Procedures

If your doctor has recommended that you undergo an endometrial biopsy, they have likely explained what to expect during the procedure. It is a relatively simple and straightforward process that will typically be carried out in your doctor’s office. It is quick and has few side effects, and it is considered a fairly noninvasive way to diagnose certain conditions.

You have probably been instructed on what you need to do to prepare and what will happen during your appointment. However, you may be wondering what to expect after your biopsy. Here is a closer look at what comes next.

Immediately After The Procedure

After your doctor has removed tissue from your uterine lining for testing, they will remove the speculum and ask you to rest for several minutes before you can return home. Keep in mind that if you need some type of sedative for the procedure, you should ask someone else to drive you home afterward. However, this procedure is carried out without a sedative in most cases. If you are unsure, clarify this with your doctor ahead of your appointment so you can make the necessary arrangements.

After your biopsy, your doctor will tell you when you should receive your results or get additional treatment and care.

It is normal to experience light bleeding after the procedure and in the few days following it. You may want to bring a sanitary pad with you to wear home; tampons should not be used in the days following the procedure.

You may also want to take a pain reliever after your biopsy if you were not instructed to take one beforehand by your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that some pain medicine, such as aspirin, may increase your chance of bleeding. Therefore, it is important to only take the painkillers that your doctor recommends.

It is essential to avoid using tampons, douching, or having sexual intercourse in the three days following an endometrial biopsy. However, your healthcare provider may instruct you to avoid certain activities for a longer time. You may also be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a certain amount of time.

Side Effects To Look Out For

It is normal to experience cramping, pain, and light bleeding in the days after your procedure. However, there are some less common effects that may occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

• Excessive bleeding
  Fever
  Chills
  Severe lower abdominal pain
  A foul-smelling drainage from the vagina

Depending on your particular medical situation and the concerns that prompted the biopsy, your physician may provide you with additional instructions on what is normal and what is cause for concern following your procedure.

What Happens Next?

After your doctor has collected the samples in your endometrial biopsy, they will send the cells to a lab for further testing. The amount of time it will take to receive your results varies depending on the lab being used and the types of tests being conducted on your cells. Your doctor should advise you on how long you can expect your results to take before you leave your appointment.

You may feel nervous while waiting to hear your pathology results. Keep in mind though that not all endometrial biopsies point to cancer. In fact most endometrial biopsy results are benign. Suspected endometrial cancer is just one reason your doctor may have ordered the procedure; it could also be used to uncover the cause of abnormal bleeding, such as polyps or benign growths known as uterine fibroids.

Although it may be difficult, try not to panic while waiting for your results. Keep in mind that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly once you can resume physical exertion, and getting enough sleep can help keep you in the best shape possible physically as well as mentally while you await further news.

Reach Out To Raleigh Gynecology And Wellness

The experienced women’s healthcare professionals at Raleigh Gynecology and Wellness can answer any questions you have about what to expect before, during, and after your endometrial biopsy and related procedures. Give us a call today for more information or to book your appointment.

If your doctor has told you that you need an endometrial biopsy, you may be wondering what to expect. Although a biopsy may sound daunting, an endometrial biopsy is not a complex procedure and can be carried out relatively quickly. Here is a closer look at how you can prepare for your appointment.

What Is An Endometrial Biopsy?

An endometrial biopsy is a procedure in which your physician will take a small sample of your uterine lining – the endometrium – to collect cells for close examination under a microscope to determine if there are any problems.

Your doctor may order an endometrial biopsy if you have abnormal uterine bleeding or post-menopausal bleeding as it will allow them to get a closer look at cells from your endometrium to determine if there are any signs of health issues. Some of the information that may be gleaned from this test are hormonal changes, abnormal tissues like fibroids or polyps, or signs of uterine cancer.

Preparing For An Endometrial Biopsy

Here is a look at some ways you can prepare for this procedure.

Talk To Your Doctor

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for the procedure is to talk to your doctor and provide them with as much information as possible. You should discuss your medical history with your gynecologist and inform them of any medications you are taking.

It is also important to inform them if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be as an endometrial biopsy cannot be performed if you are pregnant due to the risk of miscarriage.

You should also tell your doctor about any allergies you have, particularly to iodine, anesthesia, latex, or medications.

