Hysteroscopy

What is Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that is used to examine the inside of a woman’s womb (uterus). This may be done for various reasons, including:

  • To look for lumps (tumors) and other growths in the uterus.
  • To evaluate abnormal bleeding, fibroid tumors, polyps, scar tissue (adhesions), or cancer of the uterus.
  • To determine the cause of an inability to get pregnant (infertility) or repeated losses of pregnancies (miscarriages).
  • To find a lost IUD (intrauterine device).
  • To perform a procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy (sterilization).

During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a small light and camera (hysteroscope) is used to examine the uterus. The camera sends images to a monitor in the room so that your health care provider can view the inside of your uterus. A hysteroscopy should be done right after a menstrual period to make sure that you are not pregnant.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.
  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Any problems you or family members have had with the use of anesthetic medicines.
  • Any blood disorders you have.
  • Any surgeries you have had.
  • Any medical conditions you have.
  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

  • Excessive bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Damage to the uterus or other structures or organs.
  • Allergic reaction to medicines or fluids that are used in the procedure.

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your health care provider about hydration, which may include:

  • Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking, which may include:

  • 8 hours before the procedure – stop eating solid foods and drink clear liquids only
  • 2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

General instructions

  • Ask your health care provider about:
    • Changing or stopping your normal medicines. This is important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
    • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood and cause bleeding. Do not take these medicines for 1 week before your procedure, or as told by your health care provider.
  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for 2 weeks before the procedure. This includes cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Medicine may be placed in your cervix the day before the procedure. This medicine causes the cervix to have a larger opening (dilate). The larger opening makes it easier for the hysteroscope to be inserted into the uterus during the procedure.
  • Plan to have someone with you for the first 24–48 hours after the procedure, especially if you are given a medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
  • Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.

What happens during the procedure?

  • To lower your risk of infection:
    • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
    • Your skin will be washed with soap.
    • Hair may be removed from the surgical area.
  • An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
  • You may be given one or more of the following:
    • A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
    • A medicine that numbs the area around the cervix (local anesthetic).
    • A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
  • A hysteroscope will be inserted through your vagina and into your uterus.
  • Air or fluid will be used to enlarge your uterus, enabling your health care provider to see your uterus better. The amount of fluid used will be carefully checked throughout the procedure.
  • In some cases, tissue may be gently scraped from inside the uterus and sent to a lab for testing (biopsy).

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until the medicines you were given have worn off.
  • You may have some cramping. You may be given medicines for this.
  • You may have bleeding, which varies from light spotting to menstrual-like bleeding. This is normal.
  • If you had a biopsy done, it is your responsibility to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department performing the procedure, when your results will be ready.

Summary

  • Hysteroscopy is a procedure that is used to examine the inside of a woman’s womb (uterus).
  • After the procedure, you may have bleeding, which varies from light spotting to menstrual-like bleeding. This is normal. You may also have cramping.
  • Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.

Hysteroscopy, Care After

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

  • Cramping.
  • Bleeding. This can vary from light spotting to menstrual-like bleeding.

Follow these instructions at home:

Activity

  • Rest for 1–2 days after the procedure.
  • Do not douche, use tampons, or have sex for 2 weeks after the procedure, or until your health care provider approves.
  • Do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure, or for as long as told by your health care provider.
  • Do not drive, use heavy machinery, or drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medicines.

Medicines

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Do not take aspirin during recovery. It can increase the risk of bleeding.

General instructions

  • Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Take showers instead of baths for 2 weeks, or for as long as told by your health care provider.
  • To prevent or treat constipation while you are taking prescription pain medicine, your health care provider may recommend that you:
    • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
    • Take over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
    • Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
    • Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried and sweet foods.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You feel dizzy or lightheaded.
  • You feel nauseous.
  • You have abnormal vaginal discharge.
  • You have a rash.
  • You have pain that does not get better with medicine.
  • You have chills.

Get help right away if:

  • You have bleeding that is heavier than a normal menstrual period.
  • You have a fever.
  • You have pain or cramps that get worse.
  • You develop new abdominal pain.
  • You faint.
  • You have pain in your shoulders.
  • You have shortness of breath.

Summary

  • After the procedure, you may have cramping and some vaginal bleeding.
  • Do not douche, use tampons, or have sex for 2 weeks after the procedure, or until your health care provider approves.
  • Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Take showers instead of baths for 2 weeks, or for as long as told by your health care provider.
  • Report any unusual symptoms to your health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856