Endometrial Biopsy in Las Vegas: What to Expect
If you have been trying to conceive without success, or if you have a history of abnormal bleeding or recurrent implantation failures, evaluating the health of your uterine lining is an important step toward finding answers.
An endometrial biopsy is a procedure that collects a small tissue sample from the uterine lining (the endometrium) for laboratory analysis. At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, our team will walk you through every step so you know exactly what to expect.
What is the purpose of an endometrial biopsy?
The goal of an endometrial biopsy is to gather information about the uterine lining that a standard ultrasound cannot provide. By examining the tissue directly, we can identify factors that may be contributing to infertility or implantation challenges.
Your doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy if you have:
- A pattern of abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Thickening of the endometrium noted on ultrasound.
- Repeated failed attempts at embryo implantation.
- Suspected chronic low-grade uterine infection (chronic endometritis).
- Abnormal saline ultrasound.
The biopsy can identify conditions such as chronic endometritis, glandular changes, or other tissue abnormalities. In some cases, when endometrial thickening is significant, the biopsy may also be used to rule out more serious conditions — your doctor will discuss whether this applies to your specific situation.
What happens during an endometrial biopsy procedure?
The biopsy is performed in our office by one of our Las Vegas fertility specialists and typically takes only a few minutes. Here’s what to expect:
- A speculum is gently inserted to visualize the cervix — similar to a routine pelvic exam.
- The area is cleaned with iodine to reduce any risk of infection. You may notice a brown discharge afterward — this is normal and is caused by the iodine, not the biopsy itself.
- A very thin plastic catheter is passed gently through the cervix into the uterus.
- A small amount of suction is used to collect a tissue sample from the uterine lining. The sample is sent to a pathologist for analysis under a microscope.
- The speculum is removed and the procedure is complete. You may go home shortly after.
Before scheduling the biopsy, we will confirm you are not currently pregnant. The procedure is always performed during the first half of your menstrual cycle, before ovulation, and may include a pregnancy test beforehand.
What side effects should I expect?
An endometrial biopsy is minimally invasive and does not require sedation. Most patients return to their normal daily activities right after the procedure. Side effects are typically mild and short-lived:
- Cramping: similar to menstrual cramps, most common during and immediately after the procedure.
- Light vaginal spotting: may last 1 to 2 days.
- Brown discharge: caused by the iodine used to clean the cervix; resolves quickly and is completely normal.
We recommend wearing a panty liner for comfort after the procedure. Results from the biopsy typically take 1 to 2 weeks to return. Once we receive them, we’ll schedule a follow-up consultation with you to review the findings and discuss next steps.
Questions about your endometrial biopsy? We’re here.
If your doctor has recommended an endometrial biopsy, or if you’d like to learn more about evaluating your uterine health, our team is ready to help. Schedule a consultation at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas and let’s take the next step together.
