What Is an Endocervical Curettage?

An endocervical curettage, or ECC, is a type of biopsy. It is a procedure where a curette—a narrow, spoon-shaped medical instrument—is used to scrape the mucous membrane (or lining) of the endocervical canal (the passageway between the cervix and uterus). This procedure obtains a small tissue sample, which is then sent to a pathology lab to be examined to see if it contains any abnormal cells (such as precancerous or cancerous cells). An endocervical curettage is performed during a colposcopy, a procedure that is usually ordered by an OB/GYN doctor if you have abnormal or inconclusive results from a Pap test, if something possibly abnormal was noticed during a pelvic exam, or if you have a history of prenatal exposure to DES (diethylstillbestrol, a synthetic form of estrogen)

Preparing for the Endocervical Curettage Procedure

It is preferable that you not be menstruating when you have your endocervical curettage procedure because menstruation makes it harder for your doctor to get a good view of your cervix and can make the results of the procedure less accurate. So keep that in mind when you're scheduling the appointment.

Do not take aspirin or blood thinners before the procedure.

Do not douche or use tampons for at least three days before the procedure.

Do not engage in sexual intercourse for at least three days before the procedure.

Be aware that you will need to have someone escort you home after the procedure, and plan accordingly.


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Labs
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Operation Theatres
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Doctors
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