Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a way for your doctor to look at the lining of your uteruscamera.gif. He or she uses a thin viewing tool called a hysteroscope. The tip of the hysteroscope is put into your vagina and gently moved through the cervix into the uterus. The hysteroscope has a light and camera hooked to it so your doctor can see the lining (endometriumcamera.gif) 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. It also may be done to see if a problem in your uterus is preventing you from becoming pregnant (infertility). A hysteroscopy can be used to remove growths in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps.

Your doctor may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy). The 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 severe cramping or abnormal bleeding. Your doctor can pass heated tools through the hysteroscope to stop the bleeding.
• 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. If 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. Other tests may also be done.
• Find and remove a misplaced intrauterine device (IUD)
• Find and remove small fibroids or polyps.
• Check for endometrial cancer.
• Use heated tools to remove problem areas in the lining of the uterus (endometrial ablation).
• Place a contraceptive implant (such as Essure) 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.