Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy may be done for the following reasons:

• to check on the effectiveness of hormonal therapy (HT)
• to collect cells to culture for signs of infection
• to identify the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding
• to look for causes of infertility
• to rule out the possibility of cancer of the uterus

The woman lies on her back, with her knees up and her feet in stirrups. The healthcare professional places a speculum within the vagina. This device helps enlarge the opening of the vagina. Sometimes, a local anesthetic is sprayed on or injected into the cervix.

Then, the examiner may use a metal grasper, called a tenaculum. This device straightens the angle of the uterus. Next, the examiner passes a small plastic or metal tube into the uterus. The instrument is scraped over the uterine wall. Alternatively, a mild vacuum can be used to remove endometrial cells. The cell sample is sent to the lab for study.

Cramping usually passes within minutes of the procedure. A woman may feel lightheaded. Lying down for a few minutes after the procedure prevents or treats this. The woman is then sent home.

A woman may go back to normal activity as soon as she gets home. Cramping may be treated with an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. The woman should avoid sexual intercourse, douches, and tampons for two to three days.

Complications are rare but may include:

• bleeding from the cervix
• creation of an abnormal hole from a puncture of the uterus
• infection in the uterus