MRR Study

Do I qualify?

Please see the preliminary exclusion criteria here.

What will be involved?

You will first contact the study coordinator (jlphilli@med.unc.edu). The study coordinator will send you questionnaires to get relevant medical information to ensure that you qualify. If you decide to volunteer, you may receive urine test kits (by mail) to detect the luteinizing hormone surge that occurs just before you ovulate. If you receive kits, you will be given instructions on when to start testing (usually beginning on day 8-14 of your cycle, depending on its length). After this is confirmed, we will schedule an endometrial biopsy 7-10 days later.

When you arrive at the clinic, we will collect a blood and urine sample. This is to look for proteins related to changes in the endometrium. The biopsy procedure begins similar to your routine PAP test/gynecological exam. First, a speculum is inserted into the vagina. The doctor will then swab the cervix and we will store that for future analysis. Betadine swabs are then used to cleanse the cervix, and a thin and flexible plastic tube (called a Pipelle) is inserted beyond the cervix and a small 2-8mm sample of the lining of your uterus is obtained (the same lining you would normally shed during menstruation). The whole procedure generally lasts 5-15 minutes. The entire study will only require 1 visit to our clinic.

What are the side effects/risks?

Common side effects associated with this procedure can be described as normal to painful menstrual cramps during moment of biopsy, and vaginal bleeding/spotting may occur after the procedure. The severity of these side effects vary among individuals and your individual pain tolerance level. Rare side effects include a less than 1% chance of infection, or uterine perforation.

Any discomfort associated with the procedure subsides shortly after. This procedure is commonly performed in women undergoing diagnostic testing for fertility treatment, endometriosis, and heavy bleeding during menstruation. A good reference for information on an endometrial biopsy can be found here.

This procedure will not affect your ability to become pregnant in the future. Side effects associated with having your blood drawn can include a small chance of localized pain or bruising.

Allow 30 mins in the clinic for your visit.

What will I receive for participating?

You will receive a $300 bank card upon completion of the biopsy.  You can use this anywhere, or cash it out at Bank of America. 1hr parking passes are available for those who need it.

If for some reason we are unable to pass the biopsy instrument through the cervix (for an anatomical or unforeseen reason), you will receive $100 for attempting the study.  This is not common.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.