Your doctor could advise getting a hysteroscopy if you have frequent heavy periods and excruciating pain or if they need to learn more about your reproductive health. San Diego hysteroscopy helps your doctor get a close-up view of your cervix and uterus, which might help doctors figure out what’s wrong.
When is hysteroscopy used?
Hysteroscopy can be used to check for unusual uterine bleeding like:
- Severe bleeding during menstruation
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding following menopause
Hysteroscopy may help identify the source of the bleeding, such as polyps or fibroids. In particular, for postmenopausal women, it can be utilized to perform a uterine biopsy to look for malignant development. Doctors perform this procedure to address the underlying issue. For instance, they will remove small polyps or fibroids.
How do I prepare for a hysteroscopy?
You should consume a nutritious breakfast on the morning of your procedure. Ensure you plan the procedure should, ideally for the first week following the end of your menstruation. However, this is not always possible due to unpredictable menstrual cycles. You might need to take a hormonal drug once daily up to your visit if your periods are irregular. Your doctor may give you a prescription for this when necessary. Take 800mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin or a comparable product) orally the night before and an hour before the operation.
What happens during a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy can be performed at your doctor’s office or a hospital. During the operation, you might either be awake or under general anesthesia. If you are awake, your doctor will provide you with medication to help you relax. To assist in opening your cervix, they may also employ dilators, which may be drugs or devices.
To keep your vagina open, your doctor will probably employ a device known as a speculum. If you’ve ever had a Pap smear, your doctor almost certainly used one as well.
Your doctor will insert a hysteroscope gently into your uterus via the cervix and push a gas or a liquid similar to saline into the hysteroscope to enlarge your uterus. This will enable them to clearly see its lining and the opening of your fallopian tubes through the hysteroscope.
What to expect after a hysteroscopy
Soon after the procedure, you will probably be allowed to return home. However, you will need a driver if you have had local or general anesthesia.
You may experience little bleeding or cramps for a few days following the surgery. Additionally, you can experience gas, which might linger for roughly 24 hours. To relieve any pain, your doctor could prescribe medication.
After the operation, you must refrain from sexual activity for at least two weeks. Your doctor will give you further information on how to care for yourself following surgery before you are released to go home.
What are the risks?
Like with any medical operation, a hysteroscopy might result in several problems, such as:
- Anesthesia-related issues Infection
- Cervical injury or tearing, however, is uncommon
- Problems with uterine gas or fluid
- Damage to neighboring organs such as the ovaries, intestines, or bladder
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
Call your doctor immediately or visit the emergency department if you suffer symptoms like fever, severe stomach discomfort, or excessive bleeding following the surgery.
Call Gen 5 Fertility to book your appointment for a hysteroscopy.
