A biopsy involves the removal of tissue samples for analysis in a laboratory. It is an invasive procedure that often involves an incision through the skin and muscle tissue. When it comes to a cervical biopsy, the invasiveness is less than in other areas. This is because the cervix can be directly accessed through the vagina. The cervix is the area just above the vagina and forms the mouth of the uterus. It is narrower than the uterus. During menstruation, the cervix tends to dilate a little to allow the uterus lining to be discarded. This is the process that is associated with the cramping pain felt during menstruation by most women.
Cervical cancer has been associated with infertility. In many women, it is recommended that the whole womb is removed, a process known as hysterectomy. This is because there is always the possibly that cancer in the cervix might spread to the uterus easily. When it comes to cervical biopsy and infertility, there is a possibility, particularly with a cone biopsy that the woman might become infertile.
A cone biopsy is a type of biopsy conducted to either examine the tissue sample or to remove tissue that is found to be abnormal. It is therefore used as a diagnostic as well as treatment procedure. After this procedure, it is possible for a woman to suffer from cervical stenosis. Cervical stenosis is the condition where the cervix closes extremely tightly and blocks off access to the uterus. This means that normal menstruation cannot happen and that the sperm cannot enter the uterus. This is a reaction to a cone biopsy procedure and could lead to infertility simply because of the lack of access to the womb.
Another issue associated with a cervical biopsy is that of an incompetent cervix. While this is not characterized as infertility, it may have a similar affect as the woman may not be able to hold a pregnancy for the required duration. When a woman suffers from cervical incompetence, her cervix dilates far too much and far too quickly. This could lead to miscarriage or to delivery before term. It is possible for a baby delivered before term to be saved. However, a miscarriage is a terminal condition where it is not possible to save the baby. A cervical biopsy should therefore be conducted carefully and only when absolutely necessary, so as to avoid complications with fertility.