Endometrial lining, also known as uterine lining, is a serious concern in embryo implantation and pregnancy success. It may be one kind of reason if your recent IVF cycle failed. Doctors expect that the lining should be preferably thick for successful implantation. It is crucial for both natural conception and fertility treatment.
When it comes to the IVF procedure, it may negatively influence your chances of pregnancy rates. For optimal results, doctors encourage patients with appropriate medications to achieve the thickened uterine lining before an embryo transfer. In this blog, we’ll discuss the role of endometrial lining in pregnancy and its impacts.
Endometrium and Its Role in Pregnancy
Before getting to discuss its thickness, let’s learn the fundamentals of endometrium lining and its role in pregnancy.
Endometrium, or uterine lining, is a part of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. As knowingly, endometrium prepares your body each month of menstruation. When you have had a successful embryo implantation, the lining gets thick enough and receives sufficient nutrients it needs.
While going through IVF treatment, doctors measure your uterine lining thickness level using ultrasound scans. If they have found any abnormal positioning or symptoms, you would be recommended for an MRI.
The uterine lining thickness can vary during every phase of your menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Below are the ranges commonly observed:
- During your menstruation: 2-4 mm
- Before ovulation: 5-7 mm
- During ovulation period: 7-11 mm
- After ovulation: expect up to 16mm
If the thickness is less than 8 mm, it may lead to implantation failure and lower pregnancy rates. So that your healthcare provider suggests medications to widen your uterine lining appropriate to proceed with the IVF treatment.
Signs of Thin Endometrium
A thin uterine lining causes various symptoms in your body, including:
Painful Periods: A mild cramp or pain during your menstrual cycle is common. However, the thin endometrium causes a condition called chronic endometritis, which makes your periods more painful than usual.
Menstrual Irregularities: Irregular menstrual cycle is the initial symptom you would notice. It causes your periods to be lighter, have abnormal bleeding, or be more irregular.
Infertility: A thin endometrium lining prevents the occurrence of implantation, which either leads to miscarriage or infertility. When you are going through IVF, doctors conduct various diagnoses to determine your uterine lining thickness and suggest medications to improve it.
Natural Remedies and Supplements
Endometrial thickness is a complex term in both natural conception and fertility treatment. Based on the individual’s situation, doctors recommend unique treatment and supplements. Don’t feel discouraged if there is no positive response to medical treatments.
We would suggest some natural alternatives that create an immense impact on your uterine lining. They are:
Consume Oily Fish: You can take oil fish varieties 2 to 3 times in a week. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid that helps improve the blood flow to the uterus and thickens your uterine lining.
Whole Grains: Increase your intake of whole grains such as quinoa, seedy bread, brown rice, and even popcorn. They are power-packed foods that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Ensure eating at least 48 grams/day of whole grains, which helps increase the average of 0.4 millimeter.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a must-have nutrient that can influence your endometrium lining. It can be found in seeds, nuts, vegetables, and fruits.
More Fruits: Undoubtedly, fruit is a healthy item that you must have to improve your health in all aspects. In particular, if you want to increase the blood flow to your uterus and widen your blood vessels, nitric oxide is a key. It is rich in orange, watermelon, lemon, pomegranate, and lime.
Medications and Hormonal Treatments to Improve Endometrial Thickness
In some cases, a healthcare provider will suggest powerful medications and treatments that include:
Blood Flow Enhancement: By increasing blood flow to the uterus, you can support a thicker uterine lining. By analyzing your blood vessels and range of flow, doctors recommend medications, which can vary for individuals.
Hormonal Therapy: Sometimes, you will be given progesterone and estrogen therapy to achieve the desired endometrial lining. Before IVF treatment, your uterine thickness is a way to predict the chances of pregnancy outcome.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: This is one of the therapies being used to enhance endometrial growth before an embryo implantation during IVF treatment.
Notably, the treatment plans and medications are personalized according to the individual needs and health.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Endometrial Health
Adapting to the small lifestyle changes can impact your overall reproductive health:
Stress Reduction: Stress and anxiety are the primary issues of people, which can directly influence the hormonal balance. Doctors recommend patients practice yoga, mindfulness, or meditation that can aid in relieving stress.
Exercise: Regular and moderate exercises are sufficient enough to keep your body active. It not only enhances your blood circulation but also improves the uterine lining. Based on your health, doctors suggest personalized exercise for a certain period of time.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol consumption generally spoil your health and reproductive system. It creates troubles gradually, like breathing issues, infertility, and reduced chances of pregnancy.
Monitoring Progress
Regular examination of endometrial lining is essential while going through an IVF treatment. This allows doctors to adjust the medications and treatments accordingly. Working closely with a healthcare provider ensures achieving the desired needs and improves the chances of an IVF outcome.
Conclusion
If you are trying to conceive or going to a fertility treatment, consider checking your endometrium lining to increase the chances of conception. Eating nutritional supplements and following a healthy lifestyle can optimize the thickness to carry a successful pregnancy. Beyond medications and treatment, adapting to the simple lifestyle changes can impact your health efficiently.
FAQs
There are some natural ways to increase the endometrium thickness, such as:
- Consuming healthy foods
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight as per BMI.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
- Reduce stress
- Consider acupuncture.
Your body needs a balanced diet that includes foods like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Some of them are:
- Whole grains
- Foods and fruits rich in vitamin E
- Oily fish
- Fruits
- Foods with L-arginine
Doctors require at least 10 mm or more of endometrium thickness before going to IVF. If it is less than 6 mm, you would significantly require treatment or medications to improve it. Because it directly influences the chances of live birth rates.
Yes, walking is one of the simplest and most effective methods to increase endometrial thickness. It improves blood circulation, healthy cells in your body, and reduces stress. However, ask your doctor before implementing any new ways to improve your uterine lining. They will suggest the right time.
You have several ways to improve your uterine lining, such as:
- Exercise
- Healthy diet
- Use castor oil packs.
- Keep your body warm.
- Consider platelet-rich plasma treatment.
- Maintain a healthy weight
Yes, there is a chance to get pregnant with a thickness of 7 mm endometrium. Though it is on the lower end of the range, still you can give it a try. But there is a high chance of implantation failure and pregnancy loss.