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Endometrial Biopsy

(continued)

How It Feels

Endometrial biopsy

If you have not had any pain medicine, you may feel a sharp cramp as the tool is guided through your cervix. You may feel more cramping when the biopsy sample is collected. Most women find that the cramping feels like a really bad menstrual cramp.

Some women feel dizzy and sick to their stomachs. This is called a vasovagal reaction. This feeling will go away after the biopsy.

An endometrial biopsy usually causes some vaginal bleeding. You can use a pad for the bleeding or spotting.

Dilation and curettage (D&C)

If general anesthesia is used during a D&C, you will be asleep and feel nothing. After the test, you will feel sleepy for a few hours. You may be tired for a few days after the test. You may also have a mild sore throat if a tube (endotracheal tube, or ET) was placed in your throat to help you breathe during the test. Using throat lozenges and gargling with warm salt water may help relieve your sore throat.

Risks

There is a small chance that the cervix or uterus could be punctured during the biopsy. Bleeding or a pelvic infection is also possible.

After the test

You may feel some soreness in your vagina for a day or two. Some vaginal bleeding or discharge is normal for up to a week after a biopsy. You can use a sanitary pad for the bleeding. Do not do strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for one day after your biopsy. Do not have sex, use tampons, or douche until the spotting stops.

Follow any instructions your doctor gave you. Call your doctor if you have:

Heavy vaginal bleeding (more than a normal menstrual period).
A fever.
Belly pain.
Bad-smelling vaginal discharge.

Results

An endometrial biopsy is a way for your doctor to take a small sample of the lining of the uterus (endometrium ). Lab results from a biopsy may take several days to get back.

**Endometrial biopsy**
Normal:	No abnormal cells or cancer is found. For women who have menstrual cycles, the lining of the uterus is at the right stage for the time in the menstrual cycle when the biopsy was done.
Abnormal:	A noncancerous (benign) growth, called a polyp, is present.
	Overgrowth of the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia) is present.
	Cancer or cell changes that may lead to cancer are present.
	For women who have menstrual cycles, the lining of the uterus is not at the right stage for the time in the menstrual cycle when the biopsy was done. More tests may be needed.

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the endometrial biopsy or why the results may not be helpful include:

If you are pregnant. An endometrial biopsy is not done during pregnancy.
If a vaginal or cervical infection is present. The infection could spread to the uterus if an endometrial biopsy is done.
If the endometrial biopsy sample is not large enough to see abnormal cells. Another test may be needed.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 15, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.