Endometrial Biopsy?
An endometrial biopsy is a simple, in-office procedure to get a small tissue sample from the lining of your uterus, which is called the endometrium. This sample is then sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope.
Your doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy to investigate several conditions, including:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding (e.g., very heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after menopause).
- Thickened uterine lining seen on an ultrasound.
- To check for endometrial cancer or other abnormal cells.
- To check your uterine lining’s response to hormone therapy.
Following these steps can help make your procedure as smooth as possible.
- Inform Your Provider: Let us know if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or have any bleeding disorders or allergies.
- Pain Medication: We recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like 400-800mg of ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) about one hour before your appointment. This can help reduce cramping during and after the procedure. Please check with your provider if you are unsure about taking this medication.
- Eat a Light Meal: It’s a good idea to have a light meal or snack before you come in.
The entire procedure is very quick, usually lasting only a few minutes.
- Positioning: You will be asked to lie on the exam table with your feet in stirrups, just like you would for a Pap smear.
- Speculum: Your provider will gently insert a speculum into the vagina to see your cervix.
- Cervix Cleansing: The cervix will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
- Biopsy: A very thin, flexible tube (about the size of a straw) is passed through the cervix and into the uterus. Your provider will use gentle suction to collect a small sample of the endometrial lining.
- Sensation: You will likely feel a strong, period-like cramp when the sample is taken. This feeling usually lasts for only a minute or two. Try to take slow, deep breaths to help relax your muscles.
It’s normal to experience some mild side effects after the biopsy.
- Cramping: You may have mild to moderate cramping for the rest of the day. The pain reliever you took before the procedure should help. A heating pad can also provide relief.
- Spotting: Light bleeding or spotting is common and can last for a few days.
- Restrictions: To prevent infection, please do not place anything in the vagina for the next 3-5 days. This means no tampons or menstrual cups, no douching, and no sexual intercourse or use of sex toys. You may use pads for any bleeding.
While complications are rare, please call us immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through a heavy-flow pad in an hour)
- Severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
The tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within 5-10 business days. Our office will contact you to discuss your results and any next steps.