Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy is performed on women who are often experiencing abnormal menstrual symptoms. In this medical procedure, tissue is taken from the endometrial lining from inside the uterus. The tissue is then observed in a lab to distinguish the cause of the abnormal symptoms.

Why Is an Endometrial Biopsy Performed?

An endometrial biopsy is an important medical procedure that can help your provider decipher why you may be experiencing unusual menstrual symptoms like heavy and irregular bleeding. This biopsy is the number one diagnostic procedure to help diagnose endometrial cancer. Most biopsies are performed by experienced providers like ours at Women’s HealthFirst. The biopsy also gives insight into the balance of hormones in your reproductive system.

Most endometrial biopsies are performed on women over the age of 35 and should not be performed on woman who are currently pregnant. In some cases of infertility, the endometrium can be blamed as the cause. An endometrial biopsy could easily assess whether this is correct. Other symptoms that may be indicative of requiring an endometrial biopsy are:

  • Heavy and prolonged periods
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Bleeding while taking tamoxifen (breast cancer drug)
  • Unusually thickened uterine lining
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Procedure

An endometrial biopsy can be performed in one of our offices and is often done without anesthesia. Your feet will be placed in stirrups to allow better access. A speculum will then be inserted to help keep your vagina open and make the cervix visible.

The cervix is then cleaned with a specific solution. A very thin suction tube is inserted into the vagina and the uterus. The suction tube then takes out a piece of the endometrial layer. The tissue is then sent to a pathologist to assess. The entirety of the procedure is between 5 to 15 minutes.

It is important to avoid potentially harmful activities in the days after your procedure. These activities include:

  • Using tampons
  • Douching
  • Intercourse
  • Swimming
  • Going into hot tubs and baths for up to a week after the procedure
  • Heavy lifting

You may experience cramping after the procedure. If the cramping is too painful, medications like ibuprofen can help neutralize the pain.

Results

The results for your biopsy will indicate whether your tissue was normal or abnormal. The cell changes in the lining may be linked to hormonal changes or abnormal tissues like fibroids, polyps, or cancer. This test can also indicate a notoriously undiagnosed disease: endometriosis. Your doctor at Women’s HealthFirst will inform you of your results and make a treatment plan to make sure you are completely taken care of.

Endometrial Biopsy Procedures in Palatine, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Barrington & Bartlett, IL

For more information, call Women’s HealthFirst at (847) 808-8884 or request your appointment now. We have five locations near Chicago, Illinois, to serve you. Established patients are encouraged to visit the convenient online patient portal to request an appointment, message our team, update their records, and more.