How to Prepare for an Endometrial Biopsy

Preparing for an endometrial biopsy isn’t difficult. Planning ahead can help minimize your discomfort during and after the procedure. Although an endometrial biopsy only lasts a few minutes, preparing for the procedure will make it more tolerable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bottled water
• Pain killing medication
• Feminine pad
• Additional driver

Instructions:

1. Preparing for an endometrial biopsy should be both mental and physical. Before you leave for your appointment, remember this procedure is to help your doctor diagnose a possible problem. It does not imply you have a problem already. There can be many reasons a doctor requests an endometrial biopsy. If you have questions, talk to your doctor before the procedure.
2. Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin approximately one hour before your endometrial biopsy procedure. You will want to lessen the pain of the procedure by taking medication. By preparing well in advance, you will minimize the pain.
3. Plan to wear clothing that is not restrictive around your waist, and is quick and easy to take off and on. You will be asked to undress from the waist down at your endometrial biopsy appointment. A loose fitting sun-dress, skirt or pants with a loose waist would be good options.
4. Bleeding or mild spotting can occur after an endometrial biopsy. This is normal. Plan ahead for your procedure by taking a feminine pad with you in your purse. After the procedure, you will be allowed to use the restroom to get dressed, and can apply the pad at that time.
5. Take additional pain killing medication and a bottle of water with you in your purse. If your appointment runs long, you don’t want your pain killing medication to run out as you prepare to head home. Be ready to take another dose.
6. After the doctor has preformed the endometrial biopsy, you may feel mild to moderate cramping for a few hours. Plan to have a friend or family member drive you home from your appointment.
7. Taking the afternoon off work, or planning for a babysitter for the rest of the day would be advised. Although all women respond differently to this procedure, it is best to plan ahead in case you feel a great deal of discomfort.

Tips & Warnings

• If bleeding, cramping or nausea continue into the day after your endometrial biopsy, call your doctor for further advice.
• Some women have a lot of discomfort during this procedure. If your doctor insists you have an endometrial biopsy during an office visit, and you didn’t have time to prepare ahead, ask them for pain killers before they begin the procedure.