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Endometrial biopsy

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I'm going to have endometrial biopsy because of irregular spotting. The doc said it'll be uncomfortable because I've never given birth. Anyone in my situation and had endometrial biopsy? Was it unbearably painful like the WORST period cramp?  I'm advised to take 4x200mg motrin. Thanks
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Avatar universal
P.S. I don't want dissuade women who need this procedure done. Hopefully they have a better experience then me.

If I have to do it again I will. But next time I will make sure to do it in the hospital.
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I had my endometrial biopsy done couple of days ago.  Since the doctor could not find my cerivx she had asked me to use 2 Misoprostol pills (which is usually given to pregnant people to help them give birth) 3 hours before the precedure.  I was also asked to take one Hydrocodine medication before the procedure -which I did. The procedure itself was really painful and it took half an hour.


I have never given birth before. However, few hours after my endometrial biopsy I started having a lot of pain.  I  felt like I was giving birth to a 3 headed alien baby without any anesthesia.

P.S better give 911 a heads up to come and take you to the ER after the procedure. That is exactly what happened to me!
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I am having the biopsy this week and am scared to death!!  Sounds painful and I am a chicken - I have high pain tolerance BUT a chicken!!!
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I am thankful to have found your post.  I feel like EVERYONE else has had less painful experiences than what I went through.  I described it as back labor pain and that is what I googled to find this thread.  This was my second biopsy and the worst even though the doctor is very experienced.  Obviously I wouldnt know what back labor feels like if I didnt experience it (21 years ago).  Maybe that is why this procedure was so bad, maybe something about my body.  If I have to do this again I will pay for anesthesia if they let me.  
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Sorry for the pain you endured! Hopefully, the results show that all is fine or at least nothing more than hyperplasia which is usually curable with hormonal medication. So many women have unnecessary hysterectomies. I did and have nothing but regrets and more regrets. Let us know what you find out. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is nothing serious.
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Ladies, I just had an  "Endometrial Biopsy" today 2-12-15,  and let me tell you...... it was HORRIBLE! I hope to GOD I never need one ever again. I do not understand how doctors are allowed to perform this without putting you out. All I can say........ pain killers before and after.  God Bless!
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Five years ago I did have an endometrial biopsy when I was 51 and it was uncomfortable, but bearable, and my regular doc could get in to get the sample.  Unfortunately now that I'm older, 56, it's more complicated, requiring that  I take cytotec and insist on a pain pill, etc.I had to ask my Gyno for a pain pill that I could take before having my endometrial biopsy scheduled for today.  She and her nurse acted like I was a wuss for asking for one, but I don't care.  I have read the stories here and what's the harm in taking a pill for pain?  She prescribed hydrocodone-acetaminophen.  I hope it will be strong enough.  I had to insist on it, though.  My regular doctor tried, but was not able, to do the EB at my regular check-up a few months ago.  It hurt like hell and she couldn't get past the cervix because I am older now, so I'm going to this OB/Gyn lady doc today to have it done.  I always thought lady docs would be more understanding and usually that's true, but I've had two lady Gynos that seem less than compassionate about pain so I'm starting to rethink my theory on that. If I have to do more than this EB today I will find another doc if this lady won't work with me.  I do not want a hysterectomy.  I want to go on progesterone to thin my uterine lining which is 12 mm thick.  I will let you all know how it goes.    I will post about my experience after it's done today.  Not looking forward to it.  I can definitely say that.  :(
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Avatar universal
My endometrial biopsy 8 years ago was one of the worst experiences of my life.  I was literally screaming, I'm sure they heard me way down the hall.  The operating table was covered in blood and I continued to bleed very heavily for three days.

I was 53 at the time and have never given birth.  I had no preparation of any kind, not even an Advil.  The doc had a hard time forcing that rod through my cervix.  When she stopped trying, I thought good, it's over, only to have her tell me that she never even got in. When it WAS finally over, the doc walked out of the room and I just lay there alone in a pool of blood, sobbing my heart out.    

