Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy is a procedure carried out to determine the abnormalities in the uterus which can also affect fertility in women. Let us understand more about endometrial biopsy.Endometrial biopsy is used to determine certain medical conditions. This procedure is also used in infertility treatments. In this method a small sample of the tissue from endometrium is taken to diagnose certain medical conditions. In this articleHow is endometrial biopsy used for infertility treatment?When and how is the biopsy carried out?Which medical conditions can be diagnosed using biopsy?When you should not undergo endometrial biopsy?What are the side-effects of biopsy?What precautions must be taken after biopsy?How is endometrial biopsy used for infertility treatment?At the time of ovulation, the progesterone secretion from the ovary effects changes in the endometrium of the uterus. In this way, the uterus prepares for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg. If the progesterone output after ovulation is inadequate, then the development of the endometrium may not be adequate for implantation to occur.A biopsy of the endometrium will determine whether its stage of development is in line with the stage of the cycle. If there is a lag of more than 2 days, (e.g. on 26th day of the cycle the endometrium has the maturity of only a 23-day cycle), it may indicate insufficient secretion of progesterone. This could be a possible cause of infertility. An endometrial biopsy has limited utility as it only gives information about one cycle.When and how is the biopsy carried out?The biopsy is generally scheduled 2-3 days before the expected period. The cervix is examined in the same way as for a post-coital test and a fine suction curette is gently inserted into the uterus. A tissue sample will be taken by the doctor with the help of the inserted device from the lining of the uterus. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and causes only minimal discomfort. This procedure is normally competed within 10 minutes.After the sample is taken it is kept in a fluid and sent for laboratory testing. It may take a period of a week to ten days for producing the report of the biopsy.Which medical conditions can be diagnosed using biopsy?Here is the list of medical conditions that can be diagnosed with the help of endometrial biopsy.Endometrial cancer.Infertility problems. Determining the reasons behind abnormal uterine bleeding or uterine bleeding after menopause.Testing the effects and reaction of hormone therapyWhen you should not undergo endometrial biopsy? You should not undergo endometrial biopsy during pregnancy as it can cause miscarriage. It is also not advisable to undergo it when one is coping with cervical cancer. It is also restricted if a woman is coping with vaginal or acute cervical infection, acute inflammatory disease of pelvis, severe narrowing of cervix and blood clotting disease.What are the side-effects of biopsy?Some side-effects can be experienced after the biopsy is performed. Light spotting and bleeding is common after undergoing the procedure of biopsy. You may also experience pain and cramping which may fade away after some time. You can ask your doctor to give you some medication to deal with pain and cramping. In very rare cases side-effects like dizziness, bleeding and damage to the uterus can also be experienced after biopsy.What precautions must be taken after biopsy?After the biopsy is performed you may experience slight spotting or bleeding. Therefore, you must wear a sanitary napkin. You must also abstain from having sex for some days. Your doctor may advise you to avoid wearing tampons. Based on your health conditions and medical history your doctor may also provide some additional instructions to you.Before undergoing an endometrial biopsy, you must prepare yourself properly as per the instructions of your doctor. You must notify your doctor about the side-effects that you may experience after undergoing biopsy to prevent any kind of risk.