Why do endometrial biopsy

So, she just ignored the symptoms and decided to wait patiently for menopause to get over. When this continued even after 2 years, she started getting nervous.

The heavy bleeding was taking a toll on her health. She had become very weak and used to feel tired most of the time. Slowly, Jane began to realize that her heavy bleeding was not due to menopause.

She finally decided to contact a gynecologist when her routine blood report showed the hemoglobin level was less than 8 the normal range is between 12 to When Jane told the gynecologist the symptoms she was suffering from, her doctor advised her to do some tests including blood tests to check hormonal levels, endometrial biopsy, and a PAP smear. The endometrial biopsy revealed there were cancerous changes in these tissues. Jane was shocked.

She had never expected this. Above all, she was feeling guilty for ignoring the symptoms for so long. However, her doctor was very supportive. She assured Jane that with proper treatment, Jane would recover fully.

Yet, Jane struggled with depression for a few months. She felt hopeless, to say the least. The doctor also advised her to make a few changes in her diet and prescribed a supplement to improve her hemoglobin levels. Slowly, there was an improvement in her symptoms and overall health as the cancer treatment started showing encouraging results. The follow-up endometrial biopsy showed the tissues were responding favorably to cancer treatment. Now, Jane is more positive about the treatment.

She is sure she would recover slowly but surely. However, she still has a regret of not seeing the doctor earlier. This is why; Jane is sharing her experience so that other women are aware of how a simple test like endometrial biopsy can help them for an early detection of cancer. Jane would urge all women to do this test routinely so that a condition like hers can be diagnosed earlier.

Laboratory, imaging, and other tests are usually recommended for patients to rule out or confirm the diagnosis of an illness. There are several diagnostic tests that can help women, like Jane, in the diagnosis of conditions affecting their reproductive organs. However, it is not just the women who suffer from symptoms who need to perform these tests. Some tests need to be performed even in the absence of any symptoms. These tests help in early diagnosis of diseases and even assess future risk of development of any illness.

Some tests also work as a preventive tool so that the condition can be detected before it flares up and causes serious complications. Endometrial biopsy is one such test that can help women in the early diagnosis of a number of diseases. Here is a brief discussion about what endometrial biopsy is and why women need to perform this test. An endometrial biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small part of the tissue is obtained from the inner lining of the uterus called the endometrium.

The tissues are later examined under a microscope for the detection of any abnormality or cellular changes that can lead to disease development. The removed tissue is usually examined for cancerous changes. It can be performed without anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor would insert a speculum through the vagina to open and hold it so that the cervix can be viewed clearly. The cervix is then cleaned with a solution to prevent the risk of infection.

This is followed by the insertion of another instrument to hold the cervix in a steady position. Then, a thin suction tube is inserted gently into the uterus and a small part of endometrial tissues is collected through the tube.

The tissue is then sent to a pathology laboratory for the analysis of the cells for the detection of any abnormality or cancerous changes. The women may be advised to avoid using douches, tampons, or have intercourse for one or two days after the endometrial biopsy.

If you are experiencing any of the endometrium symptoms described above, make an appointment with your gynecologist as soon as possible.

The compassionate gynecologists at All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology have extensive experience, knowledge and skill in treating any gynecological condition discovered during the biopsy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. What should I expect? Answers to common questions. What is an endometrial biopsy? Why is an endometrial biopsy done? Medical conditions that an endometrial biopsy helps to identify and treat are: Postmenopausal bleeding Abnormal uterine bleeding Endometrial cancer Changes in hormonal levels Absence of uterine bleeding.

Abnormal fibroids or polyps Uterine infections Abnormal cell tissue or cancer Thickened uterine lining. Acute pelvic inflammatory disease Cervical cancer. Severe cervix narrowing Blood clotting disorder. Endometrial biopsy procedure steps Your gynecologist should explain exactly what will happen during the procedure before you have the biopsy. Since the procedure does not require the use of anesthesia, your doctor may give you a sedative 30 minutes before the procedure to lessen any pain, pressure or cramping.

You need to empty your bladder just before the biopsy. If you are pregnant or think you could be, tell your healthcare provider. Endometrial biopsy during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage. There may be other risks based on your condition. Be sure to talk about any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

An endometrial biopsy may be done in a healthcare provider's office, on an outpatient basis, or as part of your stay in a hospital.

After the procedure, you may rest for a few minutes before going home. If you had any type of sedative, you will need someone to drive you home. You may want to wear a sanitary pad for bleeding. It is normal to have some mild cramping and spotting or vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure. Take a pain reliever as advised by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only recommended medicines.

You may also have other limits on your activity, including no strenuous activity or heavy lifting. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, based on your situation. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. Why might I need an endometrial biopsy? Your healthcare provider may suggest an endometrial biopsy if you have: Abnormal menstrual bleeding Bleeding after menopause Absence of uterine bleeding Biopsy results may show cell changes linked to hormone levels, or abnormal tissues, such as fibroids or polyps.

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to do an endometrial biopsy. What are the risks of an endometrial biopsy? Some possible complications may include: Bleeding Pelvic infection Puncture of the uterine wall with the biopsy device, which is rare If you are allergic to or sensitive to medicines, iodine, or latex tell your healthcare provider.

Certain things may interfere with an endometrial biopsy including: Vaginal or cervical infections Pelvic inflammatory disease Cervical cancer How do I get ready for an endometrial biopsy?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and you can ask questions.