Endometrial Biopsy

 

An endometrial biopsy is a way for your doctor to take a small sample of the lining of the uterus. The sample is looked at under a microscope for abnormal cells. An endometrial biopsy helps your doctor find any problems in the endometrium are in balance.

The lining of the uterus changes throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. Early in the menstrual cycle, the lining grows thicker until a mature egg is released from an ovary (ovulation). If the egg is not fertilized by a sperm, the lining is shed during normal menstrual bleeding.

There are several ways to do an endometrial biopsy. Your doctor may use:

-A soft, straw-like device to suction a small sample of lining from the uterus. This method is fast and is not very painful.

An endometrial biopsy may also be done to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, to check for overgrowth of the lining (endometrial hyperplasia). An endometrial biopsy is sometimes done at the same time as another test, called hysteroscopy, which allows your doctor to look through a small lighted tube at the lining of the uterus.

Why it is done:

An endometrial biopsy is done to:

- Check abnormal cells. For example, an endometrial biopsy is done to help determine the cause of a Pap test result showing glandular cell changes. Glandular cells are a type of cell found in the cervix and the endometrium.
- Find the cause of heavy, prolonged, or irregular uterine bleeding. It is often done to fine the cause of uterine bleeding in women who have gone through menopause.

How it is done:

Your cervix may be numbed with a gel of local anesthetic.

You will need to take off your clothes below the waist. You will be given a covering drape around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet raised and supported by foot rests (stirrups).

Your doctor will put an instrument with smooth, curved blades (speculum) into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls so your doctor can see inside the vagina and the cervix.

 

The tool to collect the sample is guided through the cervix into the uterus. The tool may be moved up and down to collect the sample. Most women have some cramping during the biopsy.

An endometrial biopsy takes 5 minutes. The specimen is submitted to the lab to be evaluated by a pathologist.

What you may feel:

You may feel a sharp cramp as the tool is guided through your cervix. You may feel more cramping when the biopsy sample is collected. Most women find that the cramping feels like a really bad menstrual cramp.

An endometrial biopsy usually causes some vaginal bleeding. You can use a pad for the bleeding or spotting.

Risks:

There is a small chance that the cervix or uterus could be punctured during the biopsy. Bleeding or a pelvic infection is also possible.

After the test:

You may feel some soreness in your vagina for a day or two. Some vaginal bleeding or discharge is normal for up to a week after a biopsy. You can use a sanitary pad for the bleeding. Do not have sex or use tampons for one week after the test. do not do strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for one day after your biopsy. do not douche.

Follow any instructions your doctor gave you. Call your doctor if you have:

- Heavy vaginal bleeding (more than a normal menstrual period).
- A fever
- Belly pain
- Bad-smelling vaginal discharge

The Results:

The doctor will call you in 1 - 2 weeks when the results arrive.