Saying it's like a bad pap smear is ridiculous; there is no comparison.  I could talk on the phone while having a pap smear and no one would be the wiser.  However that endometrial biopsy was so bad that I will never have another unless I am OUT.

I should add that I had shoulder surgery the previous year and the nurse went to great lengths to tell me how to deal with the post-op pain.  But I never even used the pain pills they sent me home with.  

I hate that docs lie about the pain of this procedure.  I suspect they think that it’s all in our minds and that if they just tell us it won’t hurt, then, hey, it won’t hurt!  So I wasn’t expecting it at all.  

I have had some watery discharge so am going to see my ob-gyn and do this again. But this time I will insist on anesthesia.  


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Avatar universal
Shame on YOU for belittling other people's experiences. You got lucky; yours wasn't bad. Be grateful for that and don't take others to task for something they experienced that you have not.
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Regardless of whether one's doctor uses a Tao brush, the procedure can be mild or extremely painful.

What irks me the most about mine is that the sole reason mine was done was because my doctor put me on the lowest-estrogen form of birth control pill available, which did not provide me with enough estrogen to sustain my uterine lining. As a result, I spotted constantly. There is LITERALLY a flow chart that gynecologists use that says "is patient 40+" and if so, says to perform an endometrial biopsy. My biopsy was completely normal and was only performed because my doctor was checking a box in a flow chart.

Contrary to what a few (e.g. wendysayswtf) of the women posting here seem to think is the case, not all endometrial biopsies are done for a genuinely good reason, not all of them "save your life", and not all of them are free of excruciating pain and trauma.

While I appreciate that for many women, the procedure isn't bad, it is not for us to say whether another person's experience is valid or not. I have an extremely high pain threshold and pain tolerance- I didn't even notice when I separated my shoulder, nor when I herniated a disc in my spine. I am no weakling, no cry baby, no shrinking violet, and no stranger to pain, and none of that changes the fact that my endometrial biopsy was one of the most painful, scarring experiences of my life. SHAME on anybody who belittles others for pain they experienced; consider yourself lucky you didn't have the same experience.
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I just had an appointment where my dr suggested an endometrial biopsy due to heavy and irregular bleeding (perimenopause).  After reading sites such as this and in talking with family and friends, I've decided to have it done as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia.  I've never had children and have anxiety and just know how much pain I could be in, i'm willing to put if off until I can be sedated.  
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Hi everyone! I read these comments yesterday as I was googling for information about the endometrial biopsy that I had scheduled for this morning.  After reading some of y'alls painful experiences I was TERRIFIED of the procedure!!  So, I thought I'd come back and report on how mine went.  Long story short, my doctor answered all my questions and really put me at ease beforehand.  My procedure was not "painful" at all.  There was about 10 seconds of an uncomfortable feeling...but it wasn't bad.  I promise! He used a numbing spray and then an instrument called a Tao Brush. He says that the Tao Brush causes less pain than the traditional methods.  Ask your doctor for the numbing spray and that "Tao Brush"!  It will go smoother than you think!
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Avatar universal
I had one 14 years ago and it was unbearably painful.  Now, at 66 without having given birth and significant atropy, I cannot believe how difficult it is to find a gyn who will give me pain meds or meds for conscious sedation.  What is the reluctance of the medical community to protect women from this kind of unnecessary pain???!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Avatar universal
I had 2 labor plus C-section births at ages 33 and 37.  I am now 66 and had been bleeding for 5 days. My female OB/GYN wanted to do an endometrial biopsy. I also have a large fibroid benign tumor.  The morning of the procedure my doctor had me take 1 Cytotec/Misoprostol 200mcg tab to dilate the cervix, plus 4 - 200mg Advil in case there was cramping.  There was no cramping.
Then that afternoon, 1 hour before my appointment I was instructed to take 4 more 200mg Advil. First I had a uterine sonogram to check the benign tumor, look for polyps and measure the thickness of the endometrium. I was told the endometrium should be less than 5mm thick.  Mine was 2mm, which the tech said was good. The sonogram did not hurt at all and there was no discomfort. For the biopsy I was told I would feel a pinch.  That was not true.  I felt about 4 large hard pinches and 2 "hurt like hell" feelings that took several moments to complete.  I held still but started to sweat, and moaned. The female doctor apologized to me and was very caring. I am grateful I had all that Advil in me.  I did bleed and spot a little for about 2 days, but did not have much discomfort or any pain after the procedure was done.  I took my husband along as a designated driver.  The pain meds made me dizzy. I am glad the test was done to see if I have cancer. The doctors office will call in a day or 2 to let me know the results of the tests.
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Avatar universal
This is crazy.  Way to scare the crap out of people who MAY DIE if they do not get this test.  I am one such woman.  I am 48 yo.  Have 3 kids and now after no period for 3 years, I got one.  Had ultra sound now they want biopsy.  Came on here to see what people say.  See some lawyer talk about "Post tramatic stress" and how she is messed up because of this test.

