Are you having irregular periods, which are extremely painful, often forcing you to miss your work? A hysteroscopy will help determine the cause and treat it in the best possible way.
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that enables your doctor to examine the inside of your uterus to diagnose and treat irregular bleeding.
With a medical procedure like this, it is natural that you will have many questions flooding your mind. Do not hesitate to speak with Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, founder of Budget Fertility Centre and among the best gynecologists in Mumbai.
In this article, we will discuss hysteroscopy, the procedure, its benefits, and the recovery process. To begin with, let us understand hysteroscopy.
What is a hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a method that allows doctors to look inside your womb (uterus). In this procedure, a thin, illuminated tube (hysteroscope) is inserted into your vaginal canal to inspect the cervix and the inside of your uterus. The camera attached to the tube sends images to a monitor and enables your doctor to observe your womb.
Because the hysteroscope is introduced into your uterus through your vaginal opening and (womb entrance), no cuts in your skin are required.
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a renowned gynecologist in Mumbai, explains that hysteroscopy can be used not only as a diagnostic tool but as a surgical or operative procedure as well.
What is operative hysteroscopy?
A surgical hysteroscopy is performed to correct an abnormal or irregular condition revealed in diagnostic hysteroscopy. A second surgery can be avoided by conducting an operative hysteroscopy during the same visit. An operative hysteroscopy involves the insertion of small instruments through the hysteroscope to fix the problem.
What conditions will require an operative hysteroscopy?
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a highly-skilled gynecologist in Mumbai, has treated various uterine conditions using hysteroscopy, including the following:
Fibroids and polyps: These non-cancerous growths in the uterus are removed using hysteroscopy.
Uterine adhesions: Uterine adhesions, or Asherman’s Syndrome, are scar tissue bands that can develop in the uterus, causing alterations in your menstrual flow and infertility. Hysteroscopy aids in locating and removing these adhesions.
Septums: A uterine septum is a malformation or defect that occurs while the baby is growing in your womb.
Abnormal bleeding: The cause for abnormal bleeding, such as heavy flow, bleeding between 2 regular menstrual cycles, prolonged menstrual flow, or bleeding post-menopause, can be identified by hysteroscopy.
Endometrial ablation is a technique that involves using a hysteroscope in combination with other tools to eliminate the uterine lining to address specific types of excessive bleeding.
What will I go through in a hysteroscopy procedure?
A sedative may be recommended to calm you down before the treatment. After that, you will be given an anesthetic.
The hysteroscopy procedure will proceed as follow:
- The hysteroscope will be inserted into your cervix after your doctor has dilated (widened) it.
- The hysteroscope then passes through your vaginal canal and cervix into the uterus.
- A liquid solution or carbon dioxide gas is introduced through the hysteroscope to enlarge your uterus and remove any mucus or blood.
- Once the uterus is cleared, the light from the hysteroscope will enable your doctor to see the uterus and entrances of your fallopian tubes correctly.
- If surgery is required, your healthcare specialist will insert small instruments into the uterus via the hysteroscope.
What are the advantages of hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy has the following advantages over other, more intrusive procedures:
- A shorter stay in the hospital.
- Recovery time is reduced.
- A lesser amount of pain medication is required.
- Hysterectomy (invasive operation to remove all or parts of the uterus) is avoided.
- Open surgery is not needed.
Will I need hospitalization post hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a minor surgery and does not usually necessitate a hospital stay. You might need to be monitored for a few hours after your hysteroscopy if any local, regional, or general anesthetic was used.
However, if your gynecologist has concerns about your reaction to the anesthesia, then you may be asked to stay back overnight for observation.
What should I expect while recovering from the procedure?
Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, an acclaimed fertility specialist in Mumbai, says that most women are able to resume routine functions, including work, the day after undergoing a hysteroscopy. Some ladies are able to go back to work the same day.
If general anesthesia was used or your procedure involved fibroids removal, you may want to take a few days off to relax.
You may experience minor vaginal bleeding or slight cramping for a day or 2. Additionally, if gas was administered during the hysteroscopy, you may experience shoulder pain. It is also common to feel a bit dizzy or nauseous.
However, if you have any of the symptoms listed below, you should seek medical attention immediately:
- Fever.
- Intense abdominal pain.
- Heavy discharge or vaginal bleeding.
Conclusion
Many women experience irregular bleeding or pain around the reproductive area, among other problems. They may convince themselves that it is nothing serious as they feel embarrassed to talk about it, or they may be fearful of possible surgical procedures with a lengthy recovery period.
Hysteroscopy is a relatively simple, non-invasive minor procedure. Heavy periods, atypical vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, post-menopausal bleeding, recurring miscarriages, or problems conceiving can all be investigated with a hysteroscopy. It is regarded as the gold standard approach for assessing and treating intrauterine diseases.
If you or your loved one is undergoing any problem connected to the reproductive organs, do not delay until it turns into a more serious issue.
Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Hrishikesh Pai. He is a top-notch gynecologist and fertility specialist with a wealth of expertise in various gynecological procedures.
