Definition |
Reasons for Procedure |
Possible Complications |
What to Expect |
Call Your Doctor
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Definition
This is a procedure to remove a tissue sample from the lining of the uterus (womb).
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:
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.
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:
-
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.
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.
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