Hysteroscopy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A hysteroscopy is a type of surgery done to look at the inside of your uterus. The uterus is a pear-shaped organ in your abdomen (belly) where a baby grows when you are pregnant. You may need a hysteroscopy if you are having trouble getting pregnant, or have lost babies while pregnant. It may also be done to check or remove fibroids, cancer, or polyps . A fibroid is a harmless tumor of the uterus. A polyp is a lump of tissue on the inside of the uterus. It may be done to open your fallopian tubes, or remove adhesions (scars) inside your uterus. A hysteroscopy may also be done to find the cause of abnormal bleeding, or check your IUD. An IUD is an intrauterine device which helps prevent pregnancy.
  
  
• Other procedures may also be done when you have a hysteroscopy. You may have a dilation and curettage procedure, also known as a D&C. This procedure is done to remove the inner lining of your uterus. Another procedure called a laparoscopy may be done at the same time as the hysteroscopy. It is done to look inside your abdomen. After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight, or you may be able to go home the same day.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed.

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Keep all appointments:

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Activity guidelines:

• You may feel like resting more after the surgery. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed. Ask your caregiver if you should not lift objects for a period of time. Ask your caregiver when you can return to work.
  
  
• You may feel faint, light-headed, dizzy, or sick to your stomach after your hysteroscopy. Contact your caregiver if these symptoms last for more than 24 hours after your surgery.

Will I have any bleeding after the hysteroscopy?

You may have light bleeding or spotting for up to a week. Some women do not bleed at all after a hysteroscopy.

Constipation:

Do not try to push the bowel movement out if it is too hard. High-fiber foods, extra liquids, and regular exercise can help you prevent constipation. Examples of high-fiber foods are fruit and bran. Prune juice and water are good liquids to drink. Regular exercise helps your digestive system work. You may also be told to take over-the-counter fiber and stool softener medicines. Take these items as directed.

How can I manage pain after a hysteroscopy?

You may feel little or no pain after a hysteroscopy. Some women feel menstrual-like pain that may be mild or severe (very bad). You may use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for your pain. These may be bought as over-the-counter medicine at grocery stores and drug stores. Do not take ibuprofen if you are allergic to aspirin, have ulcers, or kidney disease. Do not take more than the amount that is suggested on the package. Talk to your caregiver if your pain is not controlled with these medicines.

What else should I know about caring for myself after a hysteroscopy?

Do not put anything into your vagina until your caregiver says it is OK. Do not have sexual intercourse (sex), douche, or use tampons. Call your caregiver if you have questions or concerns.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You are changing your sanitary pad every hour because it is soaked with blood.
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy. These are signs that you may have an infection.
  
  
• You have abdominal (stomach) pain that does not go away.
  
  
• You have abnormal or foul smelling vaginal discharge.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms. This may mean you are allergic to your medicine.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about the hysteroscopy, your medicine, or your health problem.