Hysteroscopy is a procedure where a small, flexible instrument called hysteroscope is inserted inside the uterus through the vagina. By using the hysteroscope, the doctor can see the internal line of the uterus (the endometrium), an look for any abnormal situation. Depending on the abnormality the doctor finds, it can be treated with the hysteroscope. There are two types of hysteroscopy: Diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy.

The diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to search for abnormalities in the uterus. Usually, it is performed at the doctor's consultation room, using a hysteroscope with small diameter. It does not require anesthesia and gas can be used for uterine distention. Usually it takes about 15 minutes. This examination is indicated when patients show abnormal uterine bleeding (as in very strong, irregular menstrual periods, or when bleeding occurs between menstruation periods), in the search for infertility causes, and when abnormal cells appear at the Papanicolaou test among others. In most cases, this examination is able to find the cause of the bleeding.

Operative hysteroscopy allows the abnormalities found at the diagnostic hysteroscopy to be treated. The removal of myomas, polyps, adhesions, endometrium septum and endometrial ablation. This surgery is performed either with general or spinal anesthesia. It normally takes from 30 minutes to one hour (depending on the procedure) and uses a fluid for uterine distention. It is not necessary to stay at the hospital, that is, the patient can return home in the same day of the surgery.

Normally between the sixth and fourteenth day in the cycle, because the endometrium is thinner and the chance of a pregnancy is avoided. Patients after menopause, there is no special time indicated for the examination.

After Hysteroscopy, you can experience some vaginal discharge, bleeding and light pain for a couple of days. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for a few days, or until the bleeding stops. Usually, you can return to your normal activities within one or two days. If a catheter is left inside the uterine cavity, it is usually removed after a few days, and hormonal treatments continue for several weeks.

The diagnostic hysteroscopy can cause pain (bearable in 95% of the patients). The occurrence of uterine perforation (a hole punctured in the bottom of the uterus) is very rare (1 in 2 thousand examinations), and it normally heals spontaneously. Complications are also rare in operative hysteroscopy (1 in 100 patients), and they can be related to the use of the fluid for uterine distention.

The information herein is provided only for the general knowledge about the procedure and it cannot be regarded as a medical advice.