Currently, a large number of new methods of diagnosis and treatment in gynecological practice can greatly increase the ability of doctors to fight diseases. Many patients ask themselves the question: “Hysteroscopy, what is it?”, After this procedure is prescribed.
This method of examining the uterine cavity, which is done with a special optical system, despite the fact that it appeared not so long ago, is already widespread, and in some cases, for example, with infertility, it is even strongly recommended.
The essence of hysteroscopy is that a small tube (about 5 mm in diameter) called a hysteroscope is inserted through the natural birth canal (that is, through the canal of the cervix). This instrument, which is based on optical fiber, allows you to transfer the image obtained from the uterine cavity to a monitor, where the specialist conducting the study sees an image that has been enlarged many times.
The correct preparation for hysteroscopy is very important, which will make it possible to identify the most accurate data. Since one of the contraindications to the procedure is any inflammatory process found in the uterine cavity, it is important to start a smear test to exclude the presence of unwanted changes.
The preparation for hysteroscopy in detail should be described by a specialist who will conduct the examination, as individual recommendations are possible, depending on the characteristics of the body. In most cases, the examination is carried out on the 6-10th day from the beginning of the cycle, since it is at this time that the uterine cavity is in optimal condition for study. If the patient has a history of infertility of unknown origin, the procedure is transferred to the middle of the second phase (20-23 days). With intrauterine contractions, hysteroscopy is prescribed before menstruation, since it is at this time that the commissures are most easily separated.
Often this study is recommended if there is a suspicion of internal endometriosis, the presence of a foreign object (for example, with prolonged wear of the intrauterine device and the inability to remove it by other means), intrauterine adhesions that have arisen after complex childbirth or other surgical procedures.
Preparation for hysteroscopy also includes the presence of contraindications, in which this examination is not carried out. These are pregnancy, genital inflammation, heavy bleeding from the uterus, and malignant processes. A study is done, in most cases, under anesthesia, therefore, preparation for it is very similar to manipulations, after which a diagnostic curettage of the uterus is performed.
In some cases, hysteroscopy can also be a medical procedure. To do this, the device has a special channel for instruments (scissors, tweezers), with the help of which adhesions are removed in the uterine cavity. Usually this is done under stationary conditions, after which it is recommended to take antibiotics for 3-5 days, and the woman is allowed to go home a few hours or days after the operation, depending on the degree of surgical intervention. When preparations are made for hysteroscopy, the patient is advised to empty the intestines well.
After the study has ended, antibiotic therapy, hormone treatment are prescribed and medications that stimulate the ovaries are prescribed. Be sure to undergo an ultrasound of the uterine cavity, which is prescribed a month after the procedure.
Before hysteroscopy is done, it is recommended to carry out the sanitation of the genital tract (this procedure should be carried out the night before and again in the morning before the examination), to remove the hair present on the external genitalia. The tests necessary for the examination will be prescribed by the doctor.