HYSTEROSCOPY ? All you need to know about it

What is a hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a simple and minimally invasive procedure that is used to examine and treat the problems of the uterus. It involves the insertion of a small-diameter device, called a hysteroscope, into the uterus through the vagina. This device comprises of a camera and a small light at the end that allows the surgeon to examine issues more clearly. 

The duration of the procedure can vary from 5 minutes to 30 minutes depending upon the purpose of the surgery.

Is a hysteroscopy painful?

Hysteroscopy is performed in operation theatre and we will administer general anaesthesia to avoid any discomfort.

In case of a diagnostic hysteroscopy, if done as an outpatient procedure, some women might experience mild pain and discomfort.

Purpose of Hysteroscopy

Most common indication for hysteroscopy is diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding and to get guided biopsy for the same.

Hysteroscopy is performed to diagnose other conditions also like: uterine polyp fibroids, to investigate the cause of infertility, to diagnose the reason behind repeated miscarriages, to investigate severe pelvic pain, to look the cause for postmenopausal bleeding.

In some circumstances we do operative hysteroscopy like removal of polyp, intrauterine devices, removal of intrauterine adhesions or septum.

Preparing for hysteroscopy – What to do?

It is best to schedule a hysteroscopy within the week after periods before ovulation starts. This allows us to get the best view of the uterus.

Discuss your menstrual cycle with the doctor to finalise a date for the procedure.

Use appropriate contraception or take a pregnancy test as hysteroscopy cannot be performed on the pregnant women.

Hysteroscopy recovery – What can I expect after a hysteroscopy?

Since hysteroscopy doesn’t involve any cuts, the recovery time is much faster. You might experience some pain, cramping and witness mild bleeding for 3-4 days similar to periods but that is normal. A few days rest will be enough to get you back to your daily routine.

“IF YOU HAVE ANY TYPE OF ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING, DO FOLLOW YOUR GYNECOLOGIST’S ADVICE AS YOU MAY NEED A HYSTEROSCOPY TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE.”

DR VANDANA BINWAL

SENIOR CONSULTANT, SWASTIK HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE, JAIPUR

TAGS: abnormal uterine bleeding/ heavy periods/ post menopausal bleeding/ hysteroscopy/ endometrial polyp/ missed CuT/ Infertility/ intrauterine septum/ endometrial biopsy.