Ladies - who the hell cares if it hurts - YOU COULD DIE WITHOUT IT!!!!! Do you get that?  Get the test if you need it.  IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!!!
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Avatar universal
I had an endometrial biopsy today. Thank you to all who posted. My Dr informed me that it would be very painful but it only last 15 sec and "you can endure anything for 15 second right?" She said, one lady said never again, then she said I could do it. after these comments, I researched this and saw all the comments here. I also researched this on medical sites for peer review articles. here's what i found out.  My dr uses a device which collects multiple samples from multiple sites  for 15 seconds. This is the best for ruling out cancer since it gets all locations. it is used commonly by many doctors and is called vabra aspiration. some doctors collect only one small sample from one location and this may be why some biopsies are less painful. my doctor does lots of biopsies so she is good at it. I decided to have her do this procedure, but, I insisted on Valium, lortab, cytotec (to dilate the cervix) and I also,took aleve. I took  400 mg cytotec the night before and 100 mg the day of the procedure and getting the device in my uterus was so easy, even though I have never had a vaginal delivery.  I also insisted on intra uterine lidocaine. After she inserted 5cc of lidocaine gel, she waited 5 min. For it to work. Make sure to wait these 5 minutes.  There was no pain, only slight pressure even when she took the biopsy. I think she was surprised I had no pain. Please ask your doctor for these meds. Btw. The cost for the meds was very minimal after my insurance. I think I paid $5 after insurance for all this. Please ask for this! I am so thankful for the prayers  of my church family and for the medications that made this procedure painfree!
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What a relief to read these stories.... I thought I was just overly sensitive.  It really did hurt and I am not a wuss.  Slight discomfort my fanny!!!!

I was supposed to have an endometrial biopsy a few years ago.  The doctor assured me that while uncomfortable it wasn't much different than a pap smear.  Yeah right!  When they tried to insert the tube though the cervix, the pain was so sharp and deep  that I became instantly nauseous and nearly vomited on the nurse. My cervix is not centered so they had to grab it and turn it to insert the tube...  

They tried again with the same results. At which point,  I refused to go through with the procedure to which they said, well we could do a vaginal untrasound...  

And I shouted, what the hell were you thinking in doing this procedure when there is a NON INVASIVE one that will provide answers to your questions?  

