An endometrial biopsy is a gynecological operation that is performed for diagnostic purposes. Of course, the process itself is not particularly pleasant and often causes painful sensations, but this procedure is necessary for an accurate examination of the status of the uterus.
About the procedure
Endometrium is the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity. For example, during pregnancy, the endometrium plays an active role in the formation of the placenta, which is vital for the normal development of the fetus. The state of the endometrium is not always the same - in different phases of the cycle the tissue thickens, is filled with glands and blood vessels, and disappears during menstruation.
An endometrial biopsy is performed to detect changes in the uterine mucosa, for example, with hormonal stimulation. The results of endometrial biopsy can also show the presence of malignant tumors or find out the causes of uterine bleeding.
The procedure can take place in the office of the treating doctor under local anesthetic or in a hospital with general anesthesia. The point is that a biopsy is a rather painful procedure. In order to take a sample of the endometrium, it is necessary to expand the cervical canal, which is sometimes accompanied by severe spasms.
The sample obtained as a result of a biopsy of the endometrium of the uterus is examined under a microscope, which shows a change in the mucosa, suspicious tissues on the tumor, allows to establish the causes of vascular discharge from the uterus, as well as the luteal phase insufficiency. Endometrial biopsy in combination with hysteroscopy is performed before IVF in order to study the readiness of the uterus to embryo adoption. In addition, specialists after an endometrial biopsy may reveal the reasons for not naturally occurring pregnancy.
Contraindications of endometrial biopsy
You should know that the procedure is forbidden to conduct if you suspect a pregnancy. Also biopsy is not recommended for inflammatory processes and purulent formations, since it can cause the spread of infection. An exception in such cases is the need for surgical intervention.
Contraindication may be the presence of sexual infections or infectious diseases. The patient should notify the attending physician of any allergy to medicines, taking medications that dilute the blood, as well as problems with the cardiovascular system and lungs.
Effects of endometrial biopsy
After a biopsy of the endometrium, nausea, dizziness, pain in the lower abdomen, discharge, small vaginal bleeding, and general weakness are possible. All these symptoms usually take place within a few days. The very process of endometrial biopsy takes 5 to 20 minutes, and during the procedure some patients describe the sensations as severe spasms accompanying menstruation.
Physicians recommend to refrain from heavy physical labor and seek help in case of high fever, severe bleeding and pain, and the appearance of discharge with an unpleasant odor.
During the biopsy of the endometrium, there is a certain risk of damage to the cervix, bleeding, as well as infection of the pelvic organs.
Types of endometrial biopsy
In addition to the usual endometrial biopsy, which is inherently a curettage of the uterine cavity, there are other ways to date to take a mucosal specimen.
For example, a pin-biopsy is less painless than a conventional scraping. The procedure is carried out using a special
Also, aspiration biopsy is widely used, which is usually performed in diseases due to hormonal disorders. Here a uterine syringe or electric pump is used, and the procedure itself is performed on an outpatient basis.
Endometrial biopsy is common and, most importantly, an effective way that can diagnose mucosal lining of the uterine cavity.