What is hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose or treat problems of the uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin, lighted telescope-like device. It is inserted through your vagina into your uterus. The hysteroscope transmits the image of your uterus onto a screen. Other instruments are used along with the hysteroscope for treatment.
Why is hysteroscopy done?
One of the most common uses for hysteroscopy is to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Abnormal bleeding can mean that a woman’s menstrual periods are heavier or longer than usual or occur less often or more often than normal. Bleeding between menstrual periods also is abnormal (see the FAQ Abnormal Uterine Bleeding). Hysteroscopy also is used in the following situations:
- Remove adhesions that may occur because of infection or from past surgery
- Diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriage when a woman has more than two miscarriages in a row
- Locate an intrauterine device
- Perform sterilization, in which the hysteroscope is used to place small implants into a woman’s fallopian tubes as a permanent form of birth control
How is hysteroscopy performed?
Before the procedure you may be given medication to help you relax, or general anesthesia or local anesthesia may be used to block pain. If you have general anesthesia you will not be awake during the procedure. Hysteroscopy can be done in the office or in hospital. It will be scheduled for a time when you are not having your period. To make the procedure easier, your doctor may dilate (open) your cervix before the hysteroscopy. You may also be given medication that is inserted into the cervix, or special dilators may be used.
First a speculum is inserted into the vagina. The hysteroscope is then inserted and moved gently through the cervix into your uterus. Carbon dioxide gas, or a fluid such as normal saline, is passed through the hysteroscope into the uterus to expand it. The gas or fluid helps the doctor see the lining of the uterus more clearly. The amount of fluid used is carefully monitored throughout the procedure. Your doctor can see the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) and the openings of the fallopian tubes by looking through the hysteroscope. If a biopsy or another procedure is done, small instruments are passed through the hysteroscope.
What should I expect during recovery?
You should be able to go home shortly after the procedure. If you had general anesthesia, you may need to wait until its effects have worn off. It is normal to have some mild cramping or a little bloody discharge for a few days after the procedure. You may be given medication to help ease the pain. If you have a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, call your health care provider right away.
What are the risks of hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a safe procedure. There is, however, a small risk of problems. The uterus or cervix can be perforated by the hysteroscope, bleeding can occur, or too much fluid can be absorbed into your system. In rare cases hysteroscopy can cause life-threatening problems.