What is the preparation for hysteroscopy?

Currently, a large number of new methods of diagnosis and treatment in gynecological practice can greatly increase the ability of doctors in the fight against diseases. Many patients ask themselves the question: "Hysteroscopy, what is this?", After they are assigned this procedure.

This method of examining the uterine cavity, which is made by a special optical system, despite the fact that it appeared not so long ago, is already widespread, and in some cases, for example, infertility, it is even strongly recommended.

The essence of hysteroscopy is that through a natural birth canal (that is, through the cervical canal) a small tube (about 5 mm in diameter) is introduced, called a hysteroscope. This tool, which is based on optical fiber, allows you to transfer the image obtained from the uterine cavity to the monitor, where the examiner sees an image enlarged many times.

Very important is the correct preparation for hysteroscopy, which will enable to reveal the most accurate data. Since one of the contraindications to the procedure is any inflammatory process found in the uterine cavity, it is important to start passing a smear in order to exclude the presence of undesirable changes.

Preparation for hysteroscopy in details should be described by a specialist who will conduct the examination, since individual recommendations depending on the characteristics of the organism are possible. In most cases, the examination is carried out 6-10 days from the beginning of the cycle, since it is at this time that the uterine cavity is in optimal condition for study. If the patient's history of infertility is of unknown origin, the procedure is transferred to the middle of the second phase (20-23 days). With intrauterine shrinkage, hysteroscopy is prescribed before menstruation, as it is at this time that spikes are most easily separated.

Often this study is recommended if there is a suspicion of internal endometriosis, the presence of a foreign object (for example, with prolonged wearing of the intrauterine device and the inability to remove it by other means), intrauterine fusion that occurs after difficult labor or other surgical procedures.

Preparation for hysteroscopy also provides for contraindications, in which this examination is not carried out. This pregnancy, inflammation of the genitals, profuse bleeding from the uterus, malignant processes. Do research, in most cases, under anesthesia, so the preparation for it is very similar to the manipulation, after which the diagnostic scraping of the uterus is performed.

In some cases, hysteroscopy can be a curative procedure. To do this, the instrument has a special channel for tools (scissors, tweezers), with which help remove spikes in the uterine cavity. This is usually done in a hospital setting, after which it is recommended to take antibiotics for 3-5 days, and let the woman go home a few hours or days after the operation, depending on the degree of surgical intervention. When preparing for hysteroscopy, the patient is advised to empty the bowels well.

After the study is over, antibacterial therapy, hormone treatment, and prescription medications that stimulate ovarian function are prescribed. Mandatory passage of ultrasound of the uterine cavity, which is appointed one month after the procedure.

Before hysteroscopy is done, it is recommended that the genital tract is sanitized (this procedure should be performed the previous evening and again in the morning before the test), and remove the hair from the external genitalia. Analyzes necessary for conducting the examination will be appointed by the doctor.