Study, 2006
Can endometrial biopsy during the menstrual cycle cause pregnancy loss?
Yes. Two cases reported women who lost pregnancies after endometrial biopsy, because the biopsy was done after pregnancy had already begun.
What they did
Two case reports of women who had endometrial biopsy (examination of the uterine lining) during the menstrual cycle for infertility assessment at a time when pregnancy may have already started.
What they found
Both women experienced pregnancy loss. One case was identified by tissue examination to have pregnancy present. The second had severe bleeding days after the biopsy, and tissue examination showed pregnancy.
What it means for you
Endometrial biopsy during the menstrual cycle can cause pregnancy loss if pregnancy is already underway. Women should avoid sexual intercourse during fertile days when a biopsy is planned. Using ultrasound to check for ovulation instead might prevent this. A main limit is this is based on only 2 cases.
2
Cases of pregnancy loss reported
About the study
- Original title
- Pregnancy loss: a rare consequence of premenstrual endometrial curettage for infertility management
- Authors
- Brian-D J. I. Adinma, Anthony I Agbata, Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu
- Journal
- Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Study
- What was tested
- Endometrial biopsy during the menstrual cycle
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4314/tjog.v22i1.14547