Hysteroscopy: procedure, safety, side effects, and benefits

What is a hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a procedure to view the inside of the uterus or uterus using a small telescope (hysteroscope).

Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, this procedure generally allows doctors to look inside your uterus to diagnose and treat the cause of abnormal bleeding.

The hysteroscope used is thin and has a light, so it can be inserted through the vagina.

Not only is it a part of the diagnosis process, this procedure can also be used as a treatment for certain conditions.

A biopsy can also be done in conjunction with a hysteroscopy to take a sample of the uterine lining.

In contrast to hysterectomy, hysteroscopic procedures are used to find the cause of bleeding in the uterus, especially heavy menstruation and bleeding after menopause.

Hysteroscopy can also be used to find out if you have fibroids, polyps, endometrial cancer, or an unusual shape of the uterus.

When do I need to have a hysteroscopy?

It has been explained a little above if this procedure is used to diagnose or treat problems with the uterus.

This can be done to help find the cause of infertility or miscarriage.

Therefore, hysteroscopy can be an infertility treatment procedure so that you can carry out a pregnant program.

You can perform a hysterectomy for a variety of conditions such as:

1. Polyps and fibroids

Hysteroscopy may be performed to remove non-cancerous growths found in the uterus such as uterine polyps or fibroids.

Even though both are benign, you need to eliminate them to minimize the occurrence of fertility problems in women that lead to difficult pregnancy conditions.

2. Asherman's syndrome

Even though it is classified as a rare disease, this condition can also make it difficult for women to get pregnant.

This is because there is an attachment between the wall and the cervix which makes the uterus shrink.

Therefore, a hysteroscopy procedure is needed to prevent changes in menstrual flow and infertility.

3. Septum

This condition is one of the uterine deformities that can occur in women.

A hysteroscopy can help determine if additional tissue is hanging from above.

It should be noted if this uterine septum can also occur from birth.

4. Abnormal bleeding

Another benefit of hysteroscopy is that it can help identify the cause of heavy and long menstrual flow.

In addition, this procedure can also treat the occurrence of bleeding conditions after menopause.

An endometrial ablation procedure using a hysteroscope and other instruments is required.

The process is to destroy the lining of the uterus to treat the cause of heavy bleeding.

5. Endometriosis

Usually, women with endometriosis only need a laparoscopic procedure.

However, it does not rule out the need for a hysteroscopic procedure to see the condition of the uterus as well as a biopsy whether there is infertility or not.

Apart from the above conditions, hysteroscopy can also be done to look for contraceptives such as an IUD or spiral.

Sometimes, this tool can move up to the uterine wall and its surroundings.

Another thing to note, this procedure should not be used if you are pregnant, have pelvic infections, uterine cancer, or after having uterine surgery.

Precautions & warnings

What do I need to know before undergoing a hysteroscopy?

This procedure will be performed when the doctor needs a further diagnosis of your condition so that you can get pregnant quickly.

Then, your doctor may recommend scheduling hysteresis in the first week after your period is over.

At this time, the doctor can provide a more complete view of the condition of the inside of your uterus.

The hysteresis procedure

What should I do before undergoing a hysteroscopy?

Talk to your doctor about what to watch out for before doing the procedure.

Both from physical health to anything that must be avoided.

Such as paying attention to drugs that are being consumed, allergies, or other health conditions before undergoing surgery.

It is important to always follow your doctor's instructions to stop eating or drinking before surgery.

Then, you will be given preoperative instructions, such as whether to eat preoperatively.

Usually, you are required to fast 6 hours before the procedure. However, it is still permissible to drink fluids up to several hours before surgery.

How is the hysteroscopy process?

Before the procedure, you will be given medication that will relax your body.

If needed, the doctor will generally provide local anesthesia or general anesthesia so you don't feel pain.

The time it takes to perform a hysteroscopy is about 5 minutes to more than 1 hour depending on the conditions.

The following procedures will usually be carried out:

• The vaginal area will be cleaned using a special liquid or antiseptic.
• The doctor will dilate the cervix to make it easier to insert the hysteroscope.
• The hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix to reach the uterus.
• The uterus will be pumped with gas (carbon dioxide) or fluid to clean the blood or mucus.
• Then, the doctor will see the uterus and fallopian tube openings with the help of a hysterescope lamp.
• If surgery is necessary, a small instrument will be inserted through the hysterescope.

What should I do after undergoing a hysteroscopy?

After the procedure, you will be allowed to go home the same day or the next day.

Likewise, if you are given general anesthesia, it is necessary to wait until the effects of the anesthesia completely wear off.

The medical team will explain to you the results of the hysteroscopy and the treatment required.

It is natural to feel gas in the digestive tract.

This condition will usually last for 24 hours. Then, you may also feel pain in your upper abdomen.

You should be able to return to your normal activities the next day. However, it is possible to experience cramping or light bleeding.

Therefore, you will be given medicine to help relieve the pain. If there is fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, see a doctor immediately

Complications of hysteresis

Hysteroscopy is a relatively safe procedure. However, like any minor surgery, there are some possible risks or complications.

This occurs in less than 1% of cases. Some of the complications or risks that can occur, such as:

• Risks associated with anesthesia or anesthesia.
• Infection in certain body parts.
• Heavy bleeding.
• Injury to the cervix, intestines, or bladder.
• Scar tissue in the uterus.
• Fluid that accumulates in certain areas.
• Blood clotting.
• A reaction to a substance used to enlarge the uterus.

You can reduce your risk of complications by following your doctor's instructions before surgery, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.

Ask the surgeon to explain more about your risk.