ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY
What is the purpose of the Endometrial Biopsy?
The purpose is to determine if the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is maturing at the proper rate to permit a fertilized egg to implant and to grow.
When is it done and what are we looking for?
It is performed on the 12th luteal day or 2 days before an expected menses. During the luteal phase, the lining of the uterus undergoes specific cell changes. By microscopic examination of a small sample of the uterus lining, it can tell if your endometrium is changing properly.
What do we consider a "normal" or an "abnormal" biopsy?
Research has shown that the uterus lining undergoes specific cellular changes daily from the first day after ovulation to the next menses. The endometrial biopsy will let the doctor know if your uterine lining is changing at the proper rate. If it is, your biopsy is "in-phase" or normal. If it is not, it is "out-of-phase" or abnormal.
What is the treatment for a biopsy that is "out of phase?"
The treatment depends on the cause of the out of phase lining. Finding the cause requires further evaluation of your cycle, called cycle monitoring, using ultrasound and blood hormone levels to follow follicle (egg) development. Depending on the outcome of cycle monitoring you may be treated by using hormones.
What are the procedures for an Endometrial Biopsy?
A thin plastic catheter will be inserted through the cervix into the uterus and a piece of endometrial tissue will be removed. This takes a few seconds but it can cause cramping.
The test may cause a small amount of spotting. After you leave the office, you may resume your normal activities.
It is very important to call the unit when your menstrual flow begins so we can verify our luteal day schedule. If your menstrual period does not begin within five days, you would need to contact the doctor.
Auto-diagnosis
Are you having trouble conceiving?
You're not alone. If you and your partner have been actively trying to start a family for over 12 months with no success, talk to a specialist.
Having trouble falling pregnant?
The growing trend for greek women to delay childbearing is having a significant impact on their individual fertility, and consequent need for fertility treatment.
Anecdotal reasons for delaying conception:
"We didn't realise we had a problem, we'd been trying for a couple of years and just thought we needed to relax".
"It took me a while to find my partner, I didn't plan to be starting a family in my mid 30s."
"We put off having a baby because we wanted to establish our careers and achieve financial security before we started a family. We're ready now, but it's just not happening."
Chance of conception
The normal monthly success rate for couples trying to conceive naturally at 25 years of age is 20% — this figure decreases with increasing female age particularly after 35 years of age.
“Why are we having trouble conceiving?”
Causes of infertility are many and varied and involve male, female or a combination of factors. They include problems with:
-the production of sperm or eggs;
-the structure of function of male or female reproductive systems, and/or
-hormonal and immune disorders in both men and women.
After a woman's age, male infertility is the biggest single factor influencing a couple's chance of conception (40% sperm related cause). Others include:
-Ovulation disorders
-Tubal disease
-Endometriosis
-Combination of male & female factors
Self Diagnosis
Step 1 To gain a quick understanding or you and your partner's fertility read through the following and if you answer 'yes' for just a few of these questions you should talk to a specialist.
Have you been actively trying to achieve pregnancy for more than 12 months?
Are you or your partner over 35 years of age?
Do you have irregular or absent periods?
Have you had two or more miscarriages?
Prior use of an intrauterine device (IUD)?
Do you have Endometriosis/painful menstruation?
Is there a history of pelvic/genital infection in either partner?
Do you have excessive acne or hirsutism (body hair in females)?
Do you have problems having intercourse?
Have either of you had previous abdominal surgery?
Is there a chronic medical condition in either partner? (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
Is there a history of chemotherapy or radiation therapy in either partner?
Step 2 Ring for an appointment
Step 3 Meet an IVF specialist who will record your medical history, consider tests, and discuss treatment options.