The Day Of The Procedure

You should wear comfortable clothes to your appointment; avoid wearing anything that is too tight. Be prepared to provide a urine sample for a pregnancy test and have your blood pressure checked before the procedure gets underway. Although you may be nervous, it is important to eat something before your appointment to avoid feeling faint during the process.

Understanding The Procedure

Knowing what to expect during the procedure can help put your mind at ease in the days leading up to your appointment. Your biopsy may take place in your doctor’s office or a hospital.

You will be asked to empty your bladder completely, undress, and wear a hospital gown. You will then be instructed to lie down on an exam table and put your feet up, much like you would for a typical pelvic exam. The doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to allow for a better view of your cervix.

Next, a spray or in an injection may be used to numb the area to help reduce any pain or discomfort that the procedure may cause. A thin tube will then be placed inside to collect a small sample from your uterine lining. This may cause you a small amount of pain, but your doctor will let you know when they are about to perform this step.

The physician will then remove the speculum and send the sample to a lab for further study. You will be instructed to rest for a few minutes before going home.

The entire procedure should take no longer than 5 minutes, and you should be able to return to your daily activities right away. However, you may be advised to avoid excessive physical exertion in the days following the biopsy. Your doctor will give you further instructions on what you can and cannot do after the procedure.

If you are sedated for the procedure, it is a good idea to ask someone else to take you home. Minor bleeding following the procedure is not uncommon. A sanitary pad can be used to absorb the bleeding, but you should avoid using tampons, douching, or having sexual intercourse for a few days.

Side Effects and Risks

It is normal to experience minor pain during the procedure and light bleeding afterward. However, if you experience one of the following uncommon symptoms, you need to see your doctor to rule out an infection or other problem.

• Fever and chills
• An unusually heavy period
• Excessive bleeding
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Strong lower abdominal pain

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks involved in an endometrial biopsy. These include heavy bleeding and pelvic infection, but your physician will advise you on the symptoms to look out for so you can get treatment right away. There is also a very rare risk of puncturing the uterine wall during the procedure; however, your doctor will be trained in carrying out the biopsy in a way that minimizes this risk.

Reach Out To Raleigh Gynecology And Wellness> About A Endometrial Biopsy

If you have any concerns about an upcoming endometrial biopsy, reach out to the highly experienced staff at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness for more information or to book your procedure.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective and convenient birth control method that many women rely on to prevent pregnancy. This small T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus and may contain copper or hormones to stop unwanted pregnancies from occurring. They can provide protection for many years if they are inserted and cared for properly. However, for the best IUD insertion aftercare experience, it is essential to understand how your device works and how to care for your body following the insertion.

How Do IUDs Function?

IUDs work by changing the way that sperm cells move and stopping them from reaching an egg. Some IUDs are made of copper, which has the effect of deterring sperm, while others contain hormones that work to prevent pregnancy in similar ways to other forms of hormonal birth control. Your IUD will have plastic strings tied to the end that hang down through the cervix and into your vagina.

Your IUD is inserted into your uterus in a procedure that can take place at any time, as long as you are not pregnant and do not have a pelvic infection. It takes just a few minutes, and although it may be slightly painful, the pain should not last for long. You may consider asking someone to drive you to your insertion appointment, and plan to have some time to relax afterward as your body adjusts to the device.

IUD Insertion Aftercare At Home

After the procedure, you may experience light bleeding and mild cramping. This can last for a variable amount of time but typically gradually improves over the first few days to weeks.. This is completely normal and not cause for alarm.

Managing Pain And Discomfort

Doctors recommend using a heating pad or hot water bottle to ease discomfort during this time.

If you need help managing the pain, you can use over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, being sure to follow the dosing instructions on the label. It is not advisable to take more than one type of pain medication at the same time.

Checking Your IUD<

The strings that hang down from your IUD can be used to provide reassurance that it is placed correctly. Your doctor may have shown you how to do this during your insertion appointment. It involves inserting a finger into your vagina and finding your cervix, which sits at the top and feels harder than the surrounding area.

You should be able to feel thin plastic strings coming out of the opening of the cervix. If not, it is essential to use another type of birth control until you can see your doctor to have the IUD checked. Although your IUD is unlikely to slip out of place if it was inserted correctly, you should continue to check for the strings regularly.

