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Endometrial Biopsy: I’m terrified, what can I expect?

Posted by suesam @suesam, Dec 21, 2024

Hi there, I have no bleeding but my endometrial thickness is a 6 and I have an endometrial biopsy scheduled in 30 days and I'm terrified. I made the mistake of reading all the horror stories on the internet. My doctor said it is painful and is preparing me by asking me to take VagiFem 10 for the next month and also to take advil before arriving. I've had pap smears all my life and they never hurt but my last one did. But I think that's because the doctor ( mine retired ) used a large instrument which hurt but then switched to a smaller one which was fine. It's a different doctor who will do the biopsy. I've had 2 transvaginal ultrasounds which didn't hurt and one hysterscopy which didn't hurt at all. But I'm terrified of the biopsy. My ultrasound showed a thickness of 6, nothing else, and my CT scan showed nothing. I wish my doctor hadn't told me it would hurt - when I said my last pap smear hurt, he said this would hurt more. He wasn't trying to be mean, just preparing me. I'm hoping I can do it. Any thoughts? And thanks for listening.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 29, 2024
In reply to @suesam "Wow, Helen, you are amazing. Yes, all your suggestions speak to me. You're right, my anxiety..." + (show)
@suesam

Wow, Helen, you are amazing. Yes, all your suggestions speak to me.

You're right, my anxiety and worry is pretty darn normal in these circumstances. I need to accept it. Having a biopsy is pretty scary.

I think it's a good idea for me to write out my worries. I am aware that it can be cancer, but also other things too. As my doctor says, 'It could be just the way I am.' I am also grateful my doctor is taking it seriously. He's a pretty great guy.

I live in Canada, so I don't need insurance for this test - so I am very grateful for this, that's for sure.

Thank you for taking the time to encourage me. I wish you all the best, too.

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@suesam Thank you for letting me know that my post spoke to you. I forgot that you are in Canada when I wrote the earlier post. Depending on your province and where you are located I've been informed here on Connect that getting tests done in a timely manner can be a difficult process. I'm so grateful that your doctor is advocating for you and that the insurance problems we encounter in the U.S. aren't a consideration for you. I lived in Québec some years ago and was a permanent resident. While I did not have any serious medical problems at the time my husband needed surgery and PT and we were very grateful for the medical care we both received in Montréal.

I'm wishing you a restful evening and good sleep tonight.

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suesam | @suesam | Jan 18 3:26am

Hello there,
Well, it's finally here. After 5 weeks of waiting, my biopsy is on Monday, and my frame of mind is, "I just want to get it over with." I'm preparing the best I can - I've done those Vagifem tablets, and on Monday I'll take advil. Then I'll just show up and trust my doctor will help me get through this. And I know it's fast - which is also good to know. I've also stayed away from reading any horror stories about it which is a mistake I made at the beginning. Thank you to everyone here for welcoming me, helping me, listening to me, sharing your own journeys, and being kind. You have helped me enormously. Thank you. I'll let you know how it goes. Oh, and the abdominal pain - which is why I had tests in the first place - has gone away after being treated for IBS - changing my diet etc. I am grateful that this pain led me to the tests that discovered my 6mm endometrium thickness, since I have no bleeding. And I am grateful my doctor is taking action. Thanks for listening.

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008pbs | @008pbs | Jan 18 2:24pm

I had a biopsy done for the same procedure it was a pinch. I thought it was going to be painful but it wasn't. It'll feel like I said before a pinch and that's because they need to get a sample. It's not as horrible as you think

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1 reply
suesam | @suesam | Jan 18 11:56pm
In reply to @008pbs "I had a biopsy done for the same procedure it was a pinch. I thought it..." + (show)
@008pbs

I had a biopsy done for the same procedure it was a pinch. I thought it was going to be painful but it wasn't. It'll feel like I said before a pinch and that's because they need to get a sample. It's not as horrible as you think

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Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I appreciate it enormously. Thank you.

