Hysteroscopy
What is hysteroscopy?
- Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose or treat problems of the uterus
- A hysteroscope is a thin, lighted telescope-like device
- It is inserted through your vagina into your uterus
- The hysteroscope transmits the image of your uterus onto a screen
- Other instruments are used along with the hysteroscope for treatment
Why is hysteroscopy done?
- Hysteroscopy is used to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding
- This may mean that a woman’s menstrual periods are heavier or longer than usual or occur less often or more often than normal
- Bleeding between menstrual periods also is abnormal
- This may mean that a woman’s menstrual periods are heavier or longer than usual or occur less often or more often than normal
- Hysteroscopy is also used in the following situations:
- Remove adhesions that may occur because of infection or from past surgery
- Diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriage when a woman has more than two miscarriages in a row
- Locate an intrauterine device
- Perform sterilization,
- The hysteroscope is used to place small implants into a woman’s fallopian tubes as a permanent form of birth control
How is hysteroscopy performed?
- Before the procedure, you may be given a medication to help you relax
- General anesthesia or local anesthesia may be used to block the pain
- If you have general anesthesia, you will not be awake during the procedure
- General anesthesia or local anesthesia may be used to block the pain
- Hysteroscopy can be done in a doctor’s office or at the hospital
- It will be scheduled when you are not having your menstrual period
- To make the procedure easier, your health care provider may dilate your cervix before your hysteroscopy
- You may be given medication that is inserted into the cervix, or special dilators may be used
- A speculum is first inserted into the vagina
- The hysteroscope is then inserted and gently moved through the cervix into your uterus
- Carbon dioxide gas or a fluid, such as saline will be put through the hysteroscope into your uterus to expand it
- The gas or fluid helps your health care provider see the lining more clearly
- The amount of fluid used is carefully checked throughout the procedure
- Your health care provider can view the lining of your uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes by looking through the hysteroscope
- If a biopsy or other procedure is done, small instruments will be passed through the hysteroscope
What should I expect during recovery?
- You should be able to go home shortly after the procedure
- If you had general anesthesia, you may need to wait until its effects have worn off
- It is normal to have some mild cramping or a little bloody discharge for a few days after the procedure.
- You may be given medication to help ease the pain
- If you have a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, call your health care provider right away
What are the risks of hysteroscopy?
- Hysteroscopy is a safe procedure
- However, there is a small risk of problems:
- The uterus or cervix can be punctured by the hysteroscope
- Bleeding may occur, or excess fluid may build up in your system
- In rare cases, hysteroscopy can cause life-threatening problems
