What to expect from an endometrial biopsy

Whether you have been advised to have an endometrial biopsy for cancer screening, to find out more about the cause of infertility, or because of problems with uterine bleeding, having this procedure done either at their doctor s office or the hospital can sure be scary! What is involved with the procedure? Will it hurt? Read on to find out what to expect from an endometrial biopsy.

An endometrial biopsy involves removing a tissue sample from the uterus. More specifically, a piece of the endometrium will be taken. The endometrial biopsy is the tissue that normally lines your uterus (that is also where the term endometriosis comes from women who suffer from this condition have growths of the uterine lining in places other than the uterus). The objective is to examine a sample of your endometrium in a lab, so a sample will first have to be removed. If you are scared that the endometrial biopsy is going to be painful, we can assure you that it usually isn't. While you may experience some discomfort, of the same kind women tend to feel during any kind of gynecological exam, an endometrial biopsy hurts so little that local anesthetic is not usually administered.

The more nervous you are, the more likely it is that your muscles will tense up and that you will notice more pain. If you are worried about this, taking an over the counter pain killer (non steroid) can help. Women having an endometrial biopsy will be asked to lie on their back. First, a speculum will be placed in the vagina this helps widen the area. After your doctor located your cervix (to opening into your uterus), a catheter will be inserted through it, into the uterus. A piece of your endometrium will then be removed. That is really all there is to an endometrial biopsy the more complicated work will take place in a lab in your absence. You might also like to read about what to expect from a first fertility appointment.