- 95555 44421 / 22 / 23 / 28
- [email protected]
- Mon – Sat: 09:00 – 19:00
Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure performed to diagnose and operate inside the uterus by inserting a hysteroscope through the vaginal opening into the cervix and directly into the uterus. It is essentially conducted to diagnose the cause of abnormal bleeding, irregular periods, miscarriages, unknown cause of infertility, etc.
Hysteroscope is used to get a view of the uterine cavity. It is a modern gynaecological apparatus used as a diagnostic and therapeutic device. It’s a special rod with a light source, camera, eyepiece, and other media channels (for surgical tools). It gives a clear visualization of the inside of the uterus on a screen for diagnostic purposes.
When a woman has a complaint of abnormal bleeding (with or without menses), irregular spotting, menopausal bleeding, etc., Hysteroscopy can be performed to locate and treat the cause. However, firstly ultrasound or hysterosalpingography (HSG) and some other tests are taken to get the patient’s medical background. It is a safe procedure but can be a little invasive, so patients have the right to consent to treatment and choose other diagnostic options. But remember, it is favoured as it is precise and causes very little to no side effects.
Note: Hysteroscopy is rarely executed during pregnancy, menstruation, and if you have endometrial infections.
What Can Be Diagnosed with Hysteroscopy?
There are a lot of reproductive medical conditions which can be determined and intervened by Hysteroscopy. But not every woman can get this procedure done. It will be very considered by the doctor as well as the patient. These are some situations under which Hysteroscopy is utilized:
As many uterine anomalies can cause infertility, often infertile women are suggested for Hysteroscopy by their fertility specialist to plan a fertility treatment accordingly.
There are two types of Hysteroscopy; Diagnostic or investigative and Therapeutic.
Hysteroscopy: As the name suggests, Diagnostic Hysteroscopy is used to investigate the uterus for structural abnormalities and malformations – that might have been altering the menstrual flow and causing infertility.
Hysteroscopy: Operative Hysteroscopy can be performed alongside diagnostic Hysteroscopy if any endometrial abnormalities are detected. The detected deformity is destroyed with the help of a surgical tool.
Well, it depends on the patient’s medical circumstances and problem. If other diagnostics like ultrasound determines the matter of issue, then it may not be needed. Moreover, if surgery is required, you might have to prepare for Hysteroscopy.
Talk to your healthcare provider regarding the alternatives, complications, and complete procedure if you have any doubts.
It can be performed in the first week after your period ends (if you have regular periods). If you aren’t having your periods regularly, your doctors will predict the right time for this procedure- from your tests and screening results. For menopausal women, Hysteroscopy can be executed at any time.
Note: Hysteroscopy is rarely executed during pregnancy, periods, and endometrial infections.
No, usually, this is an outpatient treatment that can be carried out at your doctor’s office or hospital. It’s a minor surgical process that can take 5 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether it is diagnostic or operative.
This factor varies from patient to patient. Generally, you don’t feel much pain during and after the procedure, but minor cramps and discomfort are normal. If you are anxious or feel discomfort, you will be given local or general anaesthesia or sedatives.
Before the day of this procedure, you are not allowed to have sexual intercourse or to put anything inside your vagina. If you are under medications, then that’ll be reviewed by your surgeon, and you shouldn’t take any anticoagulants like aspirin 24 hours before the procedure. Pregnancy tests, blood tests, and pelvic exams may be carried out. You might have to abstain from food on the day of the procedure. Just before the procedure, you’ll have to empty your bladder, change into a comfortable gown, and you will be administered anaesthetics as per your choice and condition of Hysteroscopy.
You’ll have to lie on a surgical bed with your legs stirrup. The doctor will run a pelvic exam before starting the procedure:
Sometimes, the diagnostic Hysteroscopy is performed, followed by Laparoscopy or D&C.
After the procedure, you’ll have to wait sometime for recovery (if you are under sedatives). Otherwise, you can leave if you don’t feel any abnormal pain. There are rare cases where a patient might faint or feel sick. For a few days, you’ll feel cramping, and you might have some bleeding and a little fever. Your doctor may suggest avoiding swimming or other physical labour and must refrain from inserting anything inside your vagina.
These side effects could result from reactions to the substances used during the procedure. Only 1% of cases result in severe side effects like intrauterine scarring and injury to the cervix or uterine lining. The risk is definitely low, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. You must follow your doctor’s guidance.
Risaa IVF practices a safe and cautious procedure for all treatments. Our specialists take very good care of the patients well-being. If the patient feels any discomfort or pain, we prescribe them some painkiller or sedative before the procedure. It is performed only if it is very necessary and consented.