An analysis of endometrial biopsies performed for infertility.

The authors evaluated 774 endometrial biopsies that were performed for infertility. Complications arose in 3.6%. Lag of more than 2 days was found in 19%; luteal phase defect (LPD) was diagnosed in 5.7%. Most of the incidence of LPD can be predicted from chance occurrence. There was no association between abnormal biopsies and basal body temperature patterns, or between pathology, pregnancy outcome, and treatment. Exceptions included women with multiple spontaneous abortions and patients treated with clomiphene citrate (CC). An endometrial biopsy was performed in a pregnancy cycle in 4.0%, with an abortion rate not significantly different from the total study group. The authors conclude that an endometrial biopsy is relatively safe; however, the diagnostic and therapeutic consequences are limited. Endometrial biopsies may be useful only if performed in cases of habitual abortion or ovulation induction with CC.