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Endometrial Biopsy


Why is this procedure done?


The uterus is the organ where a baby grows when you are pregnant. The uterus is also called the womb. You get rid of the lining of the uterus each time you have your period. The lining of your uterus is called the endometrium. ‚  
An endometrial biopsy is a procedure to get a sample of the lining of the uterus. A biopsy is done to: ‚  
  • Look for the cause of heavy bleeding
  • Help your doctor know if the tissue is cancer or not
  • Understand what may be causing problems getting pregnant

What will the results be?


The biopsy test result will tell your doctor if you have an illness. Then, your doctor will know if more treatment is needed. Your doctor may do other tests to go along with the biopsy. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


  • Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
    • Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about your drugs.
    • If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
  • Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
    • Lab tests
    • Ultrasound
  • You may not be allowed to drive after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.

What happens during the procedure?


  • An endometrial biopsy may be done in the office or in the operating room. You may or may not be asleep for the biopsy.
  • You will lie on your back with your feet in foot holders.
  • You may have a drug to make you sleepy. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff may put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
  • Your doctor will give you a drug to open your cervix. Then, the doctor will clean your vaginal area and an antiseptic will be applied.
  • A special tool called a speculum is put into your vagina. The speculum helps keep your vagina open so the doctor is able to see. A tube with a camera at the tip is gently moved through the cervix into your uterus. Your uterus may be filled with a harmless gas. Your doctor will look at your womb by looking at the monitor linked to the camera.
  • The doctor put small tools through the tube. A sample of the lump or your wombs lining will be collected. Your doctor will send the samples to the lab for testing.
  • Your doctor will take all the tools out of the womb and clean your vagina.
  • Your doctor may leave sterile gauze packs inside your vagina. The gauze may be removed before you go home.
  • The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you were put to sleep. The procedure takes less time if you are awake.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You may go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital or your doctors office for 2 to 4 hours.
  • You may have some cramping. Your doctor may give you drugs for cramping.

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. Asking questions will help you know what you need to do.
  • You need to limit your activity until your doctor says otherwise.
  • Ask your doctor if it is OK to use heat on your lower belly to help with pain. If so, put a heating pad on your belly for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Do not sleep with a heating pad. You may get burned.
  • You can expect some bleeding from your vagina for a few days to a few weeks. You may use sanitary pads but not tampons.
  • You may wash your vagina using soap and water. You may wash yourself 24 hours after the operation or when your doctor tells you. Proper washing will help prevent infection.
  • Your doctor may give you a drug called estrogen to help heal the lining of the womb. You may have to take estrogen for a few weeks. Take the drug as ordered by your doctor.
  • Do not have sexual intercourse or put anything in your vagina until your doctor says it is OK.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
  • Talk to the doctor about when your test results will be available.
  • Your doctor may order another test to confirm your biopsy result.

What lifestyle changes are needed?


Rest for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid activities like heavy lifting and hard exercise. Ask your doctor when you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Infection
  • Perforation of the uterus, bladder, or intestines
  • Cuts on the cervix
  • Bleeding
  • Too much thickening of the endometrium
  • Blood clots in your legs or lungs

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Family Physicians ‚  
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0315/p1137.html ‚  
American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology ‚  
http://www.mypathlabs.com/Education/Gyno/What%20is%20an%20Endometrial%20Biopsy.pdf ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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