Hysteroscopy: Purpose, Risks, Prep, Expectations and Recovery

If you're considering IVF or IUI and your fertility doctor has recommended that you have a hysteroscopy, you probably have more questions than answers right now. Especially if you’ve never heard of this procedure before.

We’ve put together a handy guide to cover hysteroscopy in Fairfax County, Virginia: purpose, risks, prep, expectations and recovery before your appointment so that you feel confident walking into the office.

What is a Hysteroscopy and Why Do You Need One?

A hysteroscopy in Fairfax County, Vigrinia, is one of the least invasive ways to see the inside of your uterus. With this procedure, your fertility doctor will use a thin, lighted device called a hysteroscope and feed it through the vagina and cervix.

A hysteroscopy is how your doctor will see your uterine cavity and diagnose possible issues that imaging tests may not be able to detect. 

Some other tools for diagnostic testing like ultrasounds can’t detect issues such as polyps, fibroids, adhesions or abnormalities in the shape of the uterus.

This is one of the most accurate methods used to evaluate your uterine environment that can help you and your fertility doctor decide what treatment options are best for you. 

Diagnostic vs Operative 

Diagnostic and operative are two different types of hysteroscopies. Learn more about what each one entails. 

A diagnostic hysteroscopy is a look at the inside of your uterus to gather information. It’s observation only, and can be used to diagnose abnormalities that may be affecting your ability to conceive.

An operative hysteroscopy is when your doctor is able to treat what they find during the procedure in real time. 

Some patients choose to have both procedures performed at once, just in case your doctor finds something that can be fixed during the procedure. Read on for what to expect during recovery.

Hysteroscopy Risks 

As with any procedure, there are small risks associated with having a hysteroscopy. However, complications from the procedure are rare and happen less than 1% of the time.

Possible risks include infection, puncturing of the uterus, and reaction to the fluid that your doctor will fill your uterus with during the procedure.

If you experience fever, heavy bleeding, or severe abdominal pain after your appointment, be sure to reach out to your doctor.

Preparing for Your Appointment 

Your doctor will do your procedure after your period ends and before you ovulate for the best view of your uterus. You can reduce cramping by taking ibuprofen about an hour before your appointment.

If you’re nervous about pain, your doctor will either prescribe you a mild sedative or provide local anesthesia. Your appointment will take place either in their office or an operating room.

Typically, if your procedure is simple and your doctor only needs to diagnose what’s going on in your uterus, they will do it right in their office. 

If your doctor plans on performing an operation to remove any irregularities they find, you will have your procedure done in an operating room under general anesthesia.

During Your Appointment 

The entire procedure will take just a few minutes if your doctor is only looking at the inside of your uterus. If they plan on taking out any fibroids or polyps they find, it will take longer.

You will be awake for the procedure and your doctor will monitor you. After your procedure, it’s normal to experience some mild cramping and spotting for a few days. You can resume normal activity the next day.

Remember that you should avoid having sex, using tampons, or swimming for about two weeks. This will allow the opening of your uterus to heal.

Schedule Your Appointment at Annandale Fertility Today with Our Expert Team 

If you have unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or abnormalities were found during an ultrasound, your fertility doctor may suggest you have a hysteroscopy.

Here at Annandale Fertility, our team will walk you through every step of the process and explain what we find. Contact us online today or give our office a call at 703-462-8665 to learn more about the procedure and schedule your consultation.