The endometrium is the inner uterine lining, which can be a source of health conditions. If a problem with the uterus is suspected, a sample of the uterus lining may be needed for testing. An endometrial biopsy is a gynecology procedure that is used to obtain this tissue sample, which we can perform at FEM Women’s Wellness in the Reno, Lake Tahoe and Carson City, NV, area.
An endometrial biopsy may be recommended for a variety of reasons. This procedure is a diagnostic tool that can determine if further testing or treatment is needed. Some of the reasons your doctor may recommend an endometrial biopsy include:
- Irregular periods or heavy bleeding
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Check for endometritis
- Test for abnormal cells
- Check hormone levels
The small tissue sample can be checked for many conditions that can impact fertility, menstruation and overall health. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be quickly performed at a GYN clinic like FEM Women’s Wellness.
What to Expect During an Endometrial Biopsy
During an endometrial biopsy, a pelvic exam is first performed, and the vaginal area and cervix are cleansed. A clamp may be used to secure the cervix before the biopsy is performed. A small instrument called a pipelle is inserted into the uterus and rubbed against the endometrium to collect the sample. This sample is evaluated as part of the diagnostic process.
Endometrial biopsy procedures only take about 10 minutes to perform, and they do not require anesthesia. The biopsy can be uncomfortable – your doctor may suggest using an OTC pain reliever before or after your procedure. The results from the biopsy usually are available in about a week after the tissue sample is sent for testing.
If an endometrial biopsy is recommended, it is important to know whether you may be pregnant. This procedure can cause a miscarriage – you should take a pregnancy test before your biopsy if you believe you could be pregnant.
To make an appointment to discuss an endometrial biopsy, contact our team at FEM Women’s Wellness. We can schedule your exam or procedure at our facility in the Carson City, Reno and Lake Tahoe, NV, area.