{"id":1163,"date":"2021-10-08T10:29:39","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T10:29:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/?p=1163"},"modified":"2021-12-24T10:31:25","modified_gmt":"2021-12-24T10:31:25","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-hysteroscopy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/what-you-need-to-know-about-hysteroscopy\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About Hysteroscopy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A healthcare provider may have told you that you or a loved one needs a hysteroscopy, and now you\u2019re scouring the internet searching for answers to your questions. Like, \u201cWhat is a hysteroscopy?\u201d, \u201cWhat happens during the procedure?\u201d, \u201cHow long does a hysteroscopy take?\u201d or \u201cHow long will recovery from hysteroscopy be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You\u2019ve come to the right place! At New Age Women\u2019s Health,<\/span><a href=\"\/new-age-womens-health\/gynecologist-miami-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> gynecology specialists in Miami<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are glad to share our expertise. We\u2019ll help you make informed decisions and set your mind at ease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is Hysteroscopy?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To define the word, we need simply to examine its parts. The prefix hyster- means womb\/uterus, and -oscopy means to use a scope. Therefore, a hysteroscopy is a procedure to examine a woman\u2019s uterus using a scope. A scope is a thin tube with a camera and a light attached in this context. This tube, called a hysteroscope, is then inserted into the vagina allowing the doctor to access both the cervix (the small canal connecting the vagina and uterus) and the uterus.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are two types of hysteroscopy procedures, diagnostic and operative. One is used to diagnose problems with the cervix or uterus. Your provider may use it to find causes of abnormal bleeding, infertility, severe cramping, and more. The other treats conditions encountered during the diagnostic procedure. Your provider may also use it to remove fibroids (non-cancerous growths) and scar tissue or stop bleeding. Both approaches are performed the same way, with the only difference being added tools to the scope for the operative process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Common Situations Involving a Hysteroscope<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1336 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2021\/12\/Common-Situations-Involving-a-Hysteroscope.jpg\" alt=\"Close Up of Happy Female Surgeon in Protective Wear Uniform, Medical Gloves Hysteroscope for Laparoscopy Operation in Empty Operating Room.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your doctor may have recommended this procedure for several reasons. The top reason for hysteroscopy is longer or heavier periods than usual or bleeding between periods. In which case, the tools that can be attached to the scope come in handy if they find anything abnormal. They can simply take a sample of it for later testing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That testing is another typical cause for the procedure. It\u2019s called a biopsy. The evaluation is performed when fibroids, polyps, and scarring are detected through imaging.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other frequent uses include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Abnormal results on your pap smear<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriages or problems getting pregnant<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bleeding after menopause<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Removal or adjusting the position of an IUD<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy (known as sterilization) permanently<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Diagnose thickening of the uterine lining (known as endometriosis)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What Happens During the Hysteroscopy Procedure<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The hysteroscopy procedure may occur in a hospital or at the doctor\u2019s office. Before beginning, the doctor will give you medication to either put you to sleep or relax you and prevent pain. At this point, medication or tools are used to dilate (open up) the cervix. A device called a speculum is then used to hold the vagina open.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once fully prepped, the provider inserts the scope into the vagina, through the cervix, and into the uterus. Sometimes gas or fluid is pushed through the tube to expand the area and give a clearer view. The attached camera sends real-time video to examine or guide the operation for the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Long Does a Hysteroscopy Take?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We\u2019re sure you\u2019re wondering, how long does a hysteroscopy take? Since it is a relatively simple procedure, it doesn\u2019t take long to perform. Typically, from the moment the doctor inserts the hysteroscope, it takes about 15 minutes to an hour. Yet, it can possibly take as little as 5 minutes or be well over the hour mark.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The time frame depends mainly on why your doctor ordered the hysteroscopy in the first place. Operative procedures tend to be on the longer side. In contrast, diagnostic ones are usually much shorter. At times other things are being done at the same time. In these cases, you can expect to add the standard time of the accompanying process to that listed above.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Recovery from Hysteroscopy Procedure<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Soon after completion, you will likely go home. When this happens depends on the type of medication used. If your doctor puts you to sleep, you can expect to spend more time in the hospital or office. Your provider will track your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, breathing) as you wake and make sure you\u2019re stable and alert before releasing you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Regardless of whether or not you were awake, you\u2019ll need someone to drive you home since you\u2019ll be sore and still feeling the sedative effects of the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recovery from hysteroscopy is relatively short, with discomfort lasting for about 24 hours. You can expect to remain sore for a few days following the procedure. You will likely have some cramping and spotting (light bleeding). You may have gas in your digestive tract along with the gas used to expand the uterus. The gas may cause pain in your abdomen, upper belly, or shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your provider may prescribe pain medication to help with recovery or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. Please follow your doctor&#8217;s recommendations as some medicines can increase the chance of abnormal bleeding.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your situation before going home. However, it is commonly recommended that you avoid vaginal sex for at least two weeks. Other than that, special care is not usually required, and you\u2019re free to resume your normal activities and diet unless otherwise directed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Risks and Benefits<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1337 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2021\/12\/Risks-and-Benefits.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor Showing Baby Ultrasound Image to Pregnant Woman\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>Benefits<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The main benefit of hysteroscopy is less invasive than other options. It provides the same results as open abdominal surgery without the need for an incision (a surgical cut). That means no need to care for a scar or follow-up appointments to remove stitches or staples.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other advantages can include but are not limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Little to no recovery time<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Minimal need for pain medicine after release<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No overnight hospital stays<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No scar tissue<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Risks<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As with all medical procedures, there are risks involved as well. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/10142-hysteroscopy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">hysteroscopy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is relatively safe, especially when compared to open abdominal surgery. According to the Cleveland Clinic, complications occur in less than 1% of cases, which means less than 1 out of 100 patients experience problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The possibility of complications grows when your provider puts you to sleep for the procedure. The issues from anesthesia are usually mild, like nausea\/vomiting, dizziness, or headache. These problems can be more severe at times, such as trouble breathing or a lung infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common risks for any invasive procedure may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Damage to nearby tissues<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Complications of hysteroscopy may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pelvic inflammatory disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Severe Bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reaction to fluid or gas used to expand the uterus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Scarring inside the uterus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Low sodium levels caused by liquid absorbed during the procedure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Infrequent problems associated with the procedure may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Damage to the cervix<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tearing of the uterus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A hole through the uterine wall<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Damage to nearby organs, including your bladder, ovaries, and bowel<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Need for further surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Blood clots (If they travel to the lungs, they can become deadly)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There may be other risk factors based on your unique condition, as with anything. We at New Age Women\u2019s Health are always here to help. We treat all of our patients like family and can\u2019t wait to welcome you home! Don\u2019t be afraid to contact us and discuss any concerns before undergoing the procedure.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A healthcare provider may have told you that you or a loved one needs a hysteroscopy, and now you\u2019re scouring<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1164,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[70,82],"tags":[87,83,85,86,84],"class_list":["post-1163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gynecology","category-hysteroscopy","tag-how-long-does-a-hysteroscopy-take","tag-hysteroscopy","tag-hysteroscopy-procedure","tag-recovery-from-hysteroscopy","tag-what-is-a-hysteroscopy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1163","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1163"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1163\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/new-age-womens-health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}