Endometrial health testing evaluates the receptivity, or readiness, of the uterine lining to determine the optimal window for embryo transfer during IVF. It also assesses the endometrial microbiome to ensure a healthy uterine environment that supports embryo implantation. The results help guide personalised embryo transfer and informed clinical decision-making throughout IVF treatment cycles.

Endometrial Icon Endometrial Receptivity Test

What is the Endometrial Receptivity Test?

The Endometrial Receptivity Test allows couples undergoing IVF to identify the optimal time for embryo transfer.

We have partnered with CooperGenomics to provide the ERPeak® Endometrial Receptivity Test, which analyses the expression of hormone regulated genes in the endometrium. This analysis determines when the endometrium is most receptive, allowing clinicians to schedule embryo transfer at the ideal time.

What is the Endometrial Receptivity Test?
Understanding Endometrial Testing in IVF

Understanding Endometrial Testing in IVF

Successful embryo implantation depends on two key factors:

  • The right timing for embryo transfer
  • The right endometrial environment

Endometrial testing helps fertility specialists determine when the endometrium is most receptive to implantation and whether the endometrial microbiome supports successful pregnancy.

Understanding the Window of Implantation

The Window of Implantation (WOI) refers to the brief period when the endometrium is prepared for embryo implantation.1,2

This typically occurs around five days after progesterone exposure during an assisted reproduction treatment cycle.

Women who have experienced recurrent implantation failure (RIF) are more likely to have a shifted window of implantation. If the WOI occurs earlier or later than expected, embryo transfer timing may need to be adjusted.

Endometrial Receptivity Testing is recommended for:

  • Women who have had multiple failed embryo implantations
  • Women struggling with fertility
  • Patients seeking reassurance regarding implantation success
  • RIF patients with one remaining high-quality embryo available for transfer

Benefits of Endometrial Receptivity Testing

  • Helps determine the optimal time for embryo transfer
  • Reduces unnecessary repeated mock cycles or biopsies
  • May increase pregnancy and birth rates
  • May reduce miscarriage rates
  • Helps shorten time to successful pregnancy

Endometrial Icon Endometrial Microbiome Test

What is the Endometrial Microbiome Test?

We have partnered with CooperGenomics to provide the ERBiome℠ Endometrial Microbiome Test. This test analyses the microbial environment of the endometrium to determine whether it supports successful embryo implantation during IVF or natural conception.

A healthy endometrial environment is typically characterised by a dominance of Lactobacillus bacteria and the absence of reproductive tract pathogens.

Why the Endometrial Microbiome Matters

The microbiome of the uterus can influence implantation success.

A Lactobacillus-dominant environment is associated with improved reproductive outcomes, while certain reproductive tract pathogens may inhibit successful implantation.

The test screens for 18 reproductive tract pathogens associated with implantation failure or chronic endometritis.

Understanding Endometrial Testing in IVF

Endometrial Microbiome Testing is recommended for:

  • Women who have had multiple failed embryo implantations
  • Women struggling with fertility
  • Patients seeking reassurance regarding implantation success
  • RIF patients with one remaining high-quality embryo available for transfer

Benefits of Endometrial Microbiome Testing

  • Identifies imbalances in the endometrial microbiome
  • Detects reproductive tract pathogens
  • Helps guide personalised fertility treatment strategies
  • May reduce time to successful pregnancy

Combined Endometrial Health Testing

3-in-1 Endometrial Test

A combined test can provide a more comprehensive understanding of both implantation timing and the endometrial environment. This 3-in-1 test evaluates:

  • Window of Implantation
  • Abundance of Lactobacillus
  • Presence of reproductive tract pathogens

This allows clinicians to personalise embryo transfer timing while ensuring the endometrial environment is optimal.

3-in-1 Endometrial Test

How Endometrial Health Testing Works

Testing Process

Ordering the Test

Ordering the Test:
Contact genetics
@nextbio.co.za to order the endometrial test.

Endometrial Biopsy

Endometrial Biopsy:
A biopsy is performed during a mock IVF cycle or natural cycle depending on the test.

Sample Collection

Sample Collection:
A specialised sampling device collects approximately 10mm of endometrial tissue.

Sample Shipment

Sample Shipment:
The sample and completed requisition forms are shipped to the laboratory.

Laboratory Analysis

Laboratory Analysis:
Gene expression analysis or microbiome analysis is performed.

Results Reporting

Results Reporting:
Results are provided to the referring healthcare provider within 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Endometrial Health Testing:

The window of implantation is the short period when the endometrium is most receptive to embryo implantation.

Embryo transfer must occur when the endometrium is most receptive in order to maximise implantation success.

It evaluates the bacteria present in the endometrium, including beneficial Lactobacillus and harmful reproductive tract pathogens.

Women who have experienced recurrent implantation failures or struggled with infertility may benefit from testing.

Yes. A small endometrial tissue sample is collected during the procedure.

Results are typically available within 14 days.

Yes. A combined test can evaluate both implantation timing and the endometrial microbial environment.

Yes. The microbiome test can be performed during a natural cycle, while receptivity testing is only done during a mock IVF cycle.

Yes. Depending on the findings, doctors may recommend treatments such as antibiotics, probiotics, or other therapies to restore a healthier balance of bacteria before embryo transfer.

References

  1. Internal CSI Data, 2022
  2. Ohara et al, Clinical relevance of a newly developed endometrial receptivity test for patients with recurrent implantation failure in Japan. Reprod Med Biol, 2022