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Endometrial Biopsy

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Endometrial Biopsy

(Biopsy, Endometrial)

Animation Movie AvailableRelated Media: Endometrial Biopsy

Definition

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

The Endometrium.

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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:

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.

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Timing the biopsy with your menstrual cycle
  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Taking pain medicine before the biopsy
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the biopsy
  • Whether you need a ride to and from the biopsy

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Timing the biopsy with your menstrual cycle
  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Taking pain medicine before the biopsy
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the biopsy
  • Whether you need a ride to and from the biopsy

Anesthesia

The doctor may give local anesthesia. The cervix will be numbed.

Description of the Procedure

A speculum will be inserted into the vagina. An tool called a tenaculum will be inserted and used to grasp the cervix. A flexible, thin, suction tube will be passed through the vagina and into the uterus. A small sample of endometrial tissue will be suctioned out. The tools will be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

About 10 to 15 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Pain is common after the procedure. Some women may also feel lightheaded or flushed. Medicine and home care help.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

After the procedure, the staff will have you lie down for at least 10 minutes.

At Home

The cramping and bleeding will go away in a few days. Tampons and sex will need to be avoided.

The doctor will get the results from the biopsy in about a week. A treatment plan will be made.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES

CANADIAN RESOURCES

References

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/abnormal-uterine-bleeding. Accessed August 25, 2021.
  • Endometrial cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer.html. Accessed August 25, 2021.

Contributors

  • Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated:
2021-07-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.