The endometrial factor:
EMMA, ERA and ALICE
The Endometrium is a tissue that coats the inside of the uterus which plays a very important role in your reproductive health. The endometrium cyclically prepares a woman for pregnancy each month in response to hormones produced by her ovaries.
The importance of the endometrial factor study
The day you start bleeding from menstruation is considered the onset of the cycle. During the process, the older endometrium is shed. At the same time estrogen levels begin to rise, which leads to the endometrium being renewed and it gradually retains its thickness over several days until ovulation occurs. Shortly after this stage the ovaries begin producing progesterone, which enables the endometrium to be ready to receive a fertilized egg. Thus, the endometrium becomes what is known as “receptive”.
The period of time in which this process occurs is known as the implantation window, a familiar phrase to anyone who has spent time searching for information about endometrial receptivity and fertility. In most women who have regular cycles the implantation window occurs approximately from day 19 to 21 of the cycle but in others it may be different.
It has recently been discovered that the endometrium is not completely sterile and that a healthy endometrium has a lot of “good” microorganisms, called endometrial flora. Most endometrial bacteria are lactobaccilles, which provide both benefits and protection. If the endometrium becomes infected this flora is affected.
Certain variations in the functions of the endometrium may be responsible for abortions or implantation failures and therefore in some cases the study of this tissues becomes vitally important.
How do we study endometrial receptivity at Tambre?
At Tambre we are able to undertake the most comprehensive endometrial analysis thanks to the Endome TRIO test produced by Igenomix. Endome TRIO offers three tests which can be performed from a single endometrial biopsy taken at the clinic. The tests are carried out during a specific time of either an hormonally controlled cycle or a natural cycle triggered with medication.
