Gynecological diseases normally occur with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, a regular occurrence of heavy bleeding with cramps, postmenopausal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, etc. Women of childbearing age are mostly at risk of gynecological conditions. Hysteroscopy is a procedure specifically designed to examine the vagina, the cervix, and the uterus. The procedure is generally safe and has a low risk of complications.
What is Hysteroscopy?
What is Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the cervix, the uterus, and related reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes. It is performed by a hysteroscope, a thin tube with a light and a camera at the end. A hysteroscope is inserted into the vagina to inspect the cervix and the uterus. The procedure is invasive but safe, with no incisions needed.
Indication for Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a procedure designed to examine, diagnose, and treat gynecological diseases. Here are some examples of indications for Hysteroscopy.
- To diagnose conditions such as polyps and fibroids.
- To inspect the reproductive organs (the vagina, the cervix, the uterus, etc.). Normally, it is indicated for those who have symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, postmenopausal bleeding, infertility, and repeated miscarriages.
- To treat conditions and diseases such as removing polyps, fibroid, intrauterine adhesions, and displaced IUDs (Intrauterine devices).
Who Should Consider Hysteroscopy
These are some examples of those who should consider Hysteroscopy.
- Women with abnormal uterus shapes.
- Women with a regular occurrence of severe menstrual cramps with suspected uterine pathology.
- Women with excessive menstrual bleedings with no uterus pathology.
- Women with little or no history of menstruation despite the childbearing age.
- Women with irregular menstrual bleeding.
- Women with suspicion of fibroids or polyps in the uterus.
- Women having 2 or more repeated miscarriages.
- Women with infertility after having a miscarriage and undergoing a curettage.
- Women with infertility issues.
- Postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding.
- Women with a long period of IUD wear.
- Women with the inability of pulling IUD out the loop normally.
- Non-pregnant women undergoing IVF with a history of two or more good quality embryos transfers.
Who Should NOT Consider Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is not suitable for everyone despite its versatility. Here are some examples of those who should not consider Hysteroscopy.
- Pelvic infection, including fallopian tube inflammation.
- People with pregnancy.
- People who are on their periods. (You can consider Hysteroscopy after the bleeding has stopped for 5-7 days.)
Preparing for Hysteroscopy
Steps to prepare yourself for Hysteroscopy are not complicated. Here are some useful suggestions to prepare yourself for the procedure.
- Make sure that your menstrual period has stopped for 5-7 days before considering the Hysteroscopy procedure.
- You are not pregnant.
- You may be given sublingual medication to dilate the cervix about two hours prior to the procedure.
- In the cases of severe pathology such as tumors, a biopsy might be needed. Fasting is possible in order to carry out the operation.
Hysteroscopy Process
Hysteroscopy procedure is not complex. The general steps of this procedure are:
- You will lie down on a bed, asleep with both legs open wide.
- The instrument will be inserted into your vagina, passing through your cervix to examine the uterus and related organs.
- Hysteroscopy generally takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.
- If there are pathologies in need of biopsy, the procedure may be performed. Hence, the examination will take longer than usual.
- In the cases of IVF, Hysteroscopy is purposefully performed to examine the state of the uterus. Ensuring that the organs are in good health and capable of embryo implantation.
Hysteroscopy is generally indicated for gynecological diseases with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, etc. It is a safe procedure. However, Hysteroscopy is still invasive and carries small risks.
The complications of Hysteroscopy are generally rare and treatable. Inflammation and infection are the most common symptoms after undergoing the procedure. Fallopian tube inflammation or pelvic infection are also possible, with the symptom of lower abdominal pain, which is treatable with prescribed medications.
Generally, people who have a Hysteroscopy procedure can return to normal activities in a short period of time. It is also recommended to avoid having sex for 3-5 days to prevent infection.
After Hysteroscopy Care
Hysteroscopy is invasive, so it is possible to have some side effects after the procedure. However, most symptoms are typical and can improve on their own in a few days. Here are some suggestions on how to recover from a Hysteroscopy.
- It is suggested to rest if you have a general anesthetic.
- You can continue normal routines like eating or drinking as usual.
- You should avoid having sex for about a week to prevent infection. Or avoid it until the bleeding has stopped.
- Cramps similar to period pain might occur, together with some spotting of bleeding a few days after the procedure. However, you should seek professional advice if you have heavy bleeding.
Is a Hysteroscopy Painful?
People experience things differently, so it generally varies between women. Some women feel little or no pain during a hysteroscopy, whereas others may feel severe pain.
It is suggested that you tell your doctor about the feelings or sensations, especially if they are too painful or uncomfortable. You can consult your doctor about the procedure as well, making sure that you are ready both physically and mentally for a hysteroscopy.
Is Hysteroscopy Major Surgery?
No, it is not. Generally, an operative hysteroscopy is considered to be a minor surgery. Most cases do not need to have an anesthetic or stay overnight at the hospital. The hysteroscopic procedure is indeed invasive, but it is safe with no need for incisions.
Office Hysteroscopy
Office Hysteroscopy is similar to normal Hysteroscopy, but the main difference is its convenience and practicality. Office Hysteroscopy can be performed simultaneously with other procedures such as a biopsy or curettage. The tube used in Office Hysteroscopy is generally thinner than the normal Hysteroscopy tube. Even though the procedures are the same, office hysteroscopy carries fewer dangers than a regular one.
Candidates for Office Hysteroscopy are similar to normal Hysteroscopy as well. However, Office Hysteroscopy is more suitable for those who cannot have regular examinations, or in cases where other examinations cannot provide precise diagnoses.
Hysteroscopy Conclusion
Hysteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the cervix and the uterus. Suitable candidates for the hysterectomy procedure are women with abnormal vaginal bleeding, postmenstrual bleeding, pelvic infection, lower abdominal pain with a suspected case of tumors, etc. The examination is generally safe and has small risks. It is used to both diagnose and treat gynecological conditions. Hysteroscopy costs vary depending on healthcare providers. It is suggested that you seek professional advice before undergoing the procedure.