Hysteroscopy Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.
Answers to questions about hysteroscopy
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What is unusual vaginal bleeding and how will I know if I have it?
- How will I know if my intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) has become lost?
What is unusual vaginal bleeding and how will I know if I have it?
If you have vaginal bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or have periods that are heavy or too long it means you have unusual vaginal bleeding. This can happen to women at any age. If you have unusual vaginal bleeding, you should see your GP.
Explanation
There are various conditions that can cause unusual vaginal bleeding, including changes in hormone levels and problems with the womb.
If you have unusual vaginal bleeding, your GP may suggest you have blood tests, a pelvic ultrasound and/or a hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy procedure is performed in hospital.
A hysteroscopy can help to check for certain womb conditions such as, polyps (small growths of tissue in the womb lining), fibroids (non-cancerous growths of muscle in the womb), or early signs of womb cancer. Polyps, fibroids and scar tissue can be removed during the same procedure.
If the vaginal bleeding is caused by changes in your hormone levels, your GP will prescribe medicines to help balance your hormones.
If you have unusual vaginal bleeding, you should see your GP.
Further information
- Women's Health Concern
0845 123 2319
www.womens-health-concern.org
Sources
- Abnormal uterine bleeding. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Education Pamphlet AP095, accessed 31 January 2008
- Gynecology & obstetrics: dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. www.merck.com, accessed 31 January 2008
- Vaginal bleeding between periods. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. www.nlm.nih.gov, accessed 13 February 2008
- Sutton C. Hysteroscopic surgery. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2006; 20:105-137. www.sciencedirect.com
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. www.nlm.nih.gov, accessed 13 February 2008
How will I know if my intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) has become lost?
IUCDs have short threads that hang down through the cervix (neck of the womb) into the top of the vagina. These threads are used to remove the IUCD. Sometimes an IUCD can become lost when the threads coil up into the womb.
Explanation
Your GP or nurse will teach how to feel for the threads to check that the IUCD is still there. You will need to do this regularly. If you think that there may be a problem, you should see your GP or nurse.
If your IUCD has become lost, a pelvic ultrasound scan may be needed to find out where it is in the womb and then a hysteroscopy performed to remove it.
Your surgeon will locate the IUCD through the hysteroscope and remove it through the cervix using forceps. Your surgeon will explain what to expect and how to look after yourself after the procedure.
Further information
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
020 7772 6200
www.rcog.org.uk
Sources
- Long-acting reversible contraception. Understanding NICE guidance. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2005, information about NICE Clinical Guideline 30. www.nice.org.uk
- Bakour SH, Jones SE, O'Donovan P. Ambulatory hysteroscopy: evidence-based guide to diagnosis and therapy. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2006; 20:953-975. www.sciencedirect.com
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr Robin Crawford, MD FRCS FRCOG; Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, Cambridge, and by Bupa doctors. It has been patient reviewed by Women's Health Concern. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: September 2008
Hysteroscopy factsheet
Visit the hysteroscopy health factsheet for more information.
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