The endometrial biopsy is a fertility test used to obtain a small sample of endometrial tissue lining the uterine cavity to evaluate for pre-cancerous changes or to determine if the endometrium is “in phase”. Abnormal menstrual bleeding is the most common reason that an endometrial biopsy is performed.
The endometrial biopsy was once considered the best fertility test to diagnose a luteal phase defect. A luteal phase defect occurs when the endometrium is not properly developed “to match” the cycle day of the test. However, recent research has revealed that the endometrial biopsy is not useful for evaluation of a luteal phase defect and should not be performed for this reason.
A better option to assess the luteal phase is to measure the mid-luteal level(s) of a hormone called progesterone. After the endometrial biopsy specimen is obtained, a pathologist examines the tissue microscopically. The endometrial biopsy is interpreted based upon its microscopic appearance and the time of onset of the next menstrual period.
The endometrial biopsy is done in the fertility specialist's office in Charlottesville, VA. A narrow tube is passed through the cervical opening and a small amount of tissue is removed through this tube. The biopsy is a very quick procedure, usually taking less than a minute to complete.
Some women experience a crampy discomfort during this fertility test. This discomfort may be reduced by taking 600 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin or Motrin) one hour before the endometrial biopsy. Some spotting following the biopsy is also to be expected.
Call the doctor's office at (434) 654-8520 during the early part of the menstrual cycle (usually cycle day 7-11). The endometrial biopsy is scheduled to occur before ovulation. If menstrual bleeding is not regular, please speak with the physician.
An endometrial biopsy could disrupt an early pregnancy so it is important to abstain from intercourse or to use contraception, such as condoms, during the cycle in which the endometrial biopsy will be performed. An alternative is to have a blood pregnancy test performed in our office on the day of the endometrial biopsy. Although a negative test is reassuring, there is still a small risk of interrupting a pregnancy.
If menses is ongoing on the day of the biopsy, call the office to cancel the appointment. Instructions will be given regarding rescheduling.
The endometrial biopsy is a very common procedure. The risks of an endometrial biopsy include injury to the uterus, infection and interruption of an early pregnancy. The incidence of these complications is very low.
It takes about 5 days to receive the result of the biopsy from the pathologist. The results are discussed with patients by their physician or nurse.