If your IUD falls out, save it and call your doctor. You will not be protected from unwanted pregnancy until it is replaced. It is a good idea to check your pads, tampons, or menstrual cup each month to ensure it has not fallen out during menstruation.

Protect Yourself From Sexually Transmitted Infections

Although IUDs are a highly effective form of birth control, they do not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STI). Therefore, you should use a latex condom when you are having sex with a partner if you are unsure about their STI status.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

In the days after getting a new IUD, light bleeding, spotting, and cramping are normal. It is also possible that your first few menstrual cycles may be different; your bleeding could be heavier or lighter than usual depending on the type of IUD you have had inserted.

However, there are some cases where it is best to contact your doctor and await further instruction.

For example, if you have severe bleeding, which means soaking through a pad every hour for two or more hours, it could be a sign of an infection and requires immediate care. If your bleeding is accompanied by a foul odor, be sure to mention this to your doctor as well.

If you experience new pelvic pain or your pain is getting progressively worse and has exceeded the pain levels felt during insertion, you should call your doctor.

You should also seek care if you have a fever accompanied by vaginal discharge and/or pelvic pain or if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you experience any sort of emergency, it is best to call 911. For example, if you pass out or experience a sudden and severe pain in your pelvic area, seek help immediately.

Reach Out To The Women’s Healthcare Team For More Info On IUD Insertion Aftercare

If you have any questions or concerns about IUDs, reach out today to Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness. Our team of women’s healthcare professionals can advise you on all matters related to birth control and IUD insertion aftercare.

When it comes to preventing an unwanted pregnancy, women have lots of options to choose from. Some, like birth control pills, are easy to get started, but the need to remember to take your pill at the same time each day leads some women to seek more hands-off options. One popular approach is an IUD, or intrauterine device.

An IUD needs to be inserted by a doctor during a quick in-office procedure, but once it is in place, it can provide effective birth control for several years in many cases. It is also reversible, which means that women can get pregnant right away when they decide they are ready to start a family.

Moreover, it is considered one of the most effective birth control methods available, making it an attractive option for women who are very certain they do not wish to get pregnant in the short-term.

What Is An IUD?

An IUD is a small piece of flexible plastic that is shaped like the letter T. It is believed that it works to prevent pregnancy by prohibiting sperm cells from reaching an egg. In the U.S., there are several different brands of these devices, but they are generally divided into two types: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs.

A copper IUD is a device that has been wrapped in a small amount of copper and can prevent pregnancy for as long as 10 years. The copper in these devices makes the uterus inhospitable to sperm.

A hormonal IUD uses the hormone progestin to stop pregnancy from taking place and may last from 3 to 7 years. These work by thickening cervical mucus so that it traps and blocks sperm rather than letting it pass through. In addition, the hormones can stop eggs from leaving the ovaries in the first place, which means there will not be an egg for any sperm that does get through to fertilize.

The IUD Insertion Process

An IUD can be inserted at any point in your menstrual cycle, as well as right after you have given birth.

Before your IUD is inserted, your doctor will ask you some questions pertaining to your medical history. They will also check your vagina, uterus, and cervix, and this may include STD testing. In some cases, your doctor will also offer you some medicine to numb your cervix or help to open it up in preparation for the insertion.

Next, a speculum will be inserted into your vagina and a special inserter will be placed that allows the doctor to slide the IUD in through your cervix’s opening and into the uterus. This will usually take less than five minutes.

What Does The IUD Insertion Process Feel Like?

The IUD insertion process is designed to be as comfortable as possible. Many women will experience some cramping or pain during or after the insertion. Your doctor may instruct you to take an anti-inflammatory or an over-the-counter pain reliever prior to your appointment to prevent cramps.

You should plan some time to relax afterward. You may feel completely normal right away, but some women find they need to take it easy. You could experience some of the same things that happen during PMS, such as back pain or cramping, so you might want to have a heating pad and ibuprofen on hand just in case. Any spotting you experience should only last a few months.

You may be able to feel a string that is a couple of inches long coming from your cervix into the top of your vagina. This is there to aid removal and confirm placement, so you should never tug or pull on it as you may move the IUD out of place and render it ineffective. Ask your doctor if you will need to use backup birth control after the placement of your IUD.

