What it is
A thin flexible straw passes through the cervix into the uterus and draws out a strip of lining. No cuts. You are awake.
An ultrasound shows how thick the lining is. The biopsy shows what the cells are. That is why both are often done.
The sampling takes under a minute. Most of the visit is getting ready and settling afterward.
Why it is done
- Any bleeding after menopause
- Heavy or long periods that do not settle down
- Bleeding between periods
- A thickened lining seen on ultrasound
- Bleeding while on tamoxifen or estrogen
- Long gaps between periods for years
- Before an ablation or a hysterectomy done for bleeding
What happens, step by step
- 1
Pregnancy test
A urine test comes first, every time, before anything enters the cervix.
- 2
Speculum and prep
A speculum goes in and the cervix is cleaned with antiseptic.
- 3
Checking the angle
A thin measuring rod, called a sound, is sometimes passed first to find the depth and angle.
- 4
The sample
The straw goes in and suction pulls a strip of lining out.
- 5
The cramp passes
You lie flat a few minutes until it eases.
- 6
Lab results
Results come back in about a week and Dr. Mueller calls you.
Questions people ask
- Does an endometrial biopsy hurt?
- There is a strong cramp for about 30 seconds, then it eases. Most women call it a bad period cramp.
- Can I drive home?
- Yes. No sedation is used, so you can drive and go back to work.
- How much bleeding is normal after?
- Spotting for a few days. Call if you soak a pad in an hour or run a fever.
- What if the cervix is too tight?
- That happens, more often after menopause. Dr. Mueller can numb the cervix, or move the sampling to a hysteroscopy under anesthesia.
- Will it affect my fertility?
- No. The lining regrows every cycle.
- Can I have it if I might be pregnant?
- No. That is why the pregnancy test is done first.