How does a doctor begin an endometrial biopsy?

An endometrial biopsy typically begins with the following steps performed by a healthcare provider, usually a gynecologist or healthcare professional specializing in women's health:

1. Patient Preparation:

- The healthcare provider will explain the procedure and obtain informed consent from the patient.

- The patient may be asked to empty their bladder before the procedure.

- The healthcare provider may provide instructions to the patient on how to position themselves for the procedure, usually lying down on an examination table with their feet supported by stirrups.

2. Speculum Examination:

- The healthcare provider inserts a speculum, a medical instrument used to gently widen the vaginal opening, to visualize the cervix.

3. Cervical Cleaning:

- The cervix, the opening to the uterus, is cleansed with a mild antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.

4. Tenaculum Placement:

- A tenaculum, a small medical instrument with two prongs, is gently placed on the cervix to stabilize and gently grasp it. This helps keep the cervix steady during the procedure.

5. Endometrial Biopsy Instrumentation:

- Depending on the specific method of endometrial biopsy, the healthcare provider may use different instruments, such as:

- A Pipelle: A thin, flexible tube with a suction mechanism used to collect a sample of endometrial tissue.

- A Curette: A small spoon-shaped instrument used to gently scrape a sample of endometrial tissue.

- An Endometrial Biopsy Forceps: A specialized forceps used to grasp and remove a small piece of endometrial tissue.

6. Tissue Sampling:

- The healthcare provider gently inserts the appropriate instrument into the cervical canal and guides it into the uterine cavity.

- The instrument is then used to collect a small sample of endometrial tissue.

7. Removal of Instruments:

- The healthcare provider carefully removes the speculum, tenaculum, and biopsy instrument from the patient's body.

8. Sample Preparation:

- The collected endometrial tissue sample is placed in a preservative solution or onto a glass slide for further processing and examination by a pathologist.

Following the endometrial biopsy procedure, the healthcare provider may provide post-procedure instructions and schedule a follow-up visit to discuss the results and any necessary further steps based on the biopsy findings.