Endometrial biopsy

Alternative names:

biopsy of the endometrium

How the test is performed:

This proceedure may be performed with or without anesthesia. You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet in the stirrups. A pelvic examination will be done, and a speculum (an instrument used to hold the walls of the vagina open in order to examine the interior cavity) will be inserted into the vagina and opened slightly. The cervix is grasped with an instrument (tenaculum) to steady the uterus. Then a small, hollow plastic tube is gently passed into the uterine cavity. Gentle suction removes a sample of the lining. The tissue sample and instruments are removed, and the sample is examined under a microscope.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no special preparation for the biopsy.

How the test will feel:

The instruments may feel cold. There may be some pain as the cervix is grasped. Some cramping may occur as the instruments enter the uterus and when the sample is collected.

Why the test is performed:

The test is done to determine the cause of abnormal menstrual periods (heavy or prolonged bleeding, irregular bleeding, or bleeding after menopause). It can be used to screen for endometrial cancer. The test is sometimes used as part of the diagnostic work-up of women who have been unable to become pregnant (infertility).

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial