Endometrial Biopsy

What is Endometrial Biopsy

Endometrial biopsy is a procedure in which a tissue sample is taken from inside the uterus. The sample is taken from the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus.

The tissue sample is then checked under a microscope to see if the tissue is normal or abnormal. This procedure helps to determine where you are in your menstrual cycle and how hormone levels are affecting the lining of the uterus.

This procedure may also be used to evaluate uterine bleeding or to diagnose endometrial cancer, endometrial tuberculosis, polyps, or other inflammatory conditions.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.
  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
  • Any blood disorders you have.
  • Any surgeries you have had.
  • Any medical conditions you have.
  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

  • Bleeding.
  • Pelvic infection.
  • Puncture of the wall of the uterus with the biopsy device (rare).

What happens before the procedure?

  • Keep a record of your menstrual cycles as told by your health care provider. You may need to schedule your procedure for a specific time in your cycle.
  • You may want to bring a sanitary pad to wear after the procedure.
  • Ask your health care provider about:
    • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
    • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood.Do nottake these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
  • Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.

What happens during the procedure?

  • To lower your risk of infection:
    • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
  • You will lie on an exam table with your feet and legs supported as in a pelvic exam.
  • Your health care provider will insert an instrument (speculum) into your vagina to see your cervix.
  • Your cervix will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
  • A medicine (local anesthetic) will be used to numb the cervix.
  • A forceps instrument (tenaculum) will be used to hold your cervix steady for the biopsy.
  • A thin, rod-like instrument (uterine sound) will be inserted through your cervix to determine the length of your uterus and the location where the biopsy sample will be removed.
  • A thin, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted through your cervix and into the uterus. The catheter will be used to collect the biopsy sample from your endometrial tissue.
  • The catheter and speculum will then be removed, and the tissue sample will be sent to a lab for examination.

What happens after the procedure?

  • You will rest in a recovery area until you are ready to go home.
  • You may have mild cramping and a small amount of vaginal bleeding. This is normal.
  • It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.

Summary

  • Endometrial biopsy is a procedure in which a tissue sample is taken from the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus.
  • This procedure may help to diagnose menstrual cycle problems, abnormal bleeding, or other conditions affecting the endometrium.
  • Before the procedure, keep a record of your menstrual cycles as told by your health care provider.
  • The tissue sample that is removed will be checked under a microscope to see if it is normal or abnormal.

Care After Endometrial Biopsy

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

  • Mild cramping.
  • A small amount of vaginal bleeding for a few days. This is normal.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Do notdouche, use tampons, or have sexual intercourse until your health care provider approves.
  • Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.

Follow instructions from your health care provider about any activity restrictions, such as restrictions on strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have heavy bleeding, or bleed for longer than 2 days after the procedure.
  • You have bad smelling discharge from your vagina.
  • You have a fever or chills.
  • You have a burning sensation when urinating or you have difficulty urinating.
  • You have severe pain in your lower abdomen.

Get help right away if:

  • You have severe cramps in your stomach or back.
  • You pass large blood clots.
  • Your bleeding increases.
  • You become weak or light-headed, or you pass out.

Summary

  • After the procedure, it is common to have mild cramping and a small amount of vaginal bleeding for a few days.
  • Do not douche, use tampons, or have sexual intercourse until your health care provider approves.
  • Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
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