ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY

[Guest guest]

What is an endometrial biopsy and why is it needed?

The endometrial biopsy is used to " date " the lining to see if it is out of

sync hormonally. It is considered out of phase if it the lining appears to

be more than 2 days off. It is common to repeat the biopsy in another cycle,

if it is found to be out of phase, before a diagnosis of a luteal phase

defect is made. These tests are somewhat insensitive and I was told " about

as good as the pathologist reading it. "

The biopsy is performed in the second half of the cycle, usually just a few

days before menstruation is expected. It can be done in the same cycle as

one in which you are trying to get pregnant because the risk of miscarriage

from the biopsy is only about 1% (combine that with your chances of getting

pregnant in a given cycle and there isn't much to worry about at all).

The biopsy is done by inserting a narrow catheter through the cervix and

into the uterus. A small sample of tissue is sucked into the tube and sent

to the lab for analysis. Expect a bit of discomfort with this test -- about

the same as a bad menstrual cramp. The biopsy doesn't take long, and the

pain usually subsides when the procedure ends. You may have some spotting

afterward.

Some suggest taking Advil or Aleve about a half hour before the test to

relieve discomfort. Check with your doctor first, since this may not be

recommended during a cycle in which you are trying to get pregnant. My own

experience is that the pain relievers didn't make any difference.

Hart

TR 6-4-01 ~ 8cm R ~ 9cm L

~ Mom to 4 Great Children ~

Arianne (16) ~ a (8)

(5) ~ Bean (1)

Glory to God and Many Thanks to Dr. Levin!

http://www.geocities.com/thehartclantx/Thehartclantx.html

Life's riches are not measured in dollars.

[Guest guest]

Pat thankyou so much for your response. I

appreciate it and I will look at those thinks. I do

feel that it is better to be safe than sorry.

--- Pat Boersma marypatb@...> wrote:

> Endometrial Biopsy:

> Knowledge is power. If you google “endometrial

> biopsy” you’ll find many sites that talk about it.

> http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010315/1131.html

> http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003917.htm

> I think if there’s any question at all that this

> should be checked out – and

> that women should INSIST on it & not be frightened

> of it.