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Endometrial biopsy (pipelle)
Category: Women's Health & Childbirth · All women's health & childbirth
What it is
An endometrial biopsy takes a small sample of the womb lining, usually with a thin suction device (pipelle) passed through the cervix in clinic — no anaesthetic or cuts needed.
Why it is done
It is used to investigate abnormal bleeding, especially bleeding after the menopause, and sometimes in fertility assessment, to check the lining for infection, pre-cancerous change or cancer.
How to prepare
You must not be pregnant. Taking a simple painkiller beforehand is often advised. Tell the clinician about allergies and any cervical procedures that might make access difficult.
What happens during the procedure
You lie as for a smear test; a speculum is placed, and the thin pipelle is passed through the cervix while suction draws a small sample. It takes a few minutes and typically causes brief cramping.
Afterwards — recovery & results
You can go home immediately and carry on as normal. Light bleeding or spotting for a day or two is common. Results usually take one to three weeks; your clinic will tell you how they will be communicated and what follow-up is planned.
Risks & considerations
Risks are low: cramping, spotting, infection (rare), and occasionally the sample is insufficient — in which case a hysteroscopy with directed biopsy may be arranged. Very rarely the device makes a small hole in the womb, which usually heals without treatment.
Watch: Endometrial biopsy (pipelle) videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Why is postmenopausal bleeding always investigated?
Most causes are benign, but a small proportion are due to womb cancer or pre-cancer, which are highly treatable when found early. Prompt checking is the safe approach.
What if the sample is 'insufficient'?
It often means there was very little lining to sample — itself sometimes reassuring — but your clinician may still arrange a hysteroscopy to see inside the womb directly.
Related procedures — Women's Health & Childbirth
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