thermography & endometrial biopsies - any experience?

[Heather Ilse]

Hello. Has anyone used thermography services, either here in Duluth, or driving down to the Cities/elsewhere, as an alternative to, or complementary to mammograms? I'd be interested in hearing about your experience, if you're willing to share. If you've ever had an endometrial biopsy done, I'd also be interested in hearing about that. I realize these are deeply personal questions, so feel free to email me off-list, or ask for my phone number if you'd rather chat via phone.

For context, I'm 47 and perimenopausal. A CNM that I've seen only twice since moving to Duluth six years ago recommended the endometrial biopsy due to mid-cycle spotting in 3 of my last 4 irregular cycles. I generally prefer a minimally invasive approach, so I'm contemplating whether I really want to go forward with this procedure.

TIA!

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Heather ILSE (she/her pronouns)

"I'm taking MY vacation at...THE LIBRARY!!!"

~Sokka

[Kristin Riker-Coleman]

I'm late to reply to this, but wanted to respond because I worked as a medical scribe last year in the St Luke OB GYN office. I watched Dr. Revoir do lots of endometrial biopsies - it is a standard thing for post-menopausal bleeding (because you can imagine if you start bleeding after menopause ideally you look for the reason). Endometrial biopsies are not incredibly invasive. I mean they are (hello pelvic exam), but I think of biopsy and my brain goes cut off some cells with a scalpel or insert a needle - this is not that.  

The provider places a speculum. Next imagine a syringe attached to a tube instead of a needle. The syringe has nothing in it when they start. The provider inserts the tube through the cervix and then opens the syringe which makes a vacuum and the tube sucks up the cells. The hardest part is whether your cervix is totally closed or not. If you've had a baby before it goes much smoother because your cervix is likely not exactly the same as it was pre-baby. (that's probably not a surprise to anyone).  I think the tool is called an endometrial sampler. There's a decent diagram at the bottom of this page of what is going on.

 https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0315/p1131.html

Obviously some people are better than others at being gentle and you'd want to pick a provider that you like. But your primary care provider can do this procedure in their office. If you have a PCP who does not do a lot of pelvic exams, then personally I'd go to a gynecologist or midwife or someone who sees a lot of women. (Some of the primary care providers in the St Lukes system for instance refer anyone for anything gynecology -- most of those people are men). 

Anyhow, I hope that helps and I'm sorry it took me so long to respond.

Kristin

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