Experiencing abnormal bleeding, such as unusually heavy periods, prolonged periods, or spotting between cycles, can cause concern. Abnormal uterine bleeding can happen for many reasons. Pinpointing the exact cause is essential for choosing a targeted and effective treatment plan.
If initial tests such as an ultrasound show that a closer look is needed, a hysteroscopy provides a clear solution. The team at Ideal Gynecology, LLC uses this quick and minimally invasive procedure to examine the interior of the uterus directly, delivering precise answers without requiring traditional surgery.
A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows your Ideal Gynecology provider to examine the inside of your uterus. During the procedure, a thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope is gently guided through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus.
Unlike traditional surgery, a hysteroscopy doesn’t require an abdominal incision. This approach allows our team to directly view the uterine cavity, looking for abnormalities that may contribute to abnormal bleeding.
A host of causes ranging from simple hormonal shifts to structural changes can disrupt normal menstrual patterns, including:
Our team may recommend a hysteroscopy when other evaluations, such as a pelvic exam or ultrasound, suggest that something inside the uterus needs a closer look. We may also recommend one when abnormal bleeding continues without an obvious explanation.
For women experiencing bleeding after menopause, a thorough evaluation is especially important. Although there are several possible causes of postmenopausal bleeding, our team may use hysteroscopy to examine the uterine lining and identify or rule out abnormalities.
During a hysteroscopy, your provider carefully guides the hysteroscope through the cervix and into the uterus. A small amount of fluid may be used to gently expand the uterine cavity, making it easier to see the uterine lining.
The direct view provided by the hysteroscope can help identify uterine polyps, fibroids, or other abnormalities. In some cases, tissue may also be collected for laboratory testing.
Because hysteroscopy is minimally invasive, recovery is generally easier than recovery from traditional abdominal surgery. Our team will explain what to expect before the procedure, including any preparation, anesthesia or pain-control options, and aftercare.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and surrounding reproductive organs. It can provide valuable information about the uterus and uterine lining, but it does not provide the same direct view inside the uterine cavity.
Depending on your symptoms and previous test results, our team may use ultrasound and hysteroscopy together to better understand any abnormal bleeding.
Unexpected bleeding doesn’t always indicate a serious problem, but you shouldn’t ignore it. Keeping track of when bleeding occurs, how heavy it is, and whether you experience other symptoms can help our team determine which evaluations may be appropriate.
At Ideal Gynecology, LLC, our experienced women's health team provides comprehensive care for abnormal bleeding and other gynecologic concerns. We use current diagnostic techniques to help patients understand what’s happening and make informed decisions about their care.
If you’re experiencing persistent, heavy, irregular, or postmenopausal bleeding, contact us to schedule a consultation with the team at Ideal Gynecology, LLC, in Atlanta, Georgia. Getting the right evaluation can provide answers and find the right solution.
