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Definition

Endometrial biopsy is the removal of a tissue sample from the lining of the uterus (womb).

The Endometrium Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure may be done to:

• Evaluate the cause of bleeding in postmenopausal women
• Evaluate heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between 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

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Excess bleeding
• Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
• Infection
• Damage to the uterus (rare)

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

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

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Pain that you cannot control with medicine
• Vaginal bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.