What To Expect In An Endometrial Biopsy

There are several reasons why a doctor might request an endometrial biopsy but it’s rarely an unnecessary procedure. However, if you don’t know anything about it, you might have some concerns. Let’s look at what an endometrial biopsy entails.

What’s An Endometrial Biopsy?

An endometrial biopsy is a simple procedure in which a doctor uses a device to remove a sample of endometrial tissue. This tissue is then examined under a microscope for any abnormalities. If present, these abnormalities can be used to identify conditions such as endometrial cancer, endometriosis, and fibroids. Generally, the procedure lasts for about 15 minutes and can be done in a doctor’s office.

Who Can Have The Procedure

Doctors typically recommend an endometrial biopsy for people who have bleeding after menopause, irregular periods, and bleeding while on hormone therapy. Your doctor may also request the procedure if you had an ultrasound that showed something irregular such as a thickened uterine lining or if your Pap smear results were irregular.

Unfortunately, an endometrial biopsy isn’t right for everyone. You can’t have the procedure if you are pregnant, have pelvic inflammatory disease, have cervical cancer, or have a vaginal infection.

What Happens During An Endometrial Biopsy

Your doctor may or may not administer anesthesia during the procedure. Some doctors prefer that you take a painkiller about an hour beforehand so you should discuss the options with your doctor. During the procedure, you will get into a position that’s similar to doing a pelvic examination. Your doctor will then use a speculum to separate the vaginal walls so they can see the cervix more clearly.

After that, the cervix will be cleaned with a special liquid and they may apply a numbing agent. Depending on your body structure, your doctor might need to use an instrument to hold your cervix in place so it’s easy to access the uterus. If there is tightness in the cervix, your doctor may need to gently stretch the cervical opening. At that point, they can pass another instrument through the cervix to collect the sample of endometrial tissue.

It’s common to find that the instruments are cold when they’re used and some people experience cramping during the procedure. While the pain should be manageable, that’s not the case for everyone so let your doctor know if it’s too much for you to bear.

What To Expect After The Procedure

Once the procedure is finished, you’ll be observed for an hour or so to ensure that it’s safe for you to go home. This can be especially important if you are given anesthesia. Your doctor will need to check that you don’t have any adverse reactions to the medication. While you should be able to drive home afterward, you should consider asking someone to take you.

It’s normal to have some cramping and bleeding for a few days after an endometrial biopsy. However, if your pain is too much to be handled with over-the-counter painkillers or the bleeding doesn’t get lighter, you need to talk to your doctor. The risks associated with a biopsy include bleeding, infection, and cramping. In rare situations, there could be perforation of the uterus or cervix.

It can take a few days to completely recover from the biopsy and your doctor will give you a personalized recovery plan. Some of the general things that the plan might include are not using tampons or placing anything in your vagina for a week, not using a hot tub, avoiding sexual intercourse, and staying away from strenuous activities.

While you’re recovering, you need to keep an eye out for other signs that something is wrong. You should let your doctor know if you have a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, a fever, or flu-like symptoms.

An endometrial biopsy is a simple procedure but there are a few risks that you need to discuss with your doctor. It’s also important to ensure that you’re prepared for what happens during and after a biopsy. If your symptoms are worse than expected after the procedure, contact your doctor immediately.