Hysteroscopy Specialist

What is a hysteroscopy?

During a hysteroscopy, your doctor at The Women’s Center inserts a thin, lighted tube into your vagina to help them better examine the cervix and the area inside your uterus.

When used for diagnostic purposes, a hysteroscopy can check the uterus and fallopian tubes and confirm a condition. Surgical, or operative, hysteroscopy includes minor surgery to correct a condition causing the abnormal bleeding. Diagnosis and surgery can be performed at the same appointment in many cases.

Why would I need a hysteroscopy?

If you have excessive bleeding during your cycle or bleeding between cycles, your doctor at The Women’s Center may recommend the procedure. Conditions that may be diagnosed or treated with a hysteroscopy include:

• Non-cancerous uterine polyps and/or fibroids
• Bands of scar tissue known as adhesions
• Malformations of the uterus known as septums

A hysteroscopy can also be used in conjunction with endometrial ablation, in which the uterine lining is destroyed to treat some cases of abnormal uterine bleeding.

What should I expect during a hysteroscopy?

You’re provided with sedation prior to the procedure. At The Women’s Center, nitrous oxide is used to help you relax so you’re less anxious and less likely to experience discomfort during the hysteroscopy.

Your cervix is then dilated to provide room for the hysteroscope and the tool is inserted through your vagina and cervix. Your doctor then pumps carbon dioxide gas or liquid saline into your uterus to give them an enhanced view. They evaluate your uterus, look for abnormalities, and correct them with small instruments, if possible.

The procedure lasts five minutes to an hour, depending on any additional operative procedures performed with the hysteroscopy.

What is recovery like following a hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day. You may experience a day or two of cramping and mild vaginal bleeding. The gas pumped into your uterus to improve the surgeon’s view can cause slight shoulder pain as it dissipates.

For more information about hysteroscopy, call one of the locations of The Women’s Center or book an appointment online today.