Your doctor may ask you to perform a procedure Hysteroscopy If you complain of abnormal bleeding, or it is used for other purposes, know the need for a procedure Hysteroscopy And its benefits, complications and tips when doing it in this article.

What is hysteroscopy and its types?

It is a procedure performed by the doctor to determine the cause of abnormal bleeding from the uterus or to treat this bleeding and the conditions that cause it, where the doctor uses a thin and flexible tube equipped with a camera at its end and passes through the vagina and then the cervix until it reaches the inside of the uterus, and there are two types of hysteroscopy as follows :

Diagnostic hysteroscopy

It is the scope that is used to diagnose uterine problems or to confirm the diagnosis after other examinations such as x-rays of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and it can also be used with other procedures such as laparoscopy or before the process of curettage and expansion of the uterus.

Operative Hysteroscopy

It is used to treat problems in the uterus that are detected by the diagnostic endoscope, and it may be done at the same time once the diagnosis is made in order to avoid performing the endoscope again, as another medical tool is used through the endoscope.

Why is a hysteroscopy performed?

There are several cases that require a hysteroscopy, as follows:

How is a hysteroscopy performed?

• Before the surgery, you may be given some medications to help you relax, and a local or general anesthetic may be used to prevent pain, so you may not remain conscious during the operation if you are completely anesthetized.
• Before the operation, the doctor may ask you to do some tests, such as a blood test and a pregnancy test, a week before the operation. The doctor will also ask you to stop smoking so that complications do not occur during the operation.
• On the day of the operation, the doctor will ask you to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before the operation in the case of general anesthesia, but in the case of local anesthesia, there is no need for that.
• During the operation, the doctor will ask you to lie on a bed designated for gynecological procedures, and he will prepare the speculum and insert it through the vagina into the uterus, you may feel some inconvenience and discomfort, then he will pump some fluids or gas to expand the uterus.
• If the purpose of the speculum is to take a sample of uterine tissue or remove cysts or fibroids, the doctor may use other tools with the speculum at the same time.
• After the operation, you will be able to go home the same day and may stay for several hours in the hospital, especially if the endoscopy was done under general anesthesia, and you may return to your usual activities the next day.

Is hysteroscopy painful?

This differs from one woman to another, some women may feel very slight pain or not feel it at all even without anesthesia, and other women may feel sharp pain, if at any time during the operation you feel any sharp pain you can tell the doctor or nurse, and before the procedure you can ask The doctor must perform the procedure under general or local anesthesia to avoid pain if you feel fear or anxiety.

The best time to do a hysteroscopy

Often the doctor will ask you to do a hysteroscopy during the first week after your period and before ovulation, this timing allows him to obtain clear images from inside the uterus, but the procedure can also be done in the case of abnormal bleeding after menopause, generally this procedure is not performed During pregnancy or during the days of the menstrual cycle.

Hysteroscopy features and benefits

• It may provide a more accurate diagnosis than other diagnostic methods such as x-rays or blood tests.
• It can be done in well-equipped clinics without the need to go to the hospital.
• Complications are rare compared to surgeries.
• A quick procedure that takes place within half an hour, and the patient can go home on the same day.
• You can carry out your usual daily activities the next day, adhering to some of the advice that your doctor will tell you.

Complications of hysteroscopy

There are some side effects and complications that can occur and are common to most procedures such as:

• Infection.
• Some bleeding after the operation.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• In rare cases, uterine or cervical rupture may occur.
• Complications may occur due to fluids used to expand the uterus.
• There is a possibility of minor bleeding after the operation or feeling some vaginal cramps.

There are several cases that may interfere with hysteroscopy that should be discussed with the doctor, such as:

Tips after hysteroscopy

• As we mentioned, it is normal to feel some vaginal cramps and some bleeding after the operation, but you should consult a doctor if you feel a fever or severe abdominal pain, or in the case of severe vaginal bleeding or a lot of secretions.
• The gas used during the operation can also cause some gases and bloating in the digestive system, which you may feel for 24 hours and may cause pain in the upper abdomen or shoulders.
• The doctor may prescribe some pain relievers for you. You must stick to what the doctor will prescribe for you because some pain relievers can cause increased bleeding.
• Your doctor may ask you to stop having sex, douching and tampons for two weeks after the procedure.

Period after hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy may cause disturbances in the menstrual cycle after doing it for several months, as the period may come a little early or a few days late, and it may occur immediately after the operation, cramping and pain similar to period pain, but not related to the menstrual cycle.

Finally, you should know that hysteroscopy is a non-surgical procedure and has become one of the most common procedures. Only you must choose the best place to perform it and make sure of the qualifications of the doctor who will perform it to ensure that the procedure passes safely.