Now some 5 years later, much to my dismay, I discovered some spotting and I am dreading a another go round.  My plan is to find a nice doctor who will knock me out for a few minutes...  Thanks for sharing ladies.... it has validated my response to this.  And I agree with the many who have stated that the doctors and nurses are NOT accurate in their description of possible pain levels in this process.  
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Avatar universal
I had my biopsy done today. My experience was very bad. It hurt like all h***, I screamed and cried. I became clammy and very hot. They had to remove my shirt and cover me with cold wahs rags and used alcohol swabs to cool me down. I became flushed and my lips turned bluish purple. I almost passed out several times, and became very nauseas. They had to help me into the bathroom when I sat having loose stool for about 35 min. They said it was a rare reaction but they have seen it before in women. I felt very weak and had to be rolled out in a wheel chair to our car. Thank God my husband went because I have no idea what the specialist was saying I was in too much pain. It is about 6 hours since the procedure and I have some minor pressure and cramping but feel much better. You women who have gone through this and came out fine y'all are soldiers.
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Avatar universal
I had my biopsy done today. My experience was very bad. It hurt like all h***, I screamed and cried. I became clammy and very hot. They had to remove my shirt and cover me with cold wahs rags and used alcohol swabs to cool me down. I became flushed and my lips turned bluish purple. I almost passed out several times, and became very nauseas. They had to help me into the bathroom when I sat having loose stool for about 35 min. They said it was a rare reaction but they have seen it before in women. I felt very weak and had to be rolled out in a wheel chair to our car. Thank God my husband went because I have no idea what the specialist was saying I was in too much pain. It is about 6 hours since the procedure and I have some minor pressure and cramping but feel much better. You women who have gone through this and came out fine y'all are soldiers.
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Actually, from what you wrote, your doctor did help you to prepare for yours, which is better than what mine did. I do hope it went well and was pain-free.
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The single thing you should take away from this forum is that the experience can be mild, or it can be excruciating. It has nothing to do with one's pain tolerance or pain threshold, and it probably doesn't have a lot to do with the skill of the doctor.
I DO think that being prepared in advance that it can be incredibly painful and taking painkillers (I wasn't and I didn't) actually has a lot more to do with whether the experience is mild or horrifying than anything else does. Just because one person inappropriately and rudely dismissed others' experiences doesn't make her right, and it certainly doesn't make her an expert. I encourage you to prepare for yours in any way that you can, to take painkillers, and to ask your doctor for any tips that can help ease the procedure. Taking one person's presumptive, inaccurate proclamation that it simply isn't painful is very foolish. I hope that yours was NOT painful, but that doesn't change the FACT that for many women, it is.
It's not a moral failing; it's not a pain threshold issue. It's an experience and is therefore unique to every single person who has it. Choosing to treat one person's experience as factual and others as fallacy is pretty darned foolish, however.
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Thank you for your post. Most women on this forum say that the endometrial biopsy is very painful. You say it's bearable. I'm scheduled to have this procedure later on this week and I'm concerned. I've been advised to take 2 misoprostol 200 mg 4 hours before the procedure and to take 2 advils, 200 milligrams each. Anyway, thank you for posting your
comments. I'm still a little worried, but not as worried as before.
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Avatar universal
I had an endometrial biopsy about 3 weeks ago due to abnormal uterine bleeding (I've been bleeding for over two months straight).  My doctor had me take 800mg of ibuprofen three times the day before the procedure and once the morning of.  Actually since my appointment wasn't until about 2:30 I took the last dose of ibuprofen about an hour and a half before the procedure so it would still be in my system.  I was very nervous about it.  The pinch as she was opening the cervix was the most painful part.  It did hurt, but I wouldn't say it was excruciating.  I never felt the need to cry out.  After that came the extraction of tissue.  It's a twisting of the instrument that gathers the tissue.  That felt like a bad cramp.  That happened 3 times.  Another strong pinch when the clamp on the cervix was taken off.  That was it.  Afterwards, my bleeding was actually a bit less than it had been. I wasn't really crampy.  I felt more sort of bruised.  It was definitely more comfortable to recline or lie down than sit.  I took it easy that night and the next day, but after that I was completely fine.  Except for the bleeding that's been ongoing.  I am scheduled for an ablation soon.

I would absolutely insist on some sort of ibuprofen or something before this procedure.  
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Avatar universal
I know what you are talking about.  I had one couple years ago and it hurts so bad that the patients in he waiting room heard me.  I know have to get another one so my Dr. give me misoprostol to take.
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