How Effective Is My IUD?

Once your IUD has been placed correctly, you can enjoy an efficacy rate of more than 99 percent. Because you cannot forget to take it, unlike the pill, and operator error isn’t a factor, unlike condoms, there is little chance of an unwanted pregnancy.

However, you do need to keep track of its expected removal date; your doctor will tell you at your insertion appointment how many years it is expected to last. You should use a backup birth control method and see your doctor if you suspect the IUD has moved.

Keep in mind, however, that IUDs do not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. This means your partner will need to use condoms or take other measures to avoid getting or spreading an STD.

Get In Touch With Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

To learn more about IUDs or schedule an insertion appointment, get in touch with the friendly healthcare team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are one of the top choices for preventing unwanted pregnancy. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10.4 percent of American women use long-acting reversible forms of contraception such as IUDs and contraceptive implants, making them only slightly less popular than birth control pills at 14 percent.

The popularity of these T-shaped plastic devices can be attributed to several factors. They are considered more than 99 percent effective once they have been inserted properly, and this is largely due to the fact that women do not need to do anything; with the pill, women have to remember to take it at roughly the same time each day for maximum efficacy.

Many women also choose IUDs because it gives them a lot of flexibility in family planning. It is possible to get pregnant right away after having it removed. In addition, some types of IUDs offer immediate protection against unwanted pregnancy, although not all of them do.

When Is An IUD Effective?

The first question many women have when using a new form of birth control is when will it become effective. The answer to this varies depending on the type of IUD that you have chosen.

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs work by slowly releasing hormones that thicken the mucus in your cervix. This means that instead of helping pass the sperm along, the mucus essentially blocks and traps it. The hormones can also stop ovulation, and some also have the effect of thinning the uterine lining so that if any sperm does manage to fertilize an egg, it will be unable to implant in the uterus.

Some of the popular brand names for hormonal IUDs in the U.S. are Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena, and most of them last several years.

The time it takes for an IUD to become effective depends on the point during your cycle in which you had it inserted. If it is inserted during the first seven days of the start of your period, you can expect immediate efficacy.

If it is inserted at other points during your cycle, however, it will take a week to become effective, so you will need to abstain from sex or rely on another form of birth control, such as a condom during that time.

Copper IUDs

A copper IUD is a plastic T-shaped device that has been wrapped in copper wire. The copper causes an inflammatory response within the uterus that is toxic to both sperm and eggs.

These IUDs do not contain any hormones and can be effective for up to ten years. Paragard is the most popular copper IUD brand in the U.S.

With a copper IUD, you can expect immediate protection from an unwanted pregnancy. In addition, it may provide contraception for unprotected sex you might have had up to five days prior to IUD insertion. Therefore, some women first have their copper IUD inserted as an emergency contraception and keep it for long-term protection.

Abstain From Sex During The First 24 Hours Post IUD Insertion

No matter how soon your particular IUD offers protection from unwanted pregnancy, it is important to note that you should refrain from sexual intercourse in the first week after your IUD insertion, in addition to avoiding placing other objects in your vagina, like tampons, during that time. This is because there is a small risk of infection after the doctor has disturbed the protective mucus lining of your vagina, cervix, and uterus with the IUD insertion tools.

However, you can have sex after the initial one week period has passed. Again, the efficacy of the device depends on which one you have chosen; your doctor will advise you on when you can safely give up other birth control methods.

Protect Yourself Against STDs

Although IUDs offer a remarkable 99 percent efficacy rate against unwanted pregnancy, it is important to keep in mind that they do not actually stop semen from passing into the vagina and uterus during ejaculation. Therefore, it is possible for you to become infected with a sexually transmitted disease if you have sex with someone who is infected. If you have any doubt about your risk or your partner’s status, be sure to use a condom in addition to your IUD.

Check Your Placement After IUD Insertion

IUDs can sometimes get displaced, making their way further into the uterus or slipping down into the vagina. This is very rare, but you can check your IUD’s placement regularly by feeling around for the short strings hanging from the device at the top of your vagina. If you have concerns that they have moved, start using a backup birth control method and make an appointment with your doctor.

Reach Out To Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness For IUD Insertion

Consult with the experienced professionals at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness to determine the best type of IUD for you and get all your questions answered about IUDs and other types of contraception.