Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy may be done to:

• Find the cause of severe cramping or abnormal bleeding. Your doctor can pass heated tools through the hysteroscope to stop the bleeding.
• See if a problem in the shape or size of the uterus or if scar tissue in the uterus is the cause of infertility.
• Look at the uterine openings to the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are blocked, your doctor may be able to open the tubes with special tools passed through the hysteroscope.
• Find the possible cause of repeated miscarriages.
• Find and remove a misplaced intrauterine device (IUD).
• Find and remove small fibroids or polyps.
• Check for endometrial cancer.
• Use tools to remove problem areas in the lining of the uterus (endometrial ablation).

Hysteroscopy is usually done by your gynecologist in the operating room of a hospital or surgery center. You will probably go home the same day. In some cases, the procedure can be done in your doctor's office.

You may be given medicine (anesthesia) to help you relax, to numb the area, or to help you sleep.

You will take off all of your clothes and wear a gown for the test. You will empty your bladder before the test. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet and legs supported by footrests.

Your doctor may place a lubricated tool called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum gently opens the vaginal walls so your doctor can see inside the vagina.

The hysteroscope will be placed at the entrance to your vagina and gently moved through the cervix into your uterus. Air or liquid will be put through the hysteroscope into your uterus. It helps your doctor see the lining clearly. Your doctor looks through the hysteroscope at a magnified view of the lining of your uterus. Your doctor can also see the uterine openings of the fallopian tubes. A video screen may be used during the test.

If a biopsy or other procedure is done, your doctor will use small tools through the hysteroscope.

Right after the test, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will care for and observe you until you go home.

It is best to have hysteroscopy done when you are not having your menstrual period. If there is a chance that you could become pregnant, hysteroscopy should be done before you are ovulating so your doctor is sure you are not pregnant.

You may be asked not to douche, use tampons, or use vaginal medicines for 24 hours before the hysteroscopy.

You may be given a medicine (sedative) to relax you for the test, or general, regional, or local anesthesia can be used.

Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your test may be canceled. If your doctor has instructed you to take your medicines on the day of the test, do so using only a sip of water.

Arrange to have someone drive you home the day of the test in case you are given a sedative.