Endometrial
Biopsy (EB)
The endometrial biopsy is a sampling of the lining of the uterus to evaluate the effect of progesterone on the endometrium as it prepares for implantation. The test is usually performed 10-12 days after ovulation.
On the day of your scheduled biopsy a pregnancy test will be done approximately 1 hour prior to the procedure. If the pregnancy test is negative the biopsy will be performed. If the pregnancy test is positive the biopsy will not be done and further instructions will be given. If you are a recurrent pregnancy loss patient you will be asked to abstain from intercourse during the work-up phase.
You may take Tylenol, Advil or Motrin one hour prior to the procedure to decrease any cramping which may occur.
You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet placed as for a pelvic exam. A device called a speculum is inserted into the vagina, it holds the walls of the vagina apart to allow the cervix to be viewed. The cervix is then cleaned with betadine (please make us aware if you are allergic to shellfish or iodine) or Hibiclens. A pipette is then passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity, the stylette (internal portion of pipette) is withdrawn, to create a slight vacuum. This suction allows a sample of the endometrium to be obtained. The pipette is then removed and the collected sample deposited into a pathology sample container. The speculum is them removed.
Once and adequate amount of tissue is obtained, it will be sent to a laboratory for a pathologist to examine the tissue, dating and to determine if the uterus is hormonally prepared for the embryo to implant.
While an endometrial biopsy is safe, there is a chance of bleeding and infection. The wall of your uterus could also get nicked by the tools used during the biopsy, but this is very rare.
If you think you may be pregnant, make sure to tell your doctor ahead of time. The biopsy could cause you to miscarry.
During the procedure you may experience moderate to strong cramping which will subside within a few minutes after the procedure. You may take Tylenol, Motrin or Advil one hour prior to the procedure to decrease any discomfort which may occur. If you experience severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever or excessive bleeding after the procedure, please contact the office immediately.
To get accurate results from this test, it is important to call the office with the start of your period. If you are currently using fertility medications, we need the results of your biopsy before we can prescribe the appropriate dose for the next cycle. We typically receive a report within 5 -7 business days.
DIRM is truly a place where dreams, through science, become reality.