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kforrest | @kforrest | Jan 19 9:46am
In reply to @suesam "Thanks, Helen. I really should know better than to do a search and see such horrendous..." + (show)
@suesam

Thanks, Helen. I really should know better than to do a search and see such horrendous acct's of the biopsy. I understand people feel pain in varying degrees, and I'm not knocking their experiences, but I wish I never read them. It just scared me more. I landed in the ER last week with abdominal pain, so that's why I know my CT scan and ultra sound showed nothing but a mild thickness. I need to keep my research on reliable sites like you said. I had a hysteroscopy a few years back and found it just fine. My doctor wants to do the biopsy to be safe. I guess he was telling me that it was painful to tell me the truth and he's trying to prepare me the best he can. I guess the worst case scenario is that we can't get it done and I'll be sent somewhere for some sedation. The date is on Jan 20. He wanted to wait until then to do the pap smear and biopsy all at once - to get it over with. I don't mind some pain and I know it's a fast procedure and I know I need to do this because catching endometrial cancer in an early stage is key. I just was shocked. I have no signs of bleeding and my thickness is mild - a 6 - so I wasn't prepared to have a biopsy. Anyhow, thanks for listening. And thanks for responding.

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good luck jan 20

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lisag03 | @lisag03 | Jan 19 10:57am

I am post menopausal, and had no bleeding. I had a routine CT scan (I’m a colon cancer survivor) and it showed my lining was 6 cm thick. I wouldn’t have known if not for the scan. I opted for a D and C instead of endometrial biopsy. Everything came out as clear. I opted for the D and C because ultimately that would need to be done anyway to rule out cancer before a hysterectomy.

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1 reply
suesam | @suesam | Jan 19 11:38am
In reply to @lisag03 "I am post menopausal, and had no bleeding. I had a routine CT scan (I’m a..." + (show)
@lisag03

I am post menopausal, and had no bleeding. I had a routine CT scan (I’m a colon cancer survivor) and it showed my lining was 6 cm thick. I wouldn’t have known if not for the scan. I opted for a D and C instead of endometrial biopsy. Everything came out as clear. I opted for the D and C because ultimately that would need to be done anyway to rule out cancer before a hysterectomy.

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Wow, Lisa, our situations are so similar. My doctor thought my abdominal pain was IBS but wanted to be sure so sent me for tests. They found no reason for the pain but discovered the 6mm thickness. I have no bleeding either. Interesting about the D and C. Are you opting to get a hysterectomy?

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1 reply
lisag03 | @lisag03 | Jan 19 1:29pm
In reply to @suesam "Wow, Lisa, our situations are so similar. My doctor thought my abdominal pain was IBS but..." + (show)
@suesam

Wow, Lisa, our situations are so similar. My doctor thought my abdominal pain was IBS but wanted to be sure so sent me for tests. They found no reason for the pain but discovered the 6mm thickness. I have no bleeding either. Interesting about the D and C. Are you opting to get a hysterectomy?

Jump to this post

Initially a hysterectomy was my plan, and I had met with my surgeon. After I got the biopsy results, I decided against a hysterectomy, and will just monitor it
I’ve had complications with every one of my abdominal surgeries since my cancer diagnoses, and have a lot of scar tissue built up. So doing an elective hysterectomy just didn’t make sense for me, compared to the risks of complications. Had the biopsy revealed cancer, my surgeon would have done the surgery no matter how challenging. But the thought of a fifth open surgery in five years is too much for me. Good luck with your biopsy. I’m glad you have a doctor who gives you medication to help alleviate discomfort.

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1 reply
suesam | @suesam | Jan 19 2:11pm
In reply to @lisag03 "Initially a hysterectomy was my plan, and I had met with my surgeon. After I got..." + (show)
@lisag03

Initially a hysterectomy was my plan, and I had met with my surgeon. After I got the biopsy results, I decided against a hysterectomy, and will just monitor it
I’ve had complications with every one of my abdominal surgeries since my cancer diagnoses, and have a lot of scar tissue built up. So doing an elective hysterectomy just didn’t make sense for me, compared to the risks of complications. Had the biopsy revealed cancer, my surgeon would have done the surgery no matter how challenging. But the thought of a fifth open surgery in five years is too much for me. Good luck with your biopsy. I’m glad you have a doctor who gives you medication to help alleviate discomfort.

Jump to this post

Oh, wow, I understand. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. I'm also so glad your results were clear too. Thank goodness. Thanks for your support. I wish you all the best, too.

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gynosaur42 | @gynosaur42 | Jan 20 8:30am

@suesam

I am thinking of you today and wishing you kind and competent providers every step of the way, a smooth procedure with minimal discomfort and results that bring you relief and/or hope and at least clarity.
You’ve done so well in preparing, seeking reliable information and support. I will look forward to hearing how you are doing afterward as you are up to sharing.
💫
Gynosaur

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