The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus where an embryo needs to implant and develop.

When the endometrium is very thin, implantation may be more difficult because the uterine lining may not provide the most supportive environment for an embryo.

A thin endometrium may be associated with:
• Reduced blood flow to the uterine lining
• Previous uterine procedures or scar tissue
• Low estrogen levels
• Chronic inflammation or infection
• Certain medications or hormonal conditions

In fertility treatment, endometrial thickness is often monitored by ultrasound before ovulation or embryo transfer. While pregnancy can still occur with a thinner lining, implantation and pregnancy rates generally tend to decrease as the lining becomes very thin.

The cause of a thin endometrium is important. Treatment depends on the underlying reason, so further evaluation may be recommended if the lining remains persistently thin.

If you are trying to conceive and have concerns about your endometrial thickness, speak with your fertility specialist for an individualized assessment.

Asherman’s syndrome is a condition in which scar tissue, or adhesions, forms inside the uterus. These adhesions can partially or completely affect the uterine cavity and may interfere with normal menstruation and fertility.

Common causes may include:
• Dilation and curettage (D&C), especially after pregnancy
• Uterine surgery
• Infection involving the uterus
• Procedures that affect the uterine lining

Possible symptoms include:
• Very light periods or no periods
• Increased menstrual cramping
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Recurrent miscarriage

Asherman’s syndrome may sometimes be suspected after an ultrasound or saline sonogram, but hysteroscopy is generally considered the most direct way to evaluate the uterine cavity.

Treatment often involves hysteroscopic removal of the adhesions. Depending on the severity of the scar tissue and the condition of the endometrium, fertility and menstrual function may improve after treatment.

If your periods have become unusually light or absent after a uterine procedure, speak with your fertility specialist or gynecologist for further assessment.

During IVF, embryos may undergo PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) to evaluate the number of chromosomes present in sampled embryo cells.

Euploid embryo:
A euploid embryo has the expected number of chromosomes — normally 46. These embryos generally have the highest chance of implantation and the lowest risk of miscarriage related to chromosome abnormalities.

Aneuploid embryo:
An aneuploid embryo has an abnormal number of chromosomes, meaning one or more chromosomes may be missing or duplicated. Examples include trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. Many aneuploid embryos do not implant or may result in miscarriage.

Mosaic embryo:
A mosaic result means the tested sample contains a mixture of cells with normal and abnormal chromosome findings. Some mosaic embryos may still develop into healthy pregnancies, depending on the chromosomes involved and the degree of mosaicism.

PGT-A is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. Embryo results and transfer decisions should always be reviewed with your fertility specialist and genetic counsellor.

A semen analysis is one of the most important tests used to evaluate male fertility. It provides information about several key sperm parameters, including:

• Semen volume
• Sperm concentration and total count
• Motility — how well sperm move
• Morphology — sperm shape and structure
• Other findings that may affect fertility

An abnormal result does not automatically mean that pregnancy is impossible. Sperm parameters can vary over time and may be influenced by illness, fever, lifestyle, medications, heat exposure, and other health factors. In some cases, a repeat semen analysis may be recommended.

Male fertility is an important part of a complete fertility evaluation, especially when a couple has been trying to conceive without success.

Atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH), also called endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), is a condition in which the cells of the uterine lining (endometrium) grow abnormally and show precancerous changes.

AEH is not the same as endometrial cancer, but it is considered a precancerous condition because it carries a significant risk of progressing to cancer. In some patients, an early endometrial cancer may already be present when AEH is diagnosed, which is why proper evaluation and follow-up with a gynecologist are essential.

Possible symptoms include:
• Irregular or prolonged periods
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding between periods
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Difficulty conceiving in some patients

Treatment depends on age, medical history, and fertility goals. Hysterectomy is the definitive treatment. For selected patients who wish to preserve fertility, progesterone-based treatment with careful endometrial monitoring and repeat biopsies may be considered under specialist supervision.

If future pregnancy is important, fertility planning should be discussed early as part of the treatment plan.

These three tests may be used during a fertility evaluation, but each provides different information.

HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
An HSG uses X-rays and contrast dye to examine the uterine cavity and determine whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked. It is particularly useful when evaluating possible tubal-factor infertility.

