During an endometrial biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed from the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Cell changes caused by abnormal tissues or hormone fluctuations can be seen in this tissue sample.

Your doctor can diagnose certain medical conditions with a sample of endometrial tissue. Additionally, a biopsy can detect uterine infections such as endometritis. It is possible to diagnose abnormalities of the uterus with the help of an endometrial biopsy. Other diseases can also be ruled out with this test.

Your doctor may perform an endometrial biopsy to determine what is causing heavy or irregular bleeding. It is the most common test used to diagnose endometrial cancer. In spite of the fact that the procedure is a simple office procedure, it is important to have a provider who has experience with the procedure perform it. A biopsy also allows your doctor to determine whether your body’s endometrial hormone levels are balanced.

Typically, endometrial biopsies are performed on women over 35 years old. Pregnant women cannot undergo this procedure. To determine if the infertility is linked to an endometrial problem, a biopsy may be performed on a woman who is having trouble getting pregnant. A biopsy may reveal changes in cells associated with hormone levels or abnormal tissues, such as polyps or fibroids.

Most endometrial biopsies are performed in the doctor’s office. The procedure is most often performed without anesthesia and your feet will be in stirrups.

To view your cervix, your doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina to hold it open (similar to a Pap test). A special solution will then be used to clean your cervix. To collect the tissue sample, a very thin suction tube may be inserted into the uterus while another instrument holds the cervix steady. An analysis of the cells will be carried out by a pathologist after the tissue has been processed.

If you have intercourse within a week of your test, you should refrain from using tampons, dousing, and using a douche. You may also need to refrain from swimming, hot tubbing, and taking baths after the procedure according to some providers. The exact instructions will be discussed with you by your doctor after the procedure.

As a result of the procedure, you may experience cramping that is similar to menstrual cramps. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may relieve your pain. It usually takes between five and fifteen minutes to complete the whole procedure.

Before the biopsy, your doctor may also want you to keep a record of your menstrual cycle. You will usually be asked to do this if you need to have the test done at a particular time during your cycle.

When women experience abnormal bleeding, an endometrial biopsy is often recommended. Menopausal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, and bleeding between periods are possible signs a woman should undergo an endometrial biopsy. Having an endometrial biopsy can determine whether the bleeding is caused by uterine cancer or another serious health condition that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Endometrial cancer originates in the cells that line the uterus (endometrium). The term uterine cancer can sometimes be used to refer to endometrial cancer. In addition to endometrial cancer, other types of cancer can develop in the uterus, such as uterine sarcoma.

In many cases, endometrial cancer can be detected at an early stage because of abnormal vaginal bleeding. It is often possible to cure endometrial cancer by removing the uterus surgically if it is discovered early. An endometrial biopsy can be life-saving when used to identify endometrial cancer in the early stages.

Dr. Richard Beyerlein offers endometrial biopsies. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 10 Coburg Road Suite 100 Eugene, OR 97401. We serve patients from Eugene OR, Lowell OR, Springfield OR, Coburg OR, Creswell OR, Cottage Grove OR, Junction City OR, and surrounding areas.