EMMA: Endometrial Microbiome Metagenomic Analysis

Many women undergoing IVF are unable to get pregnant, even after transferring good quality embryos. Although a good quality embryo is an important starting point, it is also important to transfer the embryo into a uterus that is in the healthiest state possible.

What is the endometrium and why does it matter?

The endometrium is a tissue lining the interior of the uterus where the embryo implants and resides during pregnancy. Each month, the endometrium prepares for the arrival of an embryo. When this does not occur, menstruation begins.

Problems with the endometrial lining are one of the leading causes of infertility in women – a healthy endometrium is rich in healthy bacteria: the endometrial flora. Infections with harmful bacteria can cause diseases of the endometrium, such as chronic endometritis.

What is endometrial flora?

The endometrial flora or microbiome is the sum of the microorganisms and their collective genetic material present in the endometrium.

What is EMMA test?

EMMA evaluates your endometrial flora to quantify the presence of good bacteria in the microbiome. EMMA also includes the ALICE test (link to ALICE) to identify the pathogenic bacteria most commonly associated with chronic endometritis. We are then able to recommend the best probiotic and/or antibiotic treatment to balance your endometrial flora, improving your pregnancy prospects.

Features

Indications
Benefits

Is EMMA for you?

This test is recommended if:

You have suffered a pregnancy loss. Especially if you have suffered recurrent implantation failure.
You are undergoing assisted reproduction treatment

Why use EMMA?

EMMA will determine whether the uterine microbial environment is or is not optimal for embryo implantation.
EMMA determines the percentage of healthy bacteria (Lactobacillus) in your endometrium. If the percentage is low, the report suggests the appropriate probiotic or antibiotic treatment for each patient.
This test also reports the most abundant bacteria detected in the endometrial sample. This informs the ALICE part of the test, indicating the possible presence of bacterial pathogens that can cause chronic endometritis or other infections.
Microbiology counselling is available for doctors.
Following treatment, a second EMMA test is included free of charge to confirm that the endometrium has been returned to a healthy, optimal state

How does it work?