Endometrial Biopsy

Endometrial biopsy: insight into the lining of your uterus

If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, including the absence of normal menstrual bleeding or bleeding after menopause, you may need an endometrial biopsy.

During an endometrial biopsy a small sample of the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, is removed. It’s then viewed under a microscope to see if it contains abnormal cells. Abnormal cells could mean you have a condition such as:

• Endometrial cancer
• Fibroids
• Hyperplasia
• Infection
• Polyps

Having an endometrial biopsy can seem scary, but it’s a non-invasive procedure that can provide valuable information your doctor needs to treat your condition.

What to expect if you’re having an endometrial biopsy

Tell your doctor if you have a vaginal or cervical infection, pelvic inflammatory disease or cervical cancer, because these conditions could interfere with your endometrial biopsy. If you’re pregnant, you should not have an endometrial biopsy because it could cause a miscarriage.

An endometrial biopsy is a non-invasive procedure and can usually be done right in your doctor’s office. You’ll be given a local anesthetic to keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. During the procedure, a thin tube is placed through the vagina and into your uterus to get the biopsy. Your doctor may need to remove a number of tissue samples for biopsy, depending on your specific symptoms or condition.

After you have the endometrial biopsy, you might have vaginal bleeding for one to three days. You shouldn’t have intercourse or use tampons for two to three days after having an endometrial biopsy.