The techniques and complications of out-patient uterine washing in the assessment of endometrial function.

The complications of a consecutive series of 90 uterine washings performed among 52 women were studied. The amount of discomfort was significantly less than that of endometrial biopsy but greater than that of cervical smear or blood sampling. Incomplete recovery of fluid (< 8 ml from 10 ml flushing fluid) was reported in only 3% of cases. Vaginal bleeding, pelvic infection and delayed abdominal pain were not encountered. The techniques of uterine washing are simple and may have important implications in the study of endometrial function.