Hysteroscopy
Treatment in Rockville and Germantown, MD
What is a Hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows board-certified OBGYNs to look inside of your uterus in order to diagnose and treat reproductive health issues using a thin, lighted telescope-like device called a hysterscope inserted through the vagina.
What is a Hysteroscopy Used For?
If you’re having heavy menstrual periods or severe cramping, we can help you learn more about your reproductive health. The hysteroscopy procedure can give our board-certified OBGYNs a better look at your cervix and uterus and determine what may be causing problems.
A hysteroscopy is often used for:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Diagnosing the cause of repeated miscarriages or fertility problems
- Locating an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Taking a sample of tissue
- Removing polyps
- Removing adhesions or bands of scar tissue (Asherman’s syndrome)
- Removing fibroid tumors
- Preventing bleeding by destroying tissue using electric current, freezing, heat, or chemicals
- Determining whether you have a uterine septum or malformation of the uterus from birth
How is a Hysteroscopy Performed?
If you have regular periods, a hysteroscopy is performed the first week after you stop bleeding for the best view of the uterus. If you are irregular, our board-certified OBGYNs can help determine the best time for the procedure.
Our board-certified OBGYNs may do hysteroscopy in his or her office or in an outpatient center. You may have local or no anesthesia. Procedures that are more complex may be done in the operating room under local, regional, or general anesthesia.
You’ll be positioned on the exam table on your back in a comfortable position. During a hysteroscopy, our board-certified OBGYNs inserts a the scope-like device into your vagina. They’ll be able to see into your cervix and inside your uterus. If they find anything abnormal, they can take a sample for later testing.
After the hysteroscope is inserted, a liquid solution can also be administered to allow your provider to view your uterus, uterine lining and fallopian tubes for better inspection. If anything is irregular or a procedure needs to be performed, our board-certified OBGYNs may insert surgical instruments, take images, or a biopsy.
After the Procedure
This is a very routine procedure that does not require extensive downtime. You’ll probably be able to go home soon after. If your procedure was more invasive or you received local or general anesthetic, you’ll need someone to drive you home.