When a woman goes through a heavy menstrual period and severe cramps during her tough days, her doctor might ask a few questions about her reproductive health. The doctor will ask her to have a hysteroscopy to examine her reproductive health.
About the test
This is a common test where a thin, flexible, lightweight tube is inserted into the cervix and uterus. This thin tube is known as the hysteroscope and is inserted through the vagina. The reports of this procedure give a closer look at the cervix and the uterus. It helps to evaluate the exact cause of the issue.
Risk factors
Some possible risks of hysteroscopy may include infection, bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterus tearing, cervix damage, and complications from fluid or gas used for uterus expansion. One may sometimes have slight cramps and vaginal bleeding following the procedure. There are some other risks which depend entirely upon the patient's condition. Certain things might interfere with the hysteroscopy, including pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginal discharge, cervix inflammation and inflated bladder.
Preparing for the test
A doctor may ask a woman to undergo a hysteroscopy to collect a tissue sample and remove the polyps and fibroid tumours. The doctor can prevent heavy bleeding by eliminating the tissues through heat, chemicals and freezing points. The whole procedure is done under the guidance of a doctor in an outpatient centre with a proper anaesthesia procedure. The complex procedures are done in the operating room under local and general anaesthesia.
What to expect from this test?
Once a patient takes this test, they must rest for some time. The post-test recovery depends on the type of anaesthesia used. The doctor will track the pulse, blood pressure, and breathing if general anaesthesia is used. They may ask the patient to stay in the hospital until they are stable. Once she is stable, the doctor may discharge her. No special treatment is required post-hysteroscopy. After the test, one might go through minor changes, and those are:
- They may have cramps and vaginal bleeding for a day or two after the procedure.
- They might report heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and vaginal discharge.
- They may have gas in their digestive tract, causing pain for more than 24 hours. One may feel aches in her shoulder and upper abdomen.
- A doctor may prescribe a pain reliever for the soreness. Self-medication is strictly prohibited in this case.
- One should refrain from intercourse for two weeks after the procedure, per the doctor's advice.
Possible results
This test is performed to evaluate the diagnosis and to treat a wide variety of gynaecological conditions. This test provides the below-mentioned possible results:
- Remove the elements of conception after a miscarriage or birth
- Determine if one has congenital defects/female genital tract
- Analyse the issues in the female genital tract
- Remove fibroids in the surrounding areas of the uterus
- Perform a biopsy
Most hysteroscopy procedures don't take much time to complete. The patient can visit her home after the procedure. However, a patient should expect normal bleeding and cramps that can be diagnosed with the medications prescribed by the doctor.
When should one see a doctor?
The hysteroscopy can be used when an individual goes through the following:
- Investigate problems: This procedure occurs if a woman is going through unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, miscarriages, heavy periods and difficulties in getting pregnant.
- Diagnose conditions: Fibroids and polyps are non-cancerous growths in the womb.
- Treating conditions and problems: Removing fibroids, IUDs, polyps, and scar tissues can cause absent periods and reduced fertility. A procedure is a dilation and curettage used to examine the womb and remove abnormal growth commonly.
One should not hesitate to consult a doctor if facing the issues mentioned above or find any symptoms in their body. One can request an appointment easily at Apollo Fertility, Karapakkam, for a consultation by calling 1860-500-4424.
Conclusion
What should be done when one goes through uterine pain and heavy menstrual bleeding? In such a case, they should visit a doctor who may ask for a hysteroscopy.
Hysteroscopy is a fast procedure, and one might feel minimal changes in her body. These symptoms only last two to five days.
One should consult with a gynaecologist if they have abnormal pain in the lower abdomen, severe vaginal bleeding, inability to urinate, breathing issues, fever, or vomiting.
No, hysteroscopy is not painful.
The exact cost of hysteroscopy varies based on the test type, the centre one chooses and her condition. The basic cost for hysteroscopy is Rs 20,000 in India.
Hysteroscopy is helpful for Abnormal Pap test results, uterine bleeding, bleeding after menopause and diagnosing the causes of infertility. It will be beneficial for removing uterine scarring and fibroids, taking small tissue samples and endometrial lining.
