Understanding an endometrial biopsy

When treating infertility, our Connecticut fertility clinic sometimes requires additional fertility testing to get a clearer picture of what might be causing fertility challenges. This might include an endometrial biopsy, a versatile diagnostic tool that gives clues about the tissue of your endometrium, which lines your uterus and plays a sizable role in fertility.

When ovulating, the endometrium grows and thickens to provide a hospitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. A biopsy can provide valuable information about whether abnormalities such as infections, inflammation, polyps or cancerous growths could be one of the causes of infertility.

For patients undergoing IVF, a biopsy may assess if the endometrium is receptive to embryo implantation. If patients are undergoing hormone treatments, as is common with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), this test can monitor the endometrial response, so that adjustments can be made if needed.

While a biopsy of the endometrium might sound intimidating, it’s actually a simple, in-office procedure.

Why is an endometrial biopsy necessary?

Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine is thorough when considering fertility testing. While this is not a routine fertility test, there are circumstances in which this biopsy can play a role in assessing causes of infertility.

• Abnormal bleeding
• Thickening of the uterine lining
• Repeated failed attempts at embryo implantation with IVF
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Patients with a history of hereditary cancer

What is the process of an endometrial biopsy?

Patients of our Connecticut fertility clinic can rest assured that the endometrial biopsy process is safe. Women need to make sure they are not pregnant before the procedure, and they might be advised to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, an hour or so before the procedure to minimize cramping.

Here are the steps of this quick process, which should take less than 15 minutes.

• A doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina to see the cervix, much like a Pap test.
• The cervix is cleaned, and a small plastic catheter is passed through the cervix until it touches the uppermost part of the uterus.
• The doctor will carefully use suction to remove a small sample of your endometrium.
• You will be able to go home after a short time, and you might experience minor cramping or spotting, which generally subsides quickly.
• Results are usually available in a week or two.

Understandably, patients of our Connecticut fertility clinic feel daunted by the initial prospect of an endometrial biopsy. But we can assure you that there is no blade or cutting, and you are in the experienced care of Dr. Andrew Levi. The information we glean can be important to uncover the causes of infertility and put patients on the path to parenthood.

As always, our office welcomes any patient questions, so you can fully know what to expect with your fertility treatment. Contact us to learn to learn more.