Hysteroscopy Treatment in
Rockville and Germantown, MD
Pro-Nox Available
For added comfort during your visit, our office offers Pro-Nox, a safe, fast-acting nitrous oxide system that helps reduce pain and anxiety. Ask our team if Pro-Nox is right for you. $100 self-pay; not covered by insurance.
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.
We Can Help
In-Office Hysteroscopy FAQ's
In-office hysteroscopy experiences vary from person to person. Some patients have mild to moderate cramping similar to menstrual cramps, particularly as the hysteroscope passes through the cervix or if a biopsy or treatment is performed. Your provider can discuss pain management and anesthesia options with you before the procedure to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
The length of a hysteroscopy depends on whether it is performed for diagnosis or treatment. A straightforward diagnostic hysteroscopy may take only a few minutes. Procedures involving biopsy, polyp removal, fibroid treatment, or other interventions can take longer. Your doctor can offer more specific guidance on what to expect from your specific procedure.
Not always. Some hysteroscopies are performed in-office without anesthesia or with local anesthesia. More complex procedures might require regional or general anesthesia and may be performed in an outpatient surgical setting. Your provider will recommend the best option based on specific procedure you need.
Hysteroscopy lets your gynecologist directly examine the inside of your uterus. It might be used to identify uterine polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, structural abnormalities, or potential causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, or recurrent miscarriage.
Yes. In some cases, hysteroscopy allows your provider to diagnose and treat a problem during the same procedure. Small surgical instruments can be passed through the hysteroscope to remove polyps, certain fibroids, or scar tissue or to collect a tissue sample for further testing.
Recovery is generally brief, although it depends on the extent of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used. Mild cramping and light bleeding or spotting can occur for a few days afterward. Your provider will give you specific instructions about returning to normal activities, exercise, and sexual activity.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that are more severe than expected, such as heavy bleeding, worsening or severe pelvic pain, fever, or unusual vaginal discharge. Your provider will explain what to watch for and when to seek medical attention before you leave after your procedure.