Hysteroscopy

Women who experience abnormal uterine bleeding may be recommended for hysteroscopy, which is a procedure that allows your gynecologist to closely examine the interior of the uterus using a special instrument called a hysteroscope. The hysteroscope consists of a narrow tube with a light and camera that can generate images on a video screen. Once the hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus, a gas or saline fluid may be introduced to expand the organ and allow for greater visualization. During a hysteroscopy procedure, your physician can detect and remove adhesions, take a tissue sample for biopsy, find the location of a previously placed intrauterine device or place special implants in the fallopian tubes for purposes of sterilization (see hysteroscopic sterilization). A hysteroscopy may also be performed when a woman has experienced the loss of more than one pregnancy in order to determine a possible cause.