Endometrial Biopsy

Biopsy, Endometrium

How To Prepare

Tell your doctor if you:

  • Are or might be pregnant. An endometrial biopsy is not done during pregnancy.
  • Are taking any medicines.
  • Are allergic to any medicines.
  • Have had bleeding problems or take blood-thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).
  • Have been treated for a vaginal, cervical, or pelvic infection.
  • Have any heart or lung problems.

Do not douche, use tampons, or use vaginal medicines for 24 hours before the biopsy. You will empty your bladder just before your biopsy.

You may want to take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), 30 to 60 minutes before having the biopsy. This can help decrease any cramping pain that can be caused by the biopsy.

You will need to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks of an endometrial biopsy and agree to have the test done. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information formClick here to view a form.(What is a PDF document?).

If you are having a dilation and curettage (D&C) and will go to sleep (general anesthesia) for the test, do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the test. If you are taking any medicines, ask your doctor what medicines you can take the day of the test.


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Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELSLast Updated: February 22, 2008
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Liisa Honey, MD, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
Arrow PointerHow To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits