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What to Expect Before, During, and After a Hysteroscopy

OB/GYN specialists may recommend a hysteroscopy to identify what’s causing abnormal uterine bleeding, check for structural problems linked to infertility, or retrieve a displaced IUD. 

It’s one of our team’s many specialties at Women’s Health Services in Arlington, Texas, where women’s health is always the priority.

Take a closer look at hysteroscopy and what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. 

Before your hysteroscopy

Pre-procedure instructions can vary, depending on the nature of your symptoms and reasons for the hysteroscopy.

Generally, however, an important part of the preparation is scheduling your hysteroscopy when you aren’t having a period, if possible or applicable. This offers your Women’s Health Services provider a clearer view of the inside of your uterus, assisting with a more accurate diagnosis.

We also recommend avoiding tampons or douches for at least 24 hours before your procedure. Your specialist may advise you to stop certain medications before a hysteroscopy, such as blood thinners or other medications that could interfere with the procedure or results.

If you’re having anesthesia during your procedure, arrange for a loved one to drive you to your appointment and back home. If you shower on the day of your visit, don’t use perfumes, deodorant, lotion, or other skin care products.

During your hysteroscopy

We sometimes perform hysteroscopies under general anesthesia. Otherwise, your provider may prescribe a sedative to help you relax. A topical numbing solution applied to your cervix and uterus helps prevent discomfort.

As you relax comfortably on the exam table, your provider inserts a speculum into your vagina to make it easier to access your uterus and guides a thin tube (scope) through your vagina and into your cervix and uterus.

A camera attached to the scope sends images of your uterine lining to an external monitor that your specialist views carefully during the procedure. Gas or saline introduced via the scope may be used to improve the visibility of your uterus and the opening of your fallopian tubes.

Abnormal tissue biopsies, polys, small fibroids, or other growths discovered during a hysteroscopy can be removed with specialized surgical tools inserted through the scope.

The procedure typically takes 30-40 minutes, sometimes less. You’ll be carefully monitored as the anesthesia or sedation wears off and then discharged home.

After your hysteroscopy

Some women report mild cramping or light bleeding after a hysteroscopy. These after-effects should resolve within 24-48 hours. We ask that you report any heavy bleeding or unusual symptoms to our team.

Most women return to their usual activities 24 hours after a diagnostic hysteroscopy. Recovery may take longer if we remove polyps, take a biopsy, or perform other intrauterine procedures during your hysteroscopy.

In this case, we ask you to avoid intercourse, swimming, douching, and tampon use for two weeks so your uterus has time to heal.

Schedule a visit at Women’s Health Services today by calling our office at 817-277-9415 or booking your appointment online.

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