Hysteroscopy Specialist

What is a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a gynecological procedure that allows your provider at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates to evaluate your uterus and diagnose and treat problems.

To evaluate your uterus, your provider inserts a hysteroscope into your vagina and advances it to your uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera that transmits images of your reproductive organs to a computer screen.

There are two types of hysteroscopies:

Diagnostic hysteroscopy

During a diagnostic hysteroscopy, your provider uses the hysteroscope to evaluate your uterus and look for problems. 

Operative hysteroscopy

During operative hysteroscopy, your provider uses the hysteroscope and the images to perform various procedures, such as removing fibroids or polyps or perform an endometrial ablation (treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding).

Why would I need a hysteroscopy?

Your provider at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates explains why you may benefit from a hysteroscopy. They most often perform the diagnostic procedure to find the underlying cause of abnormal bleeding.

Your provider may also recommend a hysteroscopy to diagnose the cause of frequent miscarriages during an infertility evaluation or to locate an intrauterine device. 

You may also need an operative hysteroscopy to treat fibroids, polyps, or abnormal bleeding. 

What happens during a hysteroscopy?

The details of your hysteroscopy may depend on whether you’re having a diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy. Your provider reviews what you can expect during your procedure at your consultation.

Before the procedure, your provider gives you a sedative to help you relax and then dilates your cervix with medication or a device. They place a speculum to open your vaginal walls and then insert the hysteroscope and advance it to your uterus.

To improve visibility, they fill your uterus with gas or fluid and then use the hysteroscope to evaluate your uterus and perform any planned procedures. 

What happens after a hysteroscopy?

The team at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates sends you home soon after your hysteroscopy. You may have some cramping, bloating, and spotting following your hysteroscopy. 

Your provider may also suggest some activity modification, such as abstaining from sex for up to two weeks. 

To schedule an appointment with the women’s health experts at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, call the office or book an appointment online today.