Are you scared about having an endometrial biopsy? Let's talk about it!

Do you also have problems such as irregular menstrual cycles and heavy bleeding for several days? Or do you still bleed after menopause? It is normal for you to feel a little scared and anxious because of things like this. When you go to see a doctor at a time like this, and he tells you that you need to have an "Endometrial Biopsy", you have a lot of questions that come to your mind, right? "What is it? Will it hurt? Is it a major operation?" Many things like this come to mind. So today we are talking about the real story behind this word that scares you.

Simply put, what is an endometrial biopsy?

This is not as big a deal as you might think. Simply put, it involves taking a very small piece of tissue from the lining of your uterus (which we medically call the endometrium) and examining it under a microscope. Just like when we pick up a piece of clothing, the doctor examines some of the cells inside the uterus.

This test can help you find out exactly what's causing your symptoms. It can also look for abnormal cells, possible cancerous cells, or infections. The best part is that the entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes and can be done in the doctor's office (outpatient). Yes, you may feel a little pain, like a period. But that's temporary.

For what reasons would a doctor recommend this test?

Your doctor will usually recommend this test to further investigate certain symptoms. It may also be done to confirm something that you saw on an ultrasound scan or Pap smear.

Here are the situations in which an endometrial biopsy is most likely to be performed:

This test is also sometimes used to check for problems with the lining of the uterus in someone who is having difficulty conceiving. But remember, this test cannot be done if you are pregnant.

Okay, so how do you do this? Should you be afraid?

Don't be afraid at all. Let's talk about how this happens step by step. Then you will have a better understanding of this.

Do you need to prepare before the test?

There's nothing much to prepare for. But be aware of these things:

• Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and supplements). You may be asked to stop taking some medications (especially blood thinners) a few days before the test.
• Be sure to inform us about any allergies you may have.
• To reduce pain, your doctor may recommend that you take a pain reliever (NSAID) like ibuprofen about an hour before the test.
• Sometimes, you may be given a medicine to soften the cervix two days before the procedure.

Ask your doctor any questions you have about this beforehand. It will help you a lot to overcome your fears.

What happens during the test?

This usually happens in your doctor's office, without anesthesia.

1. First, you will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist down and cover yourself with a blanket.

2. Then, just like a Pap smear, you will lie down on the examination table with your feet in special stirrups.

3. The doctor will insert a device called a speculum into your vagina and hold it open so that you can see your cervix. This is also done during a Pap smear.

4. After that, the cervix is ​​cleaned with a special liquid.

5. Sometimes another small device called a tenaculum can be used to hold the cervix in place. Some people feel the most pain during this step.

6. Finally, the doctor will insert a very thin, flexible tube through the cervix into the uterus and use a suction technique to remove a small sample of endometrial tissue. You may feel a slight pulling sensation in your abdomen at this time.

7. The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory, where a pathologist examines it under a microscope and writes a report.

This entire process only takes between 5 and 15 minutes .

What to expect after the test?

After the equipment is removed, you can get dressed normally. After resting for a while, you can drive home on your own.

Take care of these things after you go home:

It's completely normal to have some stomach pain and some vaginal bleeding for a few days after the test. Don't worry about it.

You will usually feel completely better within two to three days.

Are there side effects and risks?

As with any medical procedure, there are very small risks. But these are very rare.

• Infection.
• Heavy bleeding.
• Stomach pain and light bleeding for a few days.
• Perforation or tearing of the uterus or cervix ( this is very rare ).

When to call the doctor immediately

If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor without delay.

• Severe stomach pain that lasts more than two or three days .
• If the bleeding lasts for more than three days or if the bleeding is so heavy that it wets a sanitary pad every two hours.
• Symptoms such as fever and chills.
• A foul-smelling discharge from the vagina.

What does the investigation report say?

You will usually receive the report within a week.

• If the results are normal: This means that no abnormal cells were found in your uterine tissue.
• If the results are abnormal: This means that an abnormal type of cell has been found. There could be several reasons for this. Just because it's "abnormal" doesn't mean it's cancer.

Things that can cause an abnormal result:

• Small growths in the uterus (uterine polyps or fibroids).
• Infections of the inner wall of the uterus.
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Endometrial cancer.

Sometimes, if the tissue sample obtained is not enough, the result may be "inconclusive." In such cases, your doctor may recommend a procedure called a D&C (Dilation and Curettage) , which involves taking a larger piece of tissue and examining it.

Endometrial Biopsy, uterine examination, gynecology, irregular menstruation, women's health, uterine cancer, D&C, sinhala medical advice