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Endometrial biopsy

Biopsy - endometrium

Endometrial biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for examination.

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Female reproductive anatomy
Endometrial biopsy
Uterus
Endometrial biopsy

I Would Like to Learn About:

How the Test is Performed

This procedure may be done with or without anesthesia. This is medicine that allows you to sleep during the procedure.

How to Prepare for the Test

Before the test:

How the Test will Feel

The instruments may feel cold. You may feel some cramping when the cervix is grasped. You may have some mild cramping as the instruments enter the uterus and the sample is collected. The discomfort is mild, though for some women it can be severe. However, the duration of the test and the pain are short.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is done to find the cause of:

Normal Results

The biopsy is normal if the cells in the sample are not abnormal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal menstrual periods may be caused by:

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

Risks

Risks for endometrial biopsy include:

Related Information

Cancer
Menopause
Endometrial cancer
Uterine fibroids
Abnormal uterine bleeding

References

Beard JM, Osborn J. Common office procedures. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 28.

Soliman PT, Lu KH. Malignant diseases of the uterus: endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial carcinoma, sarcoma: diagnosis and management. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 32.

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Review Date: 8/23/2023  

Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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