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Endometrial Biopsy

dollydaydream
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Dear all

ive been referred to Gynae under the 2 week pathway for a endometrial scan.

my letter has come through and it suggests that I am to have a biopsy too.

I am petrified for several reasons and ashamed to feel this much fear.

I know how a biopsy is taken but I need some reassurance that anything more than a biopsy would need my consent.

I worked on a womens health ward for a while and takes if hysteroscopy were . 
 

Is a biopsy painful?

I can't be knocked out can I?

 

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    When you get to your appointment you will be told what will happen and nothing will be done without your consent.

    There are two ways to take a womb biopsy one of which is via a hysteroscopy. You can read about having a womb biopsy on our website here 

    You do not have these tests under general anaesthetic as they are for most people not painful however some may feel some discomfort. They usually take around 10 minutes to do.

    There are exceptional circumstances when a hysteroscopy would need to be done under a general anaesthesia.

    I hope this goes well for you.Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline

  • Offline

    Hi, By scan do you mean an ultrasound. That is not painful at all, 'just' embarrassing to me. 

    If you mean a biopsy and hystroscopy then yes you can request a general anaesthetic, after talking with strong stoic women I know, and reading too much (!) I was terrified of having it without pain relief. At no point have I been judged, questioned or belittled for having it done under a general. I actually had it today ( tues) and everyone was so kind and caring. It was far less scary than my expectations. I feel a bit delicate and can't sleep (!) but no pain. I do not remember a thing, one minute I am chatting away and the next I am awake in a different room with it all over. 

    It is your body, your choice and in my experience so far that is 100% respected and accepted by the medical staff. 

     

    You can do this, if I can so can you, I am a massive wuss! 

    Good luck x 

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Pamjam

    Hi Pamjam,

    I am so sorry for the delay, I have been trying to reply for 2 days! Site issues I think.

    I'm glad you are through your hysteroscopy- phew and so pleased you were able to have a GA.

    I have scans (yes ultrasound) and biopsy today. I have confirmed this is not hysteroscopy but a endometrial biospy. I am so scared.

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