What is a Hysteroscopy?

Going to a gynecologist is routine for most women and a way to make sure you are healthy. However, if you are having any issues or complications, a procedure such as a hysteroscopy may be needed. At Women for Women, we provide comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care. An OB/GYN on Long Island from our team will work to find the best treatment for you!

How Does a Hysteroscopy Work?

A hysteroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your cervix and uterus to identify any issues. This procedure is done by entering a hysteroscope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted tube, into your vagina. This can be done in either a hospital or a doctor’s office and you may have local or no anesthesia. More complicated procedures may be performed in an operating room with local, regional, or general anesthesia. 

To begin a hysteroscopy, your doctor will first expand the cervix using a speculum, which you may have seen used during other gynecological examinations. They will then insert the hysteroscope and move it through the cervix into the uterus. Next, your doctor will lightly send a carbon dioxide gas or liquid-like saline into your uterus through the device to help clear the surface and expand it. This allows for a clear view of the uterus and fallopian tubes through the light and camera at the end of the hysteroscope.

The procedure can take 5 minutes to 30 minutes depending on what is being done and should not feel painful. If you are looking for a doctor to perform a hysteroscopy, Women for Women can connect you with a OB/GYN on Long Island to help!

Why Might I Need a Hysteroscopy?

One of the most common reasons for needing a hysteroscopy is having periods that are longer or heavier than usual or bleeding in between periods. Other reasons for needing one include:

• Abnormal Pap Test results
• Bleeding after menopause
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• To diagnose causes of infertility or recurrent miscarriages
• Your IUD has been displaced
• Your doctor needs a small tissue sample (biopsy) of the lining of your uterus
• If receiving a sterilization procedure as a way of permanent birth control
• To examine and remove fibroids, polyps, or scarring on the uterus
• Removal of the endometrial lining 

There may be other reasons why a hysteroscopy may be performed, so talk to a doctor if you think you may need one.

How to Prepare

The doctor performing your procedure will explain the process and you may ask any questions. A physical exam may be done to make sure you are in good health. If you are receiving anesthesia, you may be asked to fast for a certain time before the hysteroscopy. It’s important to inform your doctor about any allergies to medicines or anesthesias you may have as well as any medicines and supplements you are taking. It’s also important to tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders. If you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, they may request for you to stop taking those medicines before the procedure. 

A hysteroscopy will be done after your period and before ovulation so that the uterus can best be seen as well as avoiding damage to a pregnancy that is new. By talking to a OB/GYN on Long Island, such as one at Women for Women, they can help instruct you on anything else you may need before your procedure. 

Risks and Complications 

A hysteroscopy is considered reasonably safe and complications are not common, but like any medical procedure, some risks are taken which include:

• Infection
• Scarring or damage to the uterus (rare) or damage to the cervix
• Bleeding
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Damage to nearby organs such as the ovaries, bladder, or bowels
• Reactions to the fluid or gas used to expand the uterus
• Any side effects related to the use of anesthesia 

Minor vaginal bleeding and cramps may occur for a day or two following the procedure. 

If you experience any of the following symptoms after getting a hysteroscopy, you should contact your doctor immediately:

• Heavy Bleeding
• Fever
• Severe Abdominal Pain
• Chills

If you have any questions or concerns about hysteroscopies, our team of professionals at Women for Women is here. A OB/GYN on Long Island can be found at our all-female practice.

Contact a OB/GYN on Long Island

If you are looking for a OB/GYN on Long Island look no further than Women for Women. Our qualified practitioners can help with getting a hysteroscopy as well as many other gynecological services so that you can receive the help you need from routine check-ups to emergency procedures. Contact us today to make an appointment!