Our doctors offer hysteroscopy to diagnose and treat certain reproductive health concerns
Your overall wellbeing is our top priority. In some cases, gynecological surgery is the best option to investigate and correct any possible women’s health issues. Our San Antonio women’s health clinic providers use procedures like hysteroscopy to restore women’s reproductive health.
Gynecological surgery basics
For conditions affecting your reproductive system, gynecological surgery enables our San Antonio Women’s health clinic doctors to accurately identify certain problems, such as fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, endometrial cancer and uterine abnormalities. With minimally invasive procedures, patients experience shorter recovery, less pain and fewer complications.
What is hysteroscopy?
For this simple procedure, your doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube through the vagina to observe the cervix and uterus. With a hysteroscopy, our San Antonio Women’s health clinic practitioners can perform a visual assessment of these organs to determine what might be causing problems, such as heavy menstrual cycles, postmenopausal bleeding or infertility. If necessary, your physician can remove tissue samples for further analysis.
Why would I need this procedure?
When your doctor recommends a hysteroscopy, the goal is to diagnose any issues and correct any problems. This type of surgery can drastically improve your quality of life. We often suggest this procedure in these cases.
- Diagnose and remove uterine fibroids
- Identify potential causes of infertility
- Destroy uterine lining and reduce heavy bleeding
- Resect and remove tissue buildup dividing the uterus
- Extract any abnormal growths in the reproductive organs
What should I expect with a hysteroscopy?
This is an outpatient procedure that generally involves only local anesthesia and medication for relaxation. Your provider will dilate the cervix, insert the hysteroscope, and visualize the reproductive organs. This process can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on whether it is just diagnostic or requires an operational component.
After the surgery, you can go home within a couple of hours, but will need someone to drive you. Some patients experience mild cramping and bleeding for a few days afterward. You should abstain from sexual activity and tampon usage for at least two weeks. As with any surgical procedure, hysteroscopy has some inherent risk, including infection or heavy bleeding; however, complications occur in fewer than 1% of cases.
We want our patients to live their best lives at all ages and stages. Our San Antonio Women’s health clinic providers are available to discuss the benefits of gynecological surgery. Contact our office to make an appointment.
A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which your doctor uses a thin camera (a hysteroscope) to look inside the uterus. It’s commonly used to investigate heavy periods, irregular bleeding, fibroids, polyps or fertility concerns.
Experiences vary. Some people feel mild cramping or pressure, while others find it more uncomfortable. Pain management options depend on the type of hysteroscopy and the setting. Your physician can explain what to expect and discuss ways to stay comfortable.
Most people return to normal activities the same day or the next day. Light bleeding or cramping for a day or two is common. Talk with your doctor about what’s normal and when to seek medical attention.
