If you’re dealing with intense pelvic pain, painful periods, or pain during sex, you’re not alone. Living with these symptoms can be exhausting, frustrating, and, at times, downright isolating — especially when you’re told it’s “just part of being a woman.” But you deserve real answers, and if you suspect endometriosis, getting a proper diagnosis is a crucial step toward relief.
For many, an endometrial biopsy can be an important tool in the journey to understanding what’s going on and finding a treatment plan that helps you feel like yourself again.
Why an endometriosis biopsy?
Endometriosis doesn’t always follow the same playbook for everyone. Some people experience excruciating period pain, while others have symptoms like bloating, bowel issues, or fatigue. And because traditional imaging like ultrasounds and MRIs often miss endometriosis, many people go years — sometimes decades — without a diagnosis.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent pain or painful intercourse and doctors haven’t been able to give you clear answers, an endometrial biopsy might be a step in the right direction. It can help detect inflammation linked to endometriosis, offering valuable insight into what’s causing your symptoms.
Understanding endometriosis and chronic pain
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar (but not identical) to the lining of your uterus grows outside of it, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain. While the most definitive way to diagnose endo is through laparoscopic surgery, newer, less invasive options — like an endometrial biopsy — can provide important clues.
One such test is MyReceptiva, which looks for BCL6, a protein linked to inflammation caused by endometriosis. If you’ve been dismissed or told your pain is “normal,” this test could offer the validation and clarity you’ve been searching for.
One of the most exciting developments in endometriosis detection is the MyReceptiva test, which looks for the presence of BCL6, a marker highly associated with endometriosis and supported by 8 years of clinical use in the infertility space (but is now available to everyone!).
What is MyReceptiva™, and how can it help?
MyReceptiva is a simple, biopsy-based test that checks for inflammation in your uterine lining. Unlike surgery, it’s a quick in-office procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia or downtime. If your pain has been brushed aside or left unexplained, MyReceptiva can be a powerful tool to help you and your doctor get closer to the truth. Learn more, and use code RESCRIPTED for $85 off!
What to expect during the biopsy
If your healthcare provider suggests an endometrial biopsy, here’s what you can expect:
- Before the procedure – It’s usually scheduled in the luteal phase of your cycle (after ovulation). Your doctor may suggest taking an over-the-counter pain reliever beforehand to help with any discomfort.
- During the procedure – A thin catheter is inserted through your cervix to collect a tiny sample of your uterine lining. It only takes a few minutes and may feel like brief cramping, similar to a Pap smear or IUD insertion.
- After the procedure – Mild cramping and spotting are common, but most people go about their day as usual afterward.
- Getting your results – Your doctor will usually receive your results within a week. If elevated BCL6 levels are found, they’ll discuss next steps, which could include medications to reduce inflammation or, in some cases, surgery to remove endometriosis lesions.
What if your biopsy is positive for BCL6?
A positive result doesn’t mean there’s no hope — it means you finally have information that can guide you toward a plan that works. Many women who test positive can be confident that finding an endometriosis specialist is a great next step to understanding diagnostic testing, treatment, and management. Your doctor will work with you to develop a plan, whether that means medication, hormone therapy, or surgery. Need help locating a health care provider? See if there is a specialist near you.
Moving forward on your journey to relief
If you’ve been living with pain, dismissed by doctors, or made to feel like what you’re experiencing isn’t real, please know that your pain is valid. Endometriosis is real, and you deserve answers.
Getting tested isn’t just about a diagnosis — it’s about reclaiming your quality of life. If you suspect endometriosis, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, push for testing, and seek support from others who have walked this path. Remember: the more you understand your body, the closer you’ll get to the relief and care you deserve.
Kristyn Hodgdon is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Rescripted and host of From First Period To Last Period.