What is a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the inside of the uterus and allows a surgeon to diagnose or treat uterine problems. It’s performed using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube that is inserted into the vagina and cervix to provide a clear view of the uterine lining and the opening of the fallopian tubes.
When is a hysteroscopy performed?
A hysteroscopy is helpful for several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes:
Diagnostic uses:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding: To determine the cause of heavy, prolonged, or irregular menstrual bleeding.
- Uterine abnormalities: To investigate potential abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps, or scarring inside the uterus, which could cause infertility.
- Postmenopausal bleeding: To explore the cause of vaginal bleeding after menopause, which could be a sign of endometrial disease, including cancer.
- Endometriosis and pelvic pain
Therapeutic uses:
- Removal of polyps or fibroids: Small growths such as polyps or uterine fibroids can be removed during a hysteroscopy.
- Adhesion removal: Scar tissue within the uterus (adhesions) can be removed if they are contributing to infertility or miscarriages.
- Endometrial ablation: to treat heavy bleeding
- IUD retrieval: To locate and remove a displaced intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.
- Dilation and curettage (D&C)
Surgical planning and guided procedures:
- Endometrial biopsy: A sample of the uterine lining can be taken for further laboratory analysis.
- Cancer evaluation: To assist in staging and treatment planning if cancer is present.
Hysteroscopy can be a preferred method for these purposes because it’s minimally invasive, usually provides rapid recovery times, and often can be performed using only local anesthesia, depending on the complexity and purpose of the procedure.
How are hysteroscopies performed?
A hysteroscopy is conducted with you lying on your back, with your feet in stirrups, much like during a pelvic exam. A speculum will be inserted into your vagina, and your doctor will dilate your cervix. This can be done with medication or with dilation rods.
Next, the doctor inserts the hysteroscope through your cervix. Your uterus may be filled with fluid to push the uterine walls out and make it easier for the hysteroscope to view the lining. Your doctor can pass other instruments through the hysteroscope if other procedures need to be performed (i.e., a biopsy).
To learn more about our advanced outpatient hysteroscopy surgery and other state-of-the-art surgical procedures, please visit our Outpatient Hysterectomy Center website.
What is the recovery from a hysteroscopy?
If you receive any sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and take care of you for the next 24 hours. You may be able to return to work the next day, and you should expect a full recovery within about 2-3 days.
Avoid rigorous activity or heavy lifting for the first few days following surgery. You will also want to abstain from sex and avoid putting anything into your vagina until you are completely healed, including tampons. This is to prevent any infection.
It’s normal to experience light cramping or spotting for about 3-4 days following surgery. Call your doctor right away if you experience any severe symptoms, such as:
- Fever over 100 degrees
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe or increasing pain
What are the risks of a hysteroscopy?
Every gynecological surgery carries some inherent risk, but complications due to hysteroscopy are very uncommon. Risks may include:
- Adhesions (scarring)
- Infection
- Blood loss
- Perforation and/or burns of the uterus
- Damage to other pelvic tissue, including fallopian tubes, bladder, or bowel
Dr. Thais Aliabadi, your expert OB-GYN
Endometriosis affects hundreds of thousands of women each year. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of, or suffering from, endometriosis or have questions about endometriosis, I encourage you to see your healthcare provider, preferably an endometriosis expert. Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) are not regular, and your quality of life shouldn’t suffer because of endometriosis.
If you want to establish care with women’s health care expert Dr. Aliabadi, please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.
The gynecology, surgery, and obstetrics practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi, a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
If you are considering having a hysteroscopy and are unsure about anything in regard to the procedure, please talk to your doctor
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