• What is an endometrial biopsy?
• How is an endometrial biopsy performed?
• Why is endometrial biopsy done?
• What are the risks of endometrial biopsy?

What is an endometrial biopsy?

The womb is also called the uterus or endometrium.

Endometrial biopsy is a technique of sampling the tissue lining of the uterus. The sample of tissue is taken to the laboratory for analysis under a microscope.

How is an endometrial biopsy performed?

Endometrial biopsy is most often done in the office, but it can be performed on women in the hospital. During endometrial biopsy the doctor inserts either a plastic or metal tubular device into the uterus to remove a tiny piece of the inner lining tissue.

Usually no anethesthesia is required, but taking oral pain medications before the procedure can help reduce cramping and pain.

Why is endometrial biopsy done?

It is most often performed to help determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. It can be done to help evaluate the cause of infertility, test for uterine infections, and even monitor the response to certain medications.

What are the risks of endometrial biopsy?

There are very few risks with endometrial biopsy. The leading risk is pain, followed by possible infection, bleeding and rarely perforation of the uterus.

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