How painful is an endometrial biopsy?

My new doctor (ditched the first one who told me to just live with the pain and heavy bleeding!) looked at my ultrasound results and has ordered an endometrial biopsy that I go for next week. I've read mixed things on how painful this is both during and after the procedure. I'm trying to figure out if I'm going to need to take the rest of the day off work since I'm having it done at noon. I need to conserve my sick time if I can since I used a ton of it for gallbladder surgery a few months ago and then maybe doing the hyster coming up.

If it makes any difference, I've never had children. I also can't take NSAID meds like Advil or Alleve due to stomach issues so I'm limited to plain Tylenol for pain relief which is mostly worthless imho. Are there any restrictions afterwards? I swim several days a week (well, at least when I'm not fighting the awful periods) and don't want to miss my workouts if I can help it!

Anyone have any experience with the biopsy or after effects?

I've had two and I would say they were about as painful as menstrual cramps. I didn't know I was having my first one before hand so I didn't take anything and since the first wasn't a big deal I didn't take anything before the second either. Both times I had a bit of spotting immediately afterwards but no other effects. Went back to work afterwards with no problem but I mostly work at a desk.

My experience (had 2nd one today) is that it is "very uncomfortable. I recommend having someone with u for moral support, and to drive you home. After, I felt very "cramps". Resting on the couch for rest of the day would be wise, should feel better next day.

Unfortunately have had lots!! I hate them and I think that is one of the things I am so looking forward to not doing after my hysterectomy. That being said, while I think they are painful, in my experience it only lasts a short time. Usually by the time I am on the outside of town the pain is much more bearable more like a cramp. Would guess you won't have to take the whole day off. I usually did other things the day of my biopsies and didn't change plans due to having them.

If you are limited to what you can take, maybe ask about locals in the cervix? Not fun themselves, but sure helped with the procedure pain. Not sure what your doctor likes to do, but my last doctor finally resorted to that and it helped tremendously. I also have never had children so part of my problem was dilating the cervix and sometimes the doctor would order a medication to soften the cervix the day before, but I never noticed a difference in the pain level. It also helps if you can relax. We are dealing with muscles so just like most things with muscles if you are tense it will be not good.

Hope this helps, but if not, ask away. Lost count how many I have done so do know some things about them.

Thanks, everyone! This makes me feel much better about things that there's at least a chance I won't feel too bad and can go back to the office afterwards. I have a desk job and have certainly spent many a day there with awful menstrual cramps so hopefully this won't be a big deal.

I'm halfway scared they'll find something on the test and halfway hope they do find something (benign at least) that will explain all this stuff so we can fix it!

I had my first unexpected endometrial byopsy yesterday. I went in to see a doctor that my PCP referred me to for a cyst on my ovary that is growing. The doctor was not as concerned about the cyst as she was about uteran cancer. She said I am a candidate for Uteran cancer. She insisted that I have the test done right away then and there and I was not prepared for the pain. She did a pap smear first, which I hate, so that may have tensed me up. When she tried to go into the cervex she could not get it to open. She tried several times using a special tool. I felt like I was being cut. It hurt so bad I have been crying on and off about it since yesterday. I was sick and pale afterwards as well. The doctor prescribed some medication to relax the cervex and numb it and I have to go back Monday to do it again. I am terrified of the pain. I don't think I can do it again. Any suggestions?

My doctor decided to do one off the cuff. It was a cramping feeling like a bad menstrual cramp. By the time I got home there was no pain.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by benyart I had my first unexpected endometrial byopsy yesterday. I went in to see a doctor that my PCP referred me to for a cyst on my ovary that is growing. The doctor was not as concerned about the cyst as she was about uteran cancer. She said I am a candidate for Uteran cancer. She insisted that I have the test done right away then and there and I was not prepared for the pain. She did a pap smear first, which I hate, so that may have tensed me up. When she tried to go into the cervex she could not get it to open. She tried several times using a special tool. I felt like I was being cut. It hurt so bad I have been crying on and off about it since yesterday. I was sick and pale afterwards as well. The doctor prescribed some medication to relax the cervex and numb it and I have to go back Monday to do it again. I am terrified of the pain. I don't think I can do it again. Any suggestions?

My procedure was much the same. My cervix is too narrow and the dr. couldn't get the instruments in there. He didn't keep trying, though. It was fairly painful during the attempt, but I was ok afterwards. Mild cramping and spotting the last couple days. But then again, I have mild cramping most days now anyway.

I have to go back and have it done during my next period (yuck!) and also have to do the med I insert the night before to dilate the cervix. He told me it would cause contractions so I'm hoping the pain isn't too bad from the dilation med. I'll be glad when this is over! Once we have the biopsy we can then discuss my options further. We were pretty much down to either an IUD or the hyst but he's told me the IUD is now off the table due to the narrow cervix - that they wouldn't be able to insert it and place it correctly.

Hope you are feeling better very soon. Just remember, it's better to endure the pain for a few days than to have them miss something serious like cancer. I know it's tough - I'm dreading it - but I really want answers to my symptoms and hopefully they can clear things and say no cancer to both of us.

Hugs to you.

Thank you for the encouragement. My doctor has decided to do a block and has prescribed a medication to relax me. I am hoping this goes better. My husband is going with me this time. That way I will not have to drive. I am usually much tougher than this.

I hope yours goes well.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by benyart Thank you for the encouragement. My doctor has decided to do a block and has prescribed a medication to relax me. I am hoping this goes better. My husband is going with me this time. That way I will not have to drive. I am usually much tougher than this. I hope yours goes well.

Let us know next week how it goes. I'm guessing I've got about 2 more weeks for mine. Although things are a bit unpredictable in that department these days.