Duration of Bleeding After Uterine (Endometrial) Biopsy
Light bleeding or spotting typically lasts 1-2 days after an endometrial biopsy, though some women may experience bleeding for up to 3-5 days. 1
Expected Post-Biopsy Bleeding Pattern
- Most women experience minimal bleeding that resolves within 24-48 hours after the procedure 1
- Light spotting or blood-tinged discharge is normal and should progressively decrease in volume 1
- The bleeding is typically lighter than a normal menstrual period 1
Duration Compared to Other Gynecologic Procedures
While the evidence provided focuses primarily on cervical biopsies rather than endometrial biopsies, the bleeding patterns offer useful context:
- Cervical punch biopsies result in bleeding in approximately 79% of women, with duration typically lasting several days 2
- Women undergoing cervical procedures report bleeding of variable duration, with most resolving within the first week 2
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience: 1
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad per hour for 2+ consecutive hours)
- Bleeding that persists beyond 5-7 days
- Passage of large clots
- Severe cramping not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
- Fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge (signs of infection)
Important Clinical Considerations
- False-negative rate: Endometrial biopsy has approximately a 10% false-negative rate, meaning persistent or recurrent bleeding after a benign biopsy result requires further evaluation 3
- Persistent symptoms mandate re-evaluation: If bleeding continues or recurs after initial biopsy shows benign results, fractional D&C under anesthesia or hysteroscopy should be performed 3
- The procedure itself is 90% sensitive for endometrial cancer and 82% sensitive for atypical hyperplasia in postmenopausal patients 1