Hysteroscopy for Fibroids: What to Expect

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in your uterus. They don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, but for some women, they can be a source of pelvic pain, heavy periods, and even fertility issues.

If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids, hysteroscopy may be an effective treatment. It’s a minimally invasive procedure to remove fibroids inside your uterus without major surgery, and our team at South Valley Women's Health Care is here to help you learn more about your options.

Understanding fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. They can vary in size, and they’re classified based on their location in your uterus. Submucosal fibroids grow inside your uterine cavity and are the easiest to remove with hysteroscopy.

Intramural fibroids develop within the muscular wall of your uterus, and subserosal fibroids extend outside your uterus. Subserosal fibroids may not be treatable with hysteroscopy.

No matter their location, some fibroids cause symptoms while others don’t. Some women have small, symptom-free fibroids. And sometimes, fibroids can cause pelvic pain, pressure, or excessive bleeding. If your fibroids are inside your uterus and causing significant symptoms, hysteroscopy could be a good treatment option for you.

How hysteroscopy can treat fibroids

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows us to examine the inside of your uterus using a thin, flexible tube with a camera called a hysteroscope. We insert the tool through your vagina and cervix, meaning no external incisions are needed.

We use hysteroscopy for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. For example, hysteroscopy can help us diagnose fibroids and pinpoint their location and size. To treat fibroids, we pass surgical instruments through the hysteroscope to remove the growths.

What to expect before, during, and after the hysteroscopy

If you’re considering hysteroscopy for fibroid treatment, it’s normal to be a little apprehensive. Here’s what happens before, during, and after the procedure, so you can feel more prepared to make an informed decision about your health.

Before the procedure

We may prescribe a medication to help soften your cervix ahead of your hysteroscopy. This medication can make it easier to insert the hysteroscope.

You may also need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure, depending on the type of anesthesia we plan to use. Depending on the complexity of your case and your comfort level, we may use local, regional, or general anesthesia. We usually do these procedures in the hospital through the operating room. 

During the procedure

A hysteroscopy for fibroid removal typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. You lay back on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, and we start by administering anesthesia. Then, the doctor inserts the hysteroscope through your vagina and cervix into your uterus.

We use a saline solution to expand your uterus to get a clear view. Next, we locate and remove the fibroids using specialized surgical tools. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, there’s no need for stitches or a long recovery period.

After the procedure

We perform hysteroscopy on an outpatient basis, which means most patients can go home the same day. You may experience mild cramping, spotting, or watery discharge for a few days.

Depending on your situation, we give you specific aftercare instructions, including when to return to normal activities. In most cases, women can resume their daily routines within a few days.

If you’re dealing with painful fibroid symptoms, hysteroscopy could provide much-needed relief. Learn more about your treatment options, and find out if you’re a good candidate for hysteroscopy with an appointment at South Valley Women's Health Care. Call our Bluffdale, Utah, office at 801-569-2626 to get started.