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Whether you’re looking to learn more about symptoms that have been negatively affecting your everyday life or you’re looking to treat a condition, our board-certified gynecologists, Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell, can perform a hysteroscopy to check the health of your cervix, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
What is a Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your provider to look inside your uterus in order to diagnose or treat certain conditions. It’s done using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube that’s inserted into your vagina to examine your cervix, the opening of the fallopian tubes, and the inside of your uterus. It’s primarily done to diagnose and/or treat abnormal uterine bleeding.
With a diagnostic hysteroscopy, your provider will be looking for any structural irregularities in the uterus that could be causing abnormal bleeding.
With an operative hysteroscopy, your provider will use the procedure to treat any abnormalities found with the diagnostic hysteroscopy. During this type of hysteroscopy, they will remove any irregularities or abnormalities like polyps or fibroids that may be causing the abnormal bleeding. A hysteroscopy is often performed along with endometrial ablation.
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Hysteroscopy Procedure
On the day of your hysteroscopy, you’ll be asked to empty your bladder and undress from the waist down. You may receive anesthesia or sedation to help you relax during the procedure. You’ll lie down on the exam table and place your feet in the stirrups. From there, Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell will perform a quick pelvic exam and then dilate the cervix so the hysteroscope can be inserted. Once the hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus, they will inject liquid to expand the uterus so they can see inside more clearly. They’ll then inspect the uterine cavity and the openings of the fallopian tubes.
If another procedure is needed, they will perform that as well. Depending on if the hysteroscopy is diagnostic or operative, the procedure could last anywhere from five minutes to an hour.
When is a Hysteroscopy Done?
A hysteroscopy is primarily used to identify and treat conditions that cause abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, or bleeding after menopause.
Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell may also perform a hysteroscopy to:
- Diagnose and treat polyps and fibroids
- Diagnose and treat uterine adhesions
- Diagnose a uterine septum
- Locate a displaced IUD
- Remove placental tissue after giving birth
- Remove the endometrial lining
- Perform a biopsy
- Diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriages or fertility issues
- Look at the cervix and uterus after abnormal Pap test results
A hysteroscopy is not right for you if:
- Are pregnant
- Have a pelvic infection
Aftercare
If you received anesthesia during your hysteroscopy, we’ll keep you for observation for a few hours, and then a loved one will need to drive you home. If no anesthesia was used, you can go home immediately.
You may experience some cramping, discharge, and light bleeding for a few days, but that’s about it. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with any discomfort.
You’ll want to avoid sex or inserting anything into the vagina (including tampons) for two weeks following the procedure. You’ll also want to avoid baths, swimming, and hot tubs.
The length of your recovery will depend on whether your hysteroscopy was diagnostic or operative.
Schedule A Consultation
With a hysteroscopy, you can learn precisely what’s causing the symptoms affecting your everyday life. Take the first step to getting some relief and schedule a consultation today. Call our office at 630-320-6703 or use our online contact form. We happily serve the Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, and Downers Grove, IL areas.
