Health Information
Endometrial Biopsy
How It Is Done
Endometrial biopsy
An endometrial biopsy is usually done by a Reference gynecologist Opens New Window, a Reference family medicine physician Opens New Window, or a Reference nurse practitioner Opens New Window who has been trained to do the test. The sample will be looked at by a Reference pathologist Opens New Window. The biopsy can be done in your doctor's office.
You will need to take off your clothes below the waist. You will be given a covering to drape around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet raised and supported by foot rests (stirrups).
Your doctor will insert a lubricated tool called a Reference speculum Opens New Window into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal
walls so your doctor can see inside the vagina and the cervix. See a picture of
a Reference pelvic examination with a speculum Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window. The cervix is washed with a special
solution and may be grasped and held in place with a clamp called a tenaculum.
Your cervix may be numbed with a spray or injection of Reference local anesthetic Opens New Window.
The tool to collect the sample is guided through the cervix into the Reference uterus Opens New Window. The tool may be moved up and down to collect the sample. Most women have some cramping during the biopsy.
An endometrial biopsy takes 5 to 15 minutes.
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