7 Questions to Ask Before Your Endometrial Biopsy

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, grows outside the uterine cavity. These growths can attach themselves to the outside of the uterus, the ovaries, the bowel, fallopian tubes, and other organs within the pelvic region, leading to pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Although the tissue isn’t located in the uterus, it still behaves as if it were, breaking apart and bleeding at the end of your menstrual cycle. However, unlike in the uterus, the blood shed has nowhere to go, and it may cause nearby areas to become swollen and inflamed. It may also lead to scar tissue and lesions.

Our team of experienced physicians at Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, understands how uncomfortable endometriosis can be. That’s why we offer a number of treatment options, from conservative measures to surgical procedures.

One thing we may want to do is an endometrial biopsy, in which we take a small sample of the tissue for analysis. Before we discuss the 7 questions you should ask before the procedure, here’s a brief look at endometriosis and its symptoms.

Endometriosis symptoms

Not every woman with endometriosis develops symptoms, but when you have them, they can include:

• Back pain during menstruation
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Pain when urinating or defecating
• Unusual or heavy bleeding during menstruation
• Blood in your stool or urine
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Painful sex
• Persistent fatigue
• Difficulty becoming pregnant or infertility

Which symptom or combination of symptoms you have doesn’t necessarily reflect the severity of your condition. Some women have lots of extrauterine tissue with no symptoms at all, while others have just a small amount with lots of symptoms.

Diagnosing endometriosis

When you come into Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, with symptoms that might be caused by endometriosis, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation. That means we review your medical and family health history, make note of your symptoms, and conduct a physical and pelvic exam.

We may also perform an ultrasound or endometrial biopsy (sampling of tissue) to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

If we believe you have endometriosis, we proceed to perform a laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery to evaluate your pelvic organs and confirm or refute the diagnosis. If we find any abnormal growths during the procedure, we take a biopsy to evaluate it.

7 questions to ask before your endometrial biopsy

An informed patient is an engaged patient, and we encourage you to ask questions if your doctor recommends a laparoscopy with biopsy. Here are 7 important questions to ask.

1. Why do I need this procedure?
2. How do I prepare for the procedure?
3. Will I be awake during the procedure?
4. If you take a biopsy, what can it show?
5. If it is endometriosis, what are the possible treatments?
6. If it’s not endometriosis, what else could be causing my symptoms?
7. What is recovery like?

You may also have logistical questions, which our team is happy to answer for you. Basically, if you want to know something – ask!

Don’t let endometrial symptoms interfere with your life. Come into Women’s Health Specialists,  PLLC for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Call our office at 615-907-2040, or book your appointment online with us today.