How Much Downtime Do I Need After a Hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used for diagnosis or treatment.

Diagnostically, it examines the reasons for abnormally heavy menstrual flow, frequent miscarriages, and infertility. As a treatment, it addresses adhesions (scar tissue), fibroids, and polyps, all of which can lead to the symptoms above.

At Progressive Women's Health OB/GYN in Friendswood and Mission, Texas, Dr. Asia Mohsin uses hysteroscopy as a diagnostic and treatment tool. Though it’s minimally invasive, it does require some downtime. How much depends on you.

Problems leading to hysteroscopy

If you have abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular spotting between periods, or bleeding after menopause, Dr. Mohsin recommends hysteroscopy to help diagnose the underlying cause so she can treat it. Conditions she might find include:

Polyps and fibroids

These are uterine structural abnormalities. Polyps are fleshy growths and fibroids are uterine tissue growing outside the uterus.

Adhesions

Known as Asherman’s syndrome, uterine adhesions are bands of uterine scar tissue that may lead to changes in menstrual flow and cause infertility.

Septums

A septum is a malformation (defect) of the uterus present from birth.

The doctor may also choose hysteroscopy to:

Diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriages
Diagnose the cause of infertility
Locate an intrauterine device (IUD)
Diagnose and remove placental tissue after birth

Hysteroscopy comes with many benefits, but it’s not for everyone. For example, you shouldn’t have a hysteroscopy if you’re pregnant or have a pelvic infection.

What happens during a hysteroscopy

For the procedure, we position you on the exam table with your legs in stirrups. Once you’re in position, Dr. Mohsin:

Performs a pelvic exam
Dilates your cervix so she can insert the hysteroscope
Winds the hysteroscope through your vagina and cervix into your uterus
Sends a liquid through the device to expand the uterus, allowing for a better view
Inspects your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes using the light from the hysteroscope
Inserts surgical instruments, if needed, through the device to remove abnormalities

A hysteroscopy can last from five minutes to more than an hour, depending on whether the procedure is diagnostic or treatment-oriented and whether the doctor attached any additional procedure, such as laparoscopy.

How much downtime will you need?

If the doctor gave you anesthesia for the procedure, we might observe you in the recovery room to ensure no complications. It’s not unusual to feel a bit faint or sick immediately after the procedure.

It’s normal to have some cramping or light bleeding for a few days, but the primary constraint on your recovery time is the extent of your procedure — was it just for diagnosis, or did the doctor also treat the problem(s)?

Most women feel well enough to resume regular activities within about two days. If you had a treatment hysteroscopy like an endometrial ablation, your recovery may take a little longer. However, almost all patients recover within a week.

Dr. Mohsin may prescribe medication post-procedure, including antibiotics, hormones, and pain medicine. Take all of it as directed to aid in your recovery.

If you struggle with abnormal bleeding or spotting, it’s time to come into Progressive Women’s Health OB/GYN for an evaluation that may include a hysteroscopy. To get started, call the nearest office or book online with us today. We also offer telehealth appointments.