Office Hysteroscopy in Charlottesville, VA
Receive expert care for your gynecological health.
What is a Hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is an procedure that allows us to directly visualize and closely examine the inside of the uterus using a hysteroscope: a thin, camera lens attached to a video system. The hysteroscope is about the width of a pencil. This procedure can be performed directly in our office, providing a convenient and less expensive approach to diagnosing uterine conditions. It's an important tool in reproductive health, helping to identify various abnormalities in the uterine cavity.
These can include structural issues like fibroids (benign tumors), polyps (small growths on the uterine lining), and adhesions (scar tissue that can disrupt the normal structure of the uterus). It can also detect abnormal uterine conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia (a thickening of the uterine lining) which could affect everything from your menstrual cycle to your fertility or even cancer.
Who Needs a Hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is often recommended for women who:
- Experience abnormal bleeding
- Have difficulty becoming pregnant
- Have had a prior imaging study suggesting a mass or polyp in the uterus
- Need evaluation beyond what a pap smear or traditional gynecological exams can provide (since it can offer insights into issues such as fibroids, polyps, adhesions, or potential cancerous growths without the need for more invasive surgery)
Benefits of Receiving a Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a valuable procedure for many reasons, especially because it helps both you and your provider to understand what’s happening inside your uterus. The benefits include:
- Clearer Diagnoses: This procedure allows your doctor to look directly inside your uterus, offering a much clearer picture of what’s going on. This is particularly helpful for spotting issues that scans like ultrasounds might not catch, such as small growths or unusual tissue formations.
- Less Invasive: Hysteroscopy doesn’t require cuts or incisions, which means less pain and a quicker recovery for you compared to traditional surgeries. This approach reduces the risk of complications such as infections.
- Quick Results: Because the doctor can see inside your uterus during the procedure, you can often get results right away. This helps in quickly deciding the best course of action without the stressful wait.
- Direct Treatment: Not only can a hysteroscopy diagnose issues, but it can also fix some of them on the spot. For example, if your doctor finds small growths such as polyps, they can often remove them during the same procedure.
- Improves Fertility: If fertility issues are related to physical problems inside your uterus, a hysteroscopy can help by removing these barriers. This can improve your chances of becoming pregnant if conditions like polyps or fibroids are causing trouble.
Overall, hysteroscopy is a versatile tool that helps in both understanding and treating conditions within the uterus efficiently and with minimal discomfort.
What To Expect During Your Appointment
Before the procedure, your doctor will explain everything you need to know and address any concerns you might have. During the procedure, a may be used to view the cervix properly, but most of the time a speculum is not needed because the hysteroscope we use is so small. The hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube, is then gently inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
The process is typically quick, lasting only a few minutes. While some women might experience a sensation similar to menstrual cramps, we strive to minimize discomfort as much as possible. Nitrous oxide is offered during the procedure or premedication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Immediately after the procedure, most patients are able to continue with their day with minimal disruption.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.
Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.
Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.