones are used to prepare the endometrium.

This approach is suitable for women with regular cycles. It is more comfortable as no medication has to be taken, but because it depends on the woman’s cycle, we cannot schedule the procedures in advance.

STAGES OF THE PROCEDURE
01 Previous Tests

Medical consultation: Assessment of the patient’s clinical history and organisation of treatment.

Initial Diagnostic Tests: A general blood test is performed to assess the patient’s state of health, including relevant parameters for embryo implantation. In addition, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed to assess the uterus and uterine cavity.

02 Procedure

Follow–up: During the menstrual cycle, regular ultrasound scans and (in some cases) hormone tests are performed to monitor the growth of the endometrium and determine the optimal time for embryo transfer.

Embryo Transfer: Once the endometrium is prepared, the embryo transfer is performed. This is a simple and generally painless procedure, in which the embryo is introduced into the uterus using a catheter. It is performed in an eco-guided manner to establish the most suitable place for the transfer.

Procedure
03 Post-transfer

Relaxation Time: After the transfer, the woman has time to relax and process the moment.

Pregnancy Test: Approximately 10-12 days after the transfer, a pregnancy test is performed to determine if the procedure has been successful. If positive, an ultrasound is scheduled two weeks later to confirm the pregnancy.

Endometrial preparation is a fundamental process in assisted reproduction treatments, whose objective is to prepare the endometrium to receive an embryo and favor its implantation.

 

WHO IS IT FOR?

It is a treatment used in cases where the embryo has already been generated in a previous cycle (cryopreserved embryo transfer), in the reception of donated embryos, or in the generation of embryos from a synchronous egg donation cycle.

Natural cycle endometrial preparation has some advantages over substituted cycle endometrial preparation (with externally administered hormones) but requires regular menstrual cycles and more cycle monitoring (more ultrasound checks).

SUCCESS RATES

The effectiveness of endometrial preparation is directly related to the quality of the embryos transferred. Success rates may vary according to individual factors (age at the time the embryos were generated, seminal quality…), but an adequate endometrial preparation maximises the chances of implantation and pregnancy.

FAQs

In natural cycle, the preparation follows the rhythm of the woman’s menstrual cycle. There are usually about 4 weeks between the period and the pregnancy test.

 

If the endometrium does not develop properly, the doctor may adjust or change the medication or change the cycle approach (from natural to substituted or vice versa). 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and following medical recommendations can help optimise endometrial readiness. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any symptoms or concerns to the medical team.

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