Any experience with endometrial biopsies?

Hi,

I've just turned 40 and have been on combination HRT for about a year due to perimenopausal symptoms.  Randomly started getting longer bouts of spotting, and heavier periods so saw my GP who referred me for a transvaginal ultrasound. Had that yesterday, they told me the report would be at least a week. GP surgery rang today to see me as the results were back and they wanted me to come in this morning.

Results showed endometrial hyperplasia (which she said could be from the HRT but my grandmother died of uterine cancer and I've no other female relatives so it could also be cancer), pelvic congestion (I'd never even heard of this but it explains all the random niggly symptoms I thought were just part of life!) and a small ovarian cyst (not large enough to worry about torsion but no idea if it's benign or not).  She took bloods to test for some ovarian cancer marker (I forget the name, it was all a bit of a blur to be honest) and referred me to the 2 week cancer pathway.

She told me I'd likely have to have a hysteroscopy or endometrial biopsy and I'll be honest, I'm bricking it.  I'm not good with internal exams at all, especially if there's any sort of pain.  I know it's silly, in the face of a potential life-changing diagnosis, but does anyone have any experience with endometrial exams/biopsies that they'd be willing to share or offer advice on?  Thanks ♥

Parents
  • Hi. I had an endometrial biopsy a few years ago. It was at an initial gynaecologist appointment and whilst I was prepared for an intimate examination I had not expected a biopsy/was not pre-warned. As I had to travel to the hospital my husband had taken the day off too and we had planned some shopping and a lunch together in a nice restaurant whilst kids were in school, as we don’t get the option to go out very often. Not knowing was probably a good thing as I would have been googling and been anxious, like you are now. The procedure itself didn’t really feel much different to a smear to be honest. Slightly more pinchy but very quick and not traumatic. I had a little spotting afterwards. We still went shopping and out for lunch. I felt a little crampy leaving the hospital so took paracetamol that I had in my bag. Stomach ache got a bit worse when walking around the shops so I bought some ibuprofen and took that and was fine then. My results were all clear. 

Reply
  • Hi. I had an endometrial biopsy a few years ago. It was at an initial gynaecologist appointment and whilst I was prepared for an intimate examination I had not expected a biopsy/was not pre-warned. As I had to travel to the hospital my husband had taken the day off too and we had planned some shopping and a lunch together in a nice restaurant whilst kids were in school, as we don’t get the option to go out very often. Not knowing was probably a good thing as I would have been googling and been anxious, like you are now. The procedure itself didn’t really feel much different to a smear to be honest. Slightly more pinchy but very quick and not traumatic. I had a little spotting afterwards. We still went shopping and out for lunch. I felt a little crampy leaving the hospital so took paracetamol that I had in my bag. Stomach ache got a bit worse when walking around the shops so I bought some ibuprofen and took that and was fine then. My results were all clear. 

Children
  • Really appreciate the reply, Lorena, thank you so much! 

    I was getting so worried from seeing people's accounts of how excruciating they found it that it's a real relief to hear that wasn't your experience. 

    Glad it wasn't too awful for you and that your results were clear, that's great news ️