endometrial biopsy

Indications

• menstrual abnormalities
• infertility
  • window of fertility NOT distinguishable by biopsy
• dysfunctional uterine bleeding
• post menopausal bleeding (beyond the initial months of beginning hormone replacement therapy)

Contraindications

• pregnancy
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• coagulopathy
• significant cervical stenosis

Procedure

devices for biopsy:

• disposable, flexible, small-diameter plastic tubes that use an internal piston to generate a vacuum within the lumen of the tube
• suction draws tissue into a curette opening at the tip of the device

In most cases, discomfort is minimal & no anesthesia is needed.

Complications

• perforation of the uterus (uncommon)

More general terms

• tissue biopsy

Additional terms

• endometrium