The consultation with the gynecologist is something that women should do with some regularity due to the delicate and complex nature of the female reproductive system. Therefore it is vital to maintain good health. In most cases, the consultations are straightforward, with the same routine inspections. Still, under certain circumstances, more exhaustive reviews may be required to determine the origin of specific conditions and thus be able to give you the most appropriate solution. Among the procedures that your gynecologist may recommend is Hysteroscopy, either as a diagnostic or treatment method. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will give you all the information you need to know about Hysteroscopy: what it is and how to prepare.
Table of Contents
What is a gynecological hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure carried out in the gynecological office, which consists of implementing an endoscope, a tube whose end has a light, and an optical component, usually connected to a monitor, to visualize the interior of the uterus.
It is a reasonably simple procedure to perform, which can even be part of the routine consultation with the gynecologist.
Surgical Hysteroscopy and diagnostic Hysteroscopy
Depending on what you want to achieve with Hysteroscopy, it can be classified into two different types:
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy is performed when the sole purpose is the exploration of the cavity to verify the integrity and morphology of the tissues and thus be able to make a diagnosis. In general, diagnostic Hysteroscopy attempts to find the cause of:
- Infertility
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Bleeding
- Spontaneous abortion
- Study malformations or polyps, hyperplasia, etc.
Surgical Hysteroscopy
Surgical Hysteroscopy is a procedure in which components such as tweezers, scissors, or electrosurgical devices have been added to the endoscope. Its purpose is to eliminate tissues that may cause alterations and take tissue samples to make a diagnosis or both. The cases for which surgical Hysteroscopy is most frequently indicated are:
- Fibroids or polyps
- Remove IUDs
- Intrauterine adhesions
- Endometrial ablation
How is Hysteroscopy Performed?
Hysteroscopy is a straightforward procedure. However, some preparation is necessary before carrying it out. First, anesthesia may be required to a greater or lesser extent depending on whether it is a diagnostic or surgical hysteroscopy.
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy can be carried out without anesthesia or with small amounts of local anesthesia. At the same time, surgical Hysteroscopy always requires the administration of local anesthesia and may sometimes require epidural anesthesia.
Because the interior of the uterus is a space that is generally collapsed unless there is some element occupying its opening, it is necessary to distend it with the administration of gases or specialized liquids to facilitate the vision of the interior.
The patient must be placed in the gynecological position, and the doctor will open the vagina with specula. The endoscope will then be introduced to carry out the inspection and in the cases where it warrants the tissue resection.
What should I do before a hysteroscopy?
Because diagnostic Hysteroscopy is a reasonably straightforward procedure, patient preparation is usually minimal. Before the study, your doctor will fill out a medical history where you must provide all the requested information about medications you take, health conditions you suffer, whether you are pregnant or not, and the signs and symptoms that lead you to undergo a test—this studio. You may often be asked for other tests such as blood tests to complement the results.
It is recommended not to consume large amounts of food for 12 hours before the procedure. Often, the inspection is planned with a date since it is recommended that it be carried out during the first phase of the menstrual cycle, that is, before ovulation, as this facilitates the inspection.
For a surgical hysteroscopy, on the other hand, preparation of the endometrium may be necessary to avoid excessive bleeding due to the resection of fibroids or septa, which is achieved by suspending the menstrual cycle for 2 to 4 months, although this is not always necessary. and it will depend on the procedure to be carried out
In any case, you must remember that this is a surgical procedure and that it may require thorough aftercare, such as:
- Avoid physical exertion
- Do not drive
- Refrain from consuming irritants such as cigarettes or alcohol to promote recovery.
On very few occasions, she may be required to be admitted to the medical service for a minimum time that does not usually exceed 24 hours and rarely reaches 48 hours.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Hysteroscopy: what it is and how to prepare, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.