The word hysteroscopy is a combination of two words: hysteria - which means uterus, and scopia - which means viewing. Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows the gynecologist to look at the uterine cavity through a tiny camera.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to clarify the cause that leads to various gynecological complaints including vaginal bleeding, heavy menstruation, pelvic pain, recurrent miscarriages and other complaints.
When should a diagnostic hysteroscopy be performed?
Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used by the gynecologist to try and identify intrauterine causes of various gynecological problems. The gynecologist will usually refer you for a hysteroscopy if your complaints include abnormal vaginal bleeding, infertility, recurrent miscarriages or pain, or for the purpose of characterizing findings from previous tests.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy can also detect intrauterine fibroids, polyps or intrauterine devices that have dislodged out of place.
Hysteroscopy should not be performed if an intrauterine pregnancy, active infection in the pelvic area (including genital herpes) or in case of known gynecological malignancy (cervical cancer or uterine cancer) is known.
The course of the procedure
To see the uterine cavity, the gynecologist uses a tiny camera - the hysteroscope. With the help of the camera, the gynecologist surveys the cervix and the entire uterine cavity to the opening of the fallopian tubes.
The procedure itself can be performed without anesthesia. However, you can choose to undergo the examination under sedation or anesthesia to reduce the discomfort. The duration of the procedure depends on its purpose but usually lasts 5-30 minutes.
Preparation before hysteroscopy
Before the procedure, an evaluation must be performed by a gynecologist. For women who have a regular menstrual period it is recommended to try and schedule the test so that it will be in the first half of the menstrual cycle, immediately after the end of bleeding. However, this is not a binding condition and the examination can also be performed at other stages, in accordance with the recommendation of the medical staff.
If the examination is performed under anesthesia, an evaluation must be performed by an anesthesiologist. Patients should be in complete food fast mode as per the instructions of the medical staff.
If there are any background illnesses, regular medications or sensitivities, they should be disclosed to the attending physician.
Recovery after diagnostic hysteroscopy
Patients can be discharged home on the day of the procedure. If the hysteroscopy was performed under anesthesia, the patient has to wait until the effect of the anesthetics has dissipated before being discharged home.
Occasionally pain in the pelvic area or discomfort may be felt. Cyclic-like uterine contractions may appear as well. There may even be slight vaginal bleeding for a day or two. It is recommended to consult the attending physician regarding the resuming of sexual intercourse after the examination.
Based on the findings in the diagnostic hysteroscopy, the patient may need further gynecological follow-up and / or additional diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Possible complications
Diagnostic hysteroscopy allows viewing the uterine cavity in a safe, incision-free approach. However, postoperative complications are unlikely to include uterine cavity infection, heavy vaginal bleeding, damage to the uterine wall or adjacent structures (bladder or intestines), or scarring of the uterine cavity.
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