All You Need to Know About ERA Test!

IVF is often considered an expensive treatment, and IVF failures can cause depression at times. Suppose a woman fails an IVF cycle despite having a good quality of embryos, and an experienced doctor has carried out the procedure. In that case, an endometrial receptivity array test is recommended, commonly known as the ERA test.

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.

For the ERA test, your specialist will collect a small sample of your endometrial tissue during a particular time of your menstrual cycle.

This procedure is called an endometrial biopsy, which is fast and simple. 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. This procedure would create discomfort and cause cramping and spotting. However, it is not long-lasting.

Studies reveal that almost thirty per cent of recurrent implantation failure results from the non-receptive endometrial lining. An ERA test is performed before the embryo transfer helps avoid implantation failure, which brings a lot of financial and emotional distress. 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. Another great advantage is that ERA is not a test that needs to be performed at frequent intervals as the implantation window is unlikely to change within a short period. The ERA test is also exact in examining endometrial receptivity.

If your doctor suggests it, never wait to get an ERA test done. It is something that significantly helps to increase your odds of success. It’s also better to plan your embryo transfer to have a positive outcome.