What is an endometrial biopsy?
During an endometrial biopsy, your healthcare provider takes a small
tissue sample from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for study. The tissue is
viewed with a microscope to look for abnormal cells. Your healthcare provider can also
check the effects of hormones on the endometrium.
Why might I need an endometrial biopsy?
Your healthcare provider may
suggest an endometrial biopsy if you have:
Biopsy results may show cell
changes linked to hormone levels. It may also show abnormal tissues such as fibroids or
polyps. These can lead to abnormal bleeding. Your provider can also check for uterine
infections such as endometritis.
Your provider may also use an
endometrial biopsy to check the effects of hormone therapy. Or to find abnormal cells or
cancer. Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs.
Endometrial biopsy is no longer
advised as a routine part of testing and treatment for women not able to get pregnant
(infertility).
Your healthcare provider may have
other reasons to do an endometrial biopsy.
What are the risks of an endometrial biopsy?
Some possible risks may
include:
Tell your healthcare provider if
you are allergic to or sensitive to medicines, iodine, or latex.
Tell your healthcare provider if
you are pregnant or think you could be. Endometrial biopsy during pregnancy may lead to
miscarriage.
You may have other risks based on
your condition. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the
procedure.
Certain things may interfere with
an endometrial biopsy. These include:
How do I get ready for an endometrial biopsy?
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Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and you can ask questions.
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You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear.
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Generally, you won’t need to do any
preparation before the procedure. But your healthcare provider may advise you to take
a pain reliever 30 minutes before the procedure.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you
are pregnant or think you could be.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthesia.
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Tell your healthcare provider of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements that you are
taking.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you
have a history of bleeding disorders. Also tell your provider if you are taking any
blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants), aspirin, or other medicines that affect
blood clotting. You may be told to stop these medicines before the procedure.
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Your healthcare provider may ask you
to keep a record of your menstrual cycles. You may need to schedule the procedure for
a certain time of your cycle.
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If your provider gives you medicine to
relax (sedative) before the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home
afterward.
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You may want to bring a sanitary napkin to wear home after the procedure.
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Based on your condition, your healthcare provider may call for other preparation.
What happens during an endometrial biopsy?
An endometrial biopsy may be done in a healthcare provider's office, on an outpatient basis, or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary based on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.
Generally, an endometrial biopsy follows this process:
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You will undress fully or from the
waist down and put on a hospital gown.
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You will empty your bladder before the
procedure.
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You will lie on an exam table, with your feet and legs supported as for a pelvic exam.
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Your healthcare provider will put a
tool called a speculum into your vagina. It's used to spread the walls of the vagina
apart to view the cervix.
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Your provider will clean your cervix with an antiseptic solution.
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Your provider may numb the area using
a small needle to inject medicine. Or he or she may use a numbing spray on your
cervix.
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Your provider may use a type of
forceps to hold the cervix steady for the biopsy. You may feel some cramping when it
is used.
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Your provider may put a thin, rod-like
tool called a uterine sound through the cervical opening. This is done to find the
length of the uterus and place for biopsy. This may cause some cramping. The sound
will then be removed.
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Your provider will put a thin tube
(catheter) through the cervical opening into the uterus. The catheter has a smaller
tube inside it. The healthcare provider will withdraw the inner tube, creating
suction at the end of the catheter. The healthcare provider will then gently turn and
move the tip of the catheter in and out to collect small pieces of endometrial
tissue. This may cause some cramping.
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The amount of and place where the
tissue is removed depends on the reason for the endometrial biopsy.
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Your provider will remove the catheter
and speculum. He or she will send the tissue to a lab for study.
What happens after an endometrial biopsy?
After the procedure, you may rest for a few minutes before going home. If you had any type of sedative, you will need someone to drive you home.
You may want to wear a sanitary pad
for bleeding. It's normal to have some mild cramping and spotting or vaginal bleeding
for a few days after the procedure. Take a pain reliever as advised by your healthcare
provider. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding.
Take only recommended medicines.
Don’t douche, use tampons, or have
sex for 2 to 3 days after an endometrial biopsy, or as advised by your healthcare
provider.
You may also have other limits on
your activity. This might be no strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
You may go back to your normal diet unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
Your healthcare provider will tell
you when to return for more treatment or care.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
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Excessive bleeding, or bleeding longer than 2 days after the procedure
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Foul-smelling fluid drains from your
vagina
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Fever or chills
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Severe lower belly pain
Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, based on your situation.
Next steps
Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:
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The name of the test or procedure
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The reason you are having the test or procedure
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What results to expect and what they mean
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The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
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What the possible side effects or complications are
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When and where you are to have the test or procedure
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Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
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What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure
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Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
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When and how will you get the results
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Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
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How much will you have to pay for the test or procedure