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Learn About Conditions and Procedures

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Endometrial Biopsy

(Biopsy, Endometrial)

by Editorial Staff and Contributors

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.

Definition

This is a procedure to remove a tissue sample from the lining of the uterus (womb).

The Endometrium

Reasons for Procedure

Some reasons for an endometrial biopsy include:

Evaluate the cause of bleeding in postmenopausal women
Evaluate heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between menstrual periods
Obtain a tissue sample to test for cancer or precancerous conditions
Monitor the uterine lining in women on estrogen replacement therapy
Help evaluate the cause of infertility or repeated miscarriages

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have an endometrial biopsy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Infection
Bleeding
Damage to the uterus (rare)

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Smoking
Cesarean section or previous surgery on the cervix
Radiation therapy to the area

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure. If you are pregnant, the test cannot be done.

What to Expect

You may need to schedule the biopsy for a certain time during your menstrual cycle.

Your doctor may do the following:

Physical and pelvic exam
Blood tests
Urine test

Leading up to your procedure, you may be advised to:

Take a pain reliever one hour before the procedure.
Wear or bring a sanitary pad to the health clinic.

Usually none is needed. Sometimes local anesthesia is used to numb the cervix.

You will lie on a table with your feet in footrests. The doctor will use a speculum to look into the vagina. An instrument called a tenaculum will be used to grasp the cervix. A flexible, thin, suction tube will be passed through the vagina and into the uterus. The doctor will suction out a small sample of endometrial tissue.

After the biopsy, you may feel lightheaded. Lying down for 5-10 minutes will help. Once you feel better, you will be able to go home.

About 10-15 minutes

You may feel some cramping and pressure during the biopsy. Your doctor may give you pain medicine after the procedure.

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Expect some cramping and bleeding. Use sanitary napkins. Do not use tampons.
Ask your doctor when you can resume:
- Using tampons
- Having sex
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

Your doctor will receive results in about a week. She will work with you to create a treatment plan.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Excessive bleeding (more than your normal menstrual period or saturating a pad within one hour)
Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Severe pain
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Nausea and/or vomiting

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

American Cancer Society

http://www.cancer.org

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

http://www.acog.org

Health Canada

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html

Women's Health Matters

http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

Abnormal uterine bleeding. Family Doctor.org. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/reproductive/menstrual/470.html. Updated September 2006. Accessed June 4, 2008.

How is endometrial cancer diagnosed? American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org. Updated November 2006. Accessed June 4, 2008.

6/2/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Igor Puzanov, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.