Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy is a quick procedure to collect a small sample of the lining of your uterus (endometrium). It helps diagnose causes of abnormal bleeding, check for cancer, or assess hormone effects. This is a simple and quick procedure performed in a clinic that takes 5-10 minutes.

Why is it Performed?

Your gynaecologist may recommend this test if you have:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding (heavy, irregular, or postmenopausal bleeding).
• Suspected endometrial cancer or hyperplasia (thickened lining).
• Infertility evaluation (to check for hormonal imbalances).
• Monitoring hormone therapy (e.g., tamoxifen use).

Before the Procedure

• Timing: Avoid scheduling during your period.
• Avoid for 24 hours: Vaginal creams, douches, or intercourse.
• Medications:
  • Inform your gynaecologist if you take blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin).
  • You may be advised to take pain relief (e.g., ibuprofen) 30–60 minutes before.
• Pregnancy test: Required if there’s any chance you could be pregnant.

During the Procedure

• Positioning: You lie on an examination chair, similar to a smear test.
• Speculum insertion: A plastic tool gently opens the vagina to view the cervix.
• Biopsy:
  A thin tube (pipelle) is passed through the cervix into the uterus. A small sample of the endometrium is suctioned or scraped.
  You may feel cramping (similar to period pain) for a few seconds.
• Completion: The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.

What to expect:

• Mild to moderate cramping (usually brief).
• No anaesthesia is typically needed, but a local anaesthetic may be used.

After the Procedure

• Recovery: Rest for 10–15 minutes; most leave immediately.
• Common side effects:
  • Light bleeding/spotting for 1–2 days.
  • Mild cramping (relieved with over-the-counter painkillers).
• Self-care:
  • Use sanitary pads (no tampons) until bleeding stops.
  • Avoid sex, swimming, or baths for 48 hours to reduce infection risk.

Risks and Complications

• Common (temporary): Cramping, spotting.
• Rare but serious:
  Infection (symptoms: fever, foul-smelling discharge).
  Heavy bleeding (>1 pad/hour)
  Uterine perforation (extremely rare).

Getting Your Results

• Results take 3–7 days. Your doctor will explain:
  Normal: No abnormal cells detected.
  Abnormal: May indicate infection, polyps, hyperplasia, or cancer.
  Next steps: Further tests (e.g., ultrasound, hysteroscopy) or treatment.