Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside your womb (uterus) without making any cuts on your skin.
Think of it like a miniature telescope with a light and camera on the end. The doctor guides this “telescope” through your natural pathways to see what is happening inside.
Here is a breakdown of how it works, why it is done, and what to expect.
Why is it done?
Doctors usually recommend a hysteroscopy to investigate symptoms or fix specific problems. Common reasons include:
1. Heavy or irregular periods: To find out why bleeding is heavier or lasting longer than normal.
2. Bleeding after menopause: Any bleeding after your periods have stopped for a year needs to be checked.
3. Fertility issues: To check if the shape of the womb or scar tissue is preventing pregnancy.
4. Repeated miscarriages: To see if there is a structural cause for pregnancy loss.
5. Misplaced IUDs: To find and remove a contraceptive coil if the threads are lost.
How does it work?
Because the womb is a muscle that is normally collapsed (like a deflated balloon), the doctor needs to expand it to see clearly.
1. No Incisions: The doctor does not cut your belly. They pass the thin tube (hysteroscope) through the vagina and the cervix (the neck of the womb).
2. Water or Gas: Once the camera is inside, a small amount of water (saline) or gas is gently released to “inflate” the womb slightly. This creates space for the doctor to look around.
3. The View: The camera projects a live image onto a TV screen so the doctor can examine the lining of the womb.
Two Types of Hysteroscopy
1. Diagnostic (Looking): The doctor only takes a look to diagnose a problem. This is often done in a clinic and takes about 5–10 minutes.
2. Operative (Fixing): If the doctor sees a problem, they can often fix it right then and there. They pass tiny instruments through the tube to remove growths like polyps (small skin tags) or fibroids, or to cut away scar tissue.
What is the recovery like?
Since there are no cuts, recovery is usually very quick.
1. Same-day procedure: You almost always go home the same day.
2. Cramping: You might feel mild cramping (like period pain) for a day or two.
3. Spotting: Light bleeding or spotting is normal for a few days after.