SHG (Sonohysterogram / Saline Infusion Sonography)
An SHG uses ultrasound while sterile saline is placed inside the uterus. This helps provide a clearer view of the uterine cavity and lining and may identify polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, or abnormalities in the shape of the uterus.

Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS)
A transvaginal ultrasound uses an ultrasound probe placed in the vagina to examine the uterus, endometrial lining, ovaries, and follicles. It can help assess conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, follicle development, and antral follicle count.

In simple terms:
• HSG: Are the fallopian tubes open?
• SHG: What does the inside of the uterus look like?
• TVUS: What do the uterus, ovaries, lining, and follicles look like?

Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these tests depending on your fertility history and individual needs.

Diminished Ovarian Reserve, commonly called DOR, means that the ovaries may have a lower number of remaining eggs or may respond less strongly to ovarian stimulation than expected for a person’s age.

DOR may be identified through a combination of age, medical history, AMH and FSH blood tests, antral follicle count, menstrual history, and previous fertility treatment response. A low AMH result alone does not determine egg quality or mean that pregnancy is impossible.

Because every fertility journey is different, test results should be reviewed as part of the complete clinical picture. An individualized plan may help clarify priorities, timing, and available fertility-care options.

Body mass index (BMI) is one factor that may influence reproductive health in both women and men.

In women, a higher BMI may affect hormone balance, menstrual regularity, ovulation, egg quality, and the body’s response to fertility treatment. It may also increase certain health risks during pregnancy.

In men, a higher BMI may be associated with lower testosterone, reduced sperm count or movement, increased sperm DNA damage, and sexual health concerns. However, these effects vary from person to person.

BMI is only a screening measurement. It does not fully reflect body composition, overall health, age, medical conditions, nutrition, stress, or other factors that influence fertility. Many people with a higher BMI conceive naturally, while people in other BMI ranges may still experience fertility challenges.

When appropriate, gradual and sustainable lifestyle changes may support metabolic and reproductive health. Fertility care should always be individualized rather than based on BMI alone.

Going through IVF can be both physically and emotionally demanding. While IVF relies on advanced reproductive technology, many patients choose to incorporate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a complementary approach to support their overall fertility journey.

At Longevity Fertility Centre, every treatment plan is personalized based on your medical history, fertility diagnosis, laboratory results, and IVF timeline.

Traditional Chinese Medicine may help support IVF by:

• Promoting healthy blood circulation to the reproductive organs
• Supporting hormonal balance and menstrual cycle regulation
• Helping reduce stress and promote relaxation during treatment
• Supporting overall reproductive health before, during, and after IVF
• Providing individualized herbal medicine tailored to each patient’s unique needs

Many patients begin TCM several months before IVF to optimize their health, while others seek support during ovarian stimulation, embryo transfer preparation, or the post-transfer period.

Our comprehensive fertility assessments include a detailed review of your fertility history, bloodwork, ultrasound reports, and previous IVF treatment to develop an individualized, evidence-informed care plan.

If you’re preparing for IVF or have experienced unsuccessful cycles, we’re here to help you explore a personalized, integrative approach to fertility care.

What Are FSH, LH, Estrogen, and Progesterone?

FSH, LH, estrogen (estradiol, E2), and progesterone are the four key hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and fertility.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) is released by the pituitary gland and stimulates ovarian follicles to grow. Each follicle contains an egg, and FSH helps the dominant follicle mature.

Estrogen (Estradiol, E2) is produced by the developing follicle. It thickens the uterine lining and signals that the egg is approaching maturity.

A high estrogen level triggers the LH (Luteinizing Hormone) surge, which causes ovulation, usually within 24–36 hours, releasing the mature egg.

After ovulation, the empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone prepares and maintains the uterine lining for implantation. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels fall, and menstruation begins.

Hormone testing helps evaluate ovulation, ovarian reserve, irregular cycles, PCOS, and fertility. FSH, LH, and estradiol are typically measured on days 2–4 of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone is best measured about 7 days after ovulation.

Understanding these hormones is an important step in assessing reproductive health and identifying potential fertility concerns.