Endometrial Biopsy

Endometrial Biopsy is an examination that helps determine if the thickness and the structure of the endometrium is suitable for an egg implantation. This examination is not extensively used today, although sometimes it is indicated for patients with regular menstruation and repeated miscarriages. During endometrial biopsy, the physician takes a small tissue sample from the uterine cavity which is then sent to the lab for further analysis. The sample is taken with a small thin device inserted through the cervical canal.

It is also used for determining luteal phase defects, which is a hormonal disorder causing insufficient production of progesterone by the corpus luteum (corpus luteum is created from an ovarian follicle after the egg is released) or when the endometrium does not react properly to a sufficient progesterone production. Progesterone is a hormone necessary for implantation of a fertilized egg.

The examination of the luteal phase defects is performed 7 – 12 days after the rise of LH, before menstrual bleeding. The procedure is performed without anesthesia.