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Endometrial biopsy is the removal of a tissue sample from the lining of the uterus (womb).
The EndometriumCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
This procedure may be done to:
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
The care team may meet with you to talk about:
The doctor may give local anesthesia. The cervix will be numbed.
A speculum will be inserted into the vagina. An tool called a tenaculum will be inserted and used to grasp the cervix. A flexible, thin, suction tube will be passed through the vagina and into the uterus. A small sample of endometrial tissue will be suctioned out. The tools will be removed.
About 10 to 15 minutes
Pain is common after the procedure. Some women may also feel lightheaded or flushed. Medicine and home care help.
After the procedure, the staff will have you lie down for at least 10 minutes.
The cramping and bleeding will go away in a few days. Tampons and sex will need to be avoided.
The doctor will get the results from the biopsy in about a week. A treatment plan will be made.
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca
Abnormal uterine bleeding. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/abnormal-uterine-bleeding. Accessed August 25, 2021.
Endometrial cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer.html. Accessed August 25, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review BoardBeverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 8/25/2021