A hysteroscopy is a method for your doctor to look at the lining of your uterus. She or he uses a thin viewing tool called a hysteroscope. Into your vagina is put the tip of the hysteroscope and gently moved through the cervix into the uterus. This hysteroscope has a light and camera hooked to it so your doctor can see the lining (endometrium) on a video screen.
A hysteroscopy may be done to find the cause of abnormal bleeding or bleeding that occurs after a woman has passed menopause. This also may be done to see if a problem in your uterus is the reason a woman cannot become pregnant (infertility). To treat growths in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps usually is used hysteroscopy.
Your doctor may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy). Then this sample is looked at under a microscope for problems. Another surgery, called a laparoscopy, may also be done at the same time as a hysteroscopy if infertility is a problem.
Why It is Done
A hysteroscopy may be done to:
• Find the cause of abnormal bleeding. At that the doctor can pass heated tools through the hysteroscope to stop the bleeding.
• Find the cause of bleeding after menopause.
• See whether a problem in the shape or size of the uterus or if scar tissue in the uterus is the cause of infertility.
• Look at the uterine openings to the fallopian tubes. In a case the tubes are blocked, your doctor may be able to open the tubes with special tools passed through the hysteroscope.
• Find the possible cause of repeated miscarriages. But other tests may also be done.
• Find and reposition a misplaced intrauterine device (IUD).
• Find and remove small fibroids or polyps.
• Use heated tools to remove problem areas in the lining of the uterus (endometrial ablation).
• Place a contraceptive implant into the opening of the fallopian tubes as a method of permanent sterilization.
How to Prepare
Tell your doctor if you:
• Are or might be pregnant.
• Are taking any medicines.
• Are allergic to any medicines.
• Have had bleeding problems or take blood-thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).
• Have been treated for a vaginal, cervical, or pelvic infection in the past 6 weeks.
• Have any heart or lung problems.
Conjecturing a hysteroscopy needs to be done when you are not having your menstrual period.
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