When a doctor detects an abnormality, he will perform a biopsy, which tests a sample of cells. If the doctor finds an abnormality or suspects something is wrong with the lining or a woman's uterus, he will perform an endometrial biopsy. MedlinePlus explains that a doctor will usually perform an endometrial biopsy on women over age 35.
Purpose
A doctor will perform an endometrial biopsy if a woman shows certain symptoms. For example, New York University Langone Medical Center notes that women who have heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods or postmenopausal bleeding can undergo an endometrial biopsy. If a woman receives estrogen replacement for menopause, her doctor will do an endometrial biopsy to monitor her uterine lining. Other purposes of an endometrial biopsy include testing for endometrial cancer, the cause of infertility or multiple miscarriages.
Preparing for the Procedure
MedlinePlus points out that most people do not need to do anything to prepare for an endometrial biopsy. To reduce cramping that can occur after the biopsy, women can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The day of the biopsy, women can wear or bring a sanitary pad for any bleeding that may occur after the procedure.
Procedure
Harvard Health Publications notes that an endometrial biopsy lasts about 10 minutes. Before the biopsy begins, the doctor will clean the woman's vagina and cervix with antibacterial soap. To get the sample of the uterine lining, the doctor inserts a pipette, a cylindrical device, in the woman's vagina. Once in place, the doctor takes out a thin wire inside the pipette, which creates a suction. That suction takes a sample from the uterine lining, which the doctor can send to a laboratory for testing. New York University Langone Medical Center adds that some women may feel dizzy after the procedure.
Restrictions After the Procedure
Women who undergo an endometrial biopsy may need to avoid certain activities. New York University Langone Medical Center points out that women should not use tampons or have sex after the procedure. Their doctors will let them know when they can engage in these activities again.
Complications
Some women may have complications after the biopsy. For example, women can have either prolonged bleeding after the biopsy or slight spotting. Some women develop an infection, which requires treatment. Though rare, New York University Langone Medical Center notes that women may sustain damage to their uterus. These injuries include a hole in the uterus and tearing of the cervix.
