Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to visually examine the inside of a woman’s uterus and cervix using a thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope. This slender tube, equipped with a camera, is inserted through the vagina and into the uterus, transmitting images to a monitor for the doctor to view. Hysteroscopy can be used for both diagnostic and operative purposes. As a diagnostic tool, it helps investigate the causes of abnormal bleeding, infertility, or recurrent miscarriages. If a problem is detected, such as polyps, fibroids, or adhesions, the hysteroscope can often be used to perform corrective procedures simultaneously, removing these growths or tissues. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient goes home the same day, and while generally safe, it does carry some minor risks, such as infection or bleeding, which your doctor will discuss with you beforehand.
The hysteroscopy procedure generally follows these steps:
Preparation: You’ll likely be asked to arrive a little early and change into a gown. You’ll discuss the procedure with your doctor and anesthesiologist (if you’re having sedation). Depending on the type of hysteroscopy, you might receive medication to help relax your cervix or prevent infection.
Anesthesia: A local anesthetic, regional anesthetic (like a spinal block), or general anesthesia might be used, depending on the type of hysteroscopy and your comfort level. Diagnostic hysteroscopies often use no anesthesia or just local. Operative hysteroscopies more often require regional or general anesthesia.
Insertion of the Speculum: A speculum, the same instrument used during a Pap smear, is inserted into the vagina to hold it open so the doctor can see the cervix.
Dilation of the Cervix (Sometimes): In some cases, especially if the cervix is tight, it may need to be slightly dilated (widened) to allow the hysteroscope to pass through. This can cause some cramping.
Insertion of the Hysteroscope: The hysteroscope is carefully inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. A fluid, usually saline, is then gently injected into the uterus to expand it slightly, making it easier for the doctor to see the uterine lining.
Examination of the Uterus: The doctor views the inside of the uterus on a monitor connected to the hysteroscope.
Procedure (If Needed): If the hysteroscopy is operative (meaning it’s being used to treat a condition), small instruments can be passed through the hysteroscope to perform procedures such as:
Recovery: You’ll likely be monitored for a short time after the procedure. You may experience some cramping or light bleeding. Your doctor will give you instructions for recovery, including when you can return to normal activities.
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Hysteroscopy is a way for doctors to look inside a woman's uterus. They use a thin tube with a light and camera on the end, kind of like a tiny telescope, and gently insert it through the vagina and into the uterus. This lets them see the lining of the uterus on a screen. It's used to figure out problems like unusual bleeding, find the cause of infertility, or even fix some issues like removing small growths. Think of it as a doctor going on a little "inside tour" of the uterus.
To investigate and diagnose:
To treat conditions:
For a diagnostic hysteroscopy, preparation is minimal. You can eat and drink normally beforehand, no fasting is required. However, it's helpful to bring the following to your appointment:
The hysteroscopy procedure usually takes between 5 and 30 minutes. The exact duration depends on whether it's a diagnostic hysteroscopy (just looking inside) or an operative hysteroscopy (where they're also treating something, like removing a polyp). Operative hysteroscopies tend to take a bit longer.
Hysteroscopy is generally a safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it does carry some potential risks. It's important to be aware of these so you can discuss them with your doctor.
