When many female friends go to the hospital for gynecological examinations, one of the results they see is the thickness of the endometrium in the uterus. The thickness of the endometrium varies at different stages. Some female friends may be informed of an excessively thick or thin endometrium after examinations, but during in vitro fertilization, if the endometrium is not thick enough, the chances of embryo implantation decrease. Does a relatively thick endometrium affect embryo implantation?
What exactly is the role of the endometrium?
The endometrium is influenced by estrogen, and its thickness undergoes significant changes during each menstrual cycle and sheds at a certain point, leading to menstrual bleeding in women. During pregnancy, the endometrium rapidly proliferates to provide nutrition for the growth and development of the embryo. The endometrium is often likened to soil and the fertilized egg as a seed. If the endometrial environment is favorable, it provides a good environment for embryo development. Conversely, if the endometrial environment is relatively poor, conception may become difficult for women.
How thick should the endometrium be for embryo implantation?
The thickness of the endometrium is crucial in influencing the success of embryo implantation, but there is currently no definitive standard. As long as the thickness is within the normal range, it is transplantable (generally considered >7 mm to be good). Typically, an endometrial thickness of 8–12 mm is sufficient for embryo implantation.
The normal thickness of the endometrium in women is 8-12mm and should not be lower than 6mm. It is generally believed that the endometrium thickness for easy conception is around 8mm, with the optimal period being the luteal phase. Therefore, during in vitro fertilization, the endometrium is usually around 8mm thick. In the in vitro fertilization cycle, due to the development of multiple follicles, the estrogen levels are elevated compared to a normal physiological cycle, resulting in a thicker endometrium. It is important to note that if the endometrium is too thick or too thin on the day of the implantation, the transfer is not recommended. The doctor may advise canceling the transfer cycle, freezing the embryo, and suggesting a thawed embryo transfer when the endometrium and all indicators are conducive to conception.
For excessively thick endometrium, hysteroscopy with curettage + pathology should be performed before undergoing IVF to rule out the possibility of endometrial lesions.
Excessive thickening of the endometrium may indicate endometrial hyperplasia, typically caused by abnormal estrogen secretion, leading to symptoms of infrequent menstruation or amenorrhea, abnormal ovulation, poor egg quality, and difficulty conceiving.
In conclusion, endometrial thickness is a factor influencing pregnancy, and an overly thick endometrium may affect embryo implantation. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo transplantation at the thickness advised by the doctor.
