What is Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that is used to examine the uterine cavity and look for any intrauterine flaws. A narrow telescope, called the hysteroscope, is inserted through the cervix. The tube passes through the vagina into the uterus. No cut is made in the skin. The camera in the device gives images which help the doctor to identify any flaws.
What is the Purpose of Hysteroscopy?
A range of uterine or ovarian issues can be studied or treated with hysteroscopy. It can be carried out either for surgical or diagnostic purposes.
It is performed to:
- Examine heavy periods, irregular spotting, abnormal uterine bleeding, and bleeding after menopause.
- Diagnose and remove polyps and fibroids (a non-cancerous growth on the uterus' inner walls).
- Examine problems with conception
- Learn the cause of multiple miscarriages
- Probe severe pelvic pain.
- Get rid of intrauterine adhesions (bands of scar tissue in the uterus which can alter the flow of your menstrual period)
- Take out any loose intrauterine contraceptive devices.
- Take a biopsy (a small sample of tissue) for further research.
Preparing for Hysteroscopy:
Certain things need to be done before this procedure:
- If you're going to have local or general anaesthesia, you can be asked to fast before the surgery.
- Your doctor could perform a physical test to ensure your overall health.
- When you go for your procedure, you should wear loose-fitting clothes.
- Tell your doctor if you have any allergies.
- Inform your doctor about your medical history.
The Procedure of Hysteroscopy:
This procedure is usually done as an outpatient surgical procedure. It can take 5-30 minutes depending on the purpose of the test. Hysteroscopy involves the following steps:
- The doctor may put a speculum into the vagina before the procedure. This helps to dilate the cervix and help in the insertion of the device.
- To gently stretch your uterus and remove any blood or mucus, the doctor will inject a liquid solution or gas via the hysteroscope. This lets your surgeon see the uterus more clearly.
- The hysteroscope’s camera delivers images to a monitor for the doctor to examine.
- Your doctor will enter tools through the hysteroscope if you require a procedure, such as the removal of a fibroid.
What to expect after Hysteroscopy?
The time of recovery after the surgery depends on how detailed the hysteroscopy was. Recovery usually takes 2-3 days.
- Due to the blood loss during the surgery, you should be prepared for some fatigue.
- For a few days, women may also notice cramps and back pain.
- After the surgery, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are advised to manage any pain that may develop.
- For two weeks after the surgery, patients are advised to refrain from douching, sexual activity, and inserting anything into their vagina (such as tampons).
Risks Involved in Hysteroscopy:
Although hysteroscopy has grown in popularity, it is crucial to learn about and prevent its issues. Hysteroscopy carries a few possible risks, just like any other surgical treatment. These may consist of:
- Uterine perforation- It is the most common side effect. When the tube is inserted, the uterine lining may become scarred.
- Infection- It rarely occurs after an operation. It might develop as a result of recurrent hysteroscope insertion and removal. It can result in heavy bleeding or foul vaginal discharge.
- Fainting- One in 200 women who undergo hysteroscopy without anaesthesia experiences fainting.
- Cervix injury- Injury to the cervix is uncommon and can be quickly repaired.
When to See a Doctor?
You should contact a gynaecologist for a hysteroscopy if you experience unusual pain in the lower abdomen, heavy periods, or serious vaginal bleeding, along with fever, vomiting, the failure to urinate, or shortness of breath. Other reasons may include repeated miscarriages or bleeding after menopause.
Request an appointment at:
Apollo Fertility, Thane West, Mumbai
Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.
Conclusion
We are aware of the possibility that the surgery will worry you. For you to learn about the process, we have tried to list its features. There is, however, no need to be scared about the procedure. Discuss your worries clearly with your doctor.
During a hysteroscopy, some women feel mild pain, but for others, the discomfort can be intense. This experience may vary due to things like prior childbirth, and how worried they are before the procedure. Before the procedure, discuss your concerns with the doctor.
Contact your doctor immediately if: o your pain does not subside despite taking medicines. o Stools and gas cannot be passed. o You have huge clots or bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks one or more sanitary pads in an hour.
The best time to diagnose women with normal menstrual cycles is right after a period, during the follicular phase of the cycle. Pregnant women cannot have a hysteroscopy test.
