Endometrial Receptivity Array Test in Madurai
The ERA test assesses the function of the genes that regulate endometrial receptivity.
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Endometrial Receptivity Array Test in Madurai
IVF is one of the most popular fertility treatments available. Though it cannot guarantee conception, most patients are expected to conceive after no more than three IVF sessions. However, even after three cycles of IVF, some women may still be unable to conceive. In such circumstances, doctors investigate why the woman has been unable to conceive. One probable explanation for this is uterine receptivity. This can be verified using an endometrial receptivity array (ERA) test.
The ERA test assesses the function of the genes that regulate endometrial receptivity. After fertilization, the embryo must connect to the inner uterine lining known as the endometrium. This test requires the assessment of about 238 genes. It can also assist predict a woman’s optimal implantation window. This allows IVF physicians to time the implantation and limit the risk of failure.
How is the ERA test conducted?
To begin, a tissue sample of the uterine lining is obtained through a biopsy. This technique does not require anesthesia and can be performed in the doctor’s office. Prior to taking this sample, the patient is given progesterone pills for 5 days. Progesterone is one of the hormones that helps make the endometrium receptive to an embryo.
This hormone is supplied for 5 days before implantation during an IVF cycle, therefore taking a tissue sample might be considered a mock cycle. After the tissue has been collected, the genes within it are examined. This allows us to predict whether the uterus will be receptive to an embryo on the day it is transferred.
If the test shows that the uterus is receptive, the embryo can be transferred as planned in the next IVF round. However, if the endometrium is found to be non-receptive, the progesterone timing will be adjusted so that doctors can transfer the embryo only when the uterus is receptive.
Who Can Benefit From An ERA Test?
Couples with three or more unsuccessful IVF rounds may benefit from an ERA test. In such cases, the couple had a decent fertilization rate, the embryos matured and appeared healthy, and the uterine lining looked good, but the woman experienced repeated implantation failure. If the ERA shows that the endometrium is receptive to the embryo but it still fails to implant, the only alternative explanation for the failed pregnancy is a genetic condition.
An ERA test dramatically increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy, particularly for couples who have experienced repeated implantation failure, although it does have certain drawbacks. First, the uterine biopsy used to retrieve endometrial tissue might be uncomfortable. Second, doing an ERA test means that the couple will have to postpone implantation for at least one month. Finally, this test comes at an additional expense. However, it is crucial to stress that there are no medical consequences to taking this test.