What is a hysteroscopy?
The decision to have a hysterectomy is often difficult for women, even when it’s the best treatment option. Noreen Kamal-Mostafavi, MD, in Staten Island, New York, understands and helps you make the best decision for your health, taking extra time to offer emotional support, answer your questions, and make sure you understand all your options. If you have questions about hysterectomy or you need to schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature.
Hysteroscopy Q&A
A hysteroscopy is a procedure to examine the inside of your uterus. Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi uses a narrow device called a hysteroscope to perform this minimally invasive procedure.
The scope contains lighting and a camera that sends magnified images of your uterus to a monitor. This allows Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi to closely examine the uterine lining, diagnose any existing gynecologic conditions, and treat the underlying problem.
What conditions are diagnosed and treated during a hysteroscopy?
Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi performs a hysteroscopy to identify the cause of symptoms such as pelvic pain, bleeding after menopause, heavy menstrual periods, and irregular bleeding between periods.
After diagnosing the underlying problem, Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi treats it during the same procedure. During a hysteroscopy, she often removes:
- Uterine polyps (myomectomy)
- Uterine fibroids
- Intrauterine adhesions
- Patches of endometriosis
- Uterine septum
You may also need a hysteroscopy to diagnose and treat endometrial cancer.
What happens during a hysteroscopy?
Before your hysteroscopy, Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi applies medication or uses special dilators to gently open your cervix. You’ll also receive medication to help you relax, a local anesthetic, or general anesthesia. Then she gently guides the hysteroscope through your cervix and into your uterus.
Hysteroscopes are built with separate ports or channels that allow Dr. Kamal-Mostafavi to perform procedures. For example, she uses one opening to send fluid or gas into your uterus.
The fluid or gas expands the uterine cavity, allowing her to get a good view of the uterine lining and the opening to your fallopian tubes. Then she uses another port to insert the surgical instruments needed to remove tissues, take a biopsy, and treat your condition.
What should I expect after a hysteroscopy?
Since a hysteroscopy doesn’t require any incisions, you won’t need much recovery time. You’ll stay in the office until the anesthesia wears off before going home.
You may experience some mild cramping or a slight bloody discharge. These are normal side effects that go away in a few days. Most women can get back to their normal activities in a day or two, but you should avoid having sex for two weeks.
If you have abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, call Noreen Kamal-Mostafavi, MD, or schedule an appointment online.