Implications of sampling the implantation site in the endometrial biopsy for infertility

Endometrial sampling performed during the cycle of conception occurs uncommonly. Less frequent is inclusion of the implantation site in an endometrial specimen obtained late in the luteal phase during the course of an infertility evaluation. From 1984 to 1987 the implantation site was sampled in 3 of 520 (0.6%) endometrial biopsies for infertility. In each instance the pregnancy did not continue. Two women conceived again within a year; both delivered term infants. The third woman had not conceived after ten months of follow-up. When an infertility biopsy results in a diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy, further evaluation of the patient should be determined by the clinical situation: even in couples with extremely compromised fertility the woman occasionally will become pregnant. The prognosis for that pregnancy may be poor; however, the prognosis for subsequently conceiving and carrying a pregnancy to term is encouraging. This study demonstrated the relative safety of endometrial sampling in the infertile woman. The use of barrier contraception during the cycle of sampling can further decrease the chance of interrupting an intrauterine pregnancy.