An endometrial biopsy is a quick, in-office procedure used to collect a small tissue sample from the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. A healthcare provider inserts a thin tube through the cervix to gently suction the tissue, which is then sent for laboratory analysis. This process helps determine the cause of symptoms like abnormal bleeding or checks for abnormal cells in the uterine lining. Understanding the recovery experience can help reduce anxiety and allow for a smooth healing process.
Immediate Physical Sensations
The most common physical experience immediately after the biopsy is uterine cramping, often described as similar to moderate menstrual cramps. This sensation is related to the uterus contracting after the tissue sample is taken and usually peaks right after the procedure. Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, before the procedure may help minimize this discomfort, if approved by your doctor.
Light bleeding or spotting is also expected as the body responds to the tissue collection. This discharge is typically light, sometimes watery, and may be bright red or brown, resembling the last days of a menstrual cycle. The intensity of the cramping generally begins to subside quickly, often within the first few hours after leaving the clinic. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded immediately afterward, sitting quietly for a few minutes before moving is helpful.
Recovery Guidelines and Activity Restrictions
The recovery period focuses on minimizing the risk of infection and allowing the uterine lining to heal. To prevent bacteria from entering the healing area, avoid placing anything into the vagina for at least two to three days, though some providers recommend up to one week. This restriction includes abstaining from sexual intercourse, douching, and using tampons.
Use sanitary pads to manage any continued light spotting or discharge, which can persist for a few days up to a week. While you can typically resume most daily activities the next day, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, swimming, or using a hot tub should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours. This temporary limitation helps prevent increased pelvic blood flow that could prolong bleeding or discomfort.
Understanding the Results Timeline
Once the tissue sample is collected, it is preserved and sent to a specialized pathology laboratory for detailed examination. A pathologist analyzes the cells under a microscope to check for any abnormalities, such as endometrial hyperplasia, polyps, or cancerous cells. The process of preparing the tissue slides, staining them, and reviewing the findings takes time.
The typical turnaround time for receiving the final results ranges from several days to up to two weeks, though one week is common. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss the findings, which may happen through a phone call, a secure patient portal message, or a scheduled follow-up appointment. If the expected timeframe passes without communication, contact your provider’s office for an update.
Signs That Require Medical Attention
While complications are rare, recognizing signs that indicate infection or hemorrhage is important for patient safety. Heavy bleeding requires immediate medical contact, specifically if you soak through more than one standard sanitary pad per hour for two or more consecutive hours. Bleeding that is significantly heavier than a normal menstrual period is also a warning sign.
Signs of infection include a persistent fever, typically defined as a temperature above 100.4°F, or the development of chills. Foul-smelling or unusual vaginal discharge may also signal an infection and should be reported to your provider. Severe abdominal or pelvic pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain medication or worsens after the first two to three days warrants immediate medical evaluation.