Hysteroscopy is an examination of the uterine cavity using special optical equipment. Today, this method is used in gynecology not only for diagnosis, but also for the treatment of some uterine pathologies. Hearing about hysteroscopy, women get scared, they have a lot of questions. For example, does it hurt? How long will it take to stay in the hospital and will there be discharge after hysteroscopy? In fact, everything is not so scary.
The essence of the procedure
By the state of the uterine mucosa, many diseases can be determined, but to examine it with the eye, of course, will not work. Here a hysteroscope comes to the rescue - an apparatus, which is a tube with a camera at the end, inserted into the uterine cavity for examination. The image may be displayed on a monitor or TV.
Over time, more and more new models of this device appear, which allow you to enlarge the image more and more accurately make a diagnosis.
The method is used not only for diagnostic purposes, but also for treatment. For example, special hysteroscope models allow surgical instruments to be inserted inside the uterus and, under the control of vision, remove polyps and other formations.
For a more detailed examination (stretching the walls of the uterus), gas or liquid is injected into it.
When is hysteroscopy used?
This method helps to identify uterine fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis (uterine endometriosis). It determines the state of the inner layer of the uterus in case of menstrual irregularities of various origins. In addition, hysteroscopy is performed with suspected perforation, cervical cancer and to clarify the issue of the position of the intrauterine device.
It is considered advisable to conduct hysteroskipia after hormonal treatment and in infertility.
Of course, there are some contraindications to the procedure: heavy bleeding, acute inflammatory processes of the genitals, cervical stenosis and pregnancy.
If the purpose of the procedure is to determine any formation in the uterine cavity, then it is performed 6-9 days after the start of menstruation, at the same time, surgical hysteroscopy (removal of formations) can be performed, and hysteroscopy is prescribed after ovulation to assess the condition of the endometrium.
How is the procedure performed?
Before hysteroscopy, it is necessary to treat the external genitalia with a disinfectant solution. Then, using mirrors, access to the cervix, which is processed with alcohol. After that, the cervical canal is dilated and a fluid (or gas) is supplied, then a hysteroscope is introduced and an examination is performed.
Hysteroscopy does not require hospitalization. If it was carried out for therapeutic purposes, a woman can be left under observation for a day.
Should I be afraid of pain?
The threshold of pain sensitivity in all women is different, but this procedure does not require anesthesia or anesthesia, although unpleasant sensations are possible.
Possible discharge after hysteroscopy
Due to the fact that during the procedure the device contacts the mucous membrane, some damage is possible. In this case, slight discharge appears after hysteroscopy. A few days may be disturbed by the bloody footprints on the linen, but this should pass.
If the procedure was carried out for diagnostic purposes, then menstruation after hysteroscopy occurs at the usual time. In the case of further curettage, the day of the procedure is considered the first day of menstruation.
Due to the fact that the method is non-traumatic, complications rarely occur, but they still exist. These include inflammation, damage to the cervical canal and bleeding after hysteroscopy.
If the sacred discharge does not pass after a few days, you can do an ultrasound. A copious discharge after hysteroscopy requires urgent medical attention.