Hysteroscopy in Goa: what it is, why it is done and what to expect
A hysteroscopy is a look inside the womb with a thin telescope passed through the vagina and the cervix, with no cut on the tummy. Hysteroscopy in Goa at Pai Hospital, Vasco-da-Gama, helps find the cause of abnormal bleeding or difficulty conceiving, and a polyp or scar tissue can often be treated in the same sitting.
What is a hysteroscopy?
"Hystero" means the womb (uterus) and "scopy" means looking. A hysteroscope is a thin telescope with a camera. It is passed gently through the vagina and the cervix, the same natural passage that a period comes through, into the cavity of the womb. A clear fluid opens the cavity a little, so that the lining, the openings of the fallopian tubes and anything that should not be there can be seen on a screen.
Because the telescope uses the natural passage, there is no cut on the tummy and no stitches. That is the main difference from keyhole surgery, explained further down this page.
Why is a hysteroscopy done?
A scan shows the womb from outside; a hysteroscopy shows the cavity directly. The doctor may suggest one for:
- heavy, long or irregular periods, or bleeding between periods (read about heavy periods treatment in Goa);
- bleeding after the menopause, which should always be checked;
- a polyp, or a fibroid bulging into the cavity, seen on a scan;
- a wall (septum) dividing the cavity, or scar tissue inside the womb;
- a Copper-T or other coil whose threads cannot be found;
- difficulty getting pregnant, or repeated miscarriages, when the cavity needs checking.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy and operative hysteroscopy
A diagnostic hysteroscopy only looks. The doctor sees the lining and the shape of the cavity, and may take a small sample of the lining for testing.
An operative hysteroscopy also treats what is found, with fine instruments passed through the telescope: for example, to remove a polyp, to divide a septum or scar tissue, or to remove a fibroid that sits inside the cavity. Often the two are done in the same sitting, so a problem that is found can be treated without a second procedure.
Hysteroscopic polyp removal and fibroids inside the womb
A polyp is a soft growth of the lining. It can cause irregular bleeding or spotting, and it can get in the way of a pregnancy. Most polyps can be removed during a hysteroscopy, through the telescope, and the tissue is sent for testing.
A fibroid that bulges into the cavity can be shaved away from inside (hysteroscopic myomectomy); a larger one may need more than one sitting. Fibroids in the wall or on the outside of the womb are not reached this way: read about myomectomy in Goa, the operation that removes fibroids and keeps the womb.
Hysteroscopy for infertility
For a couple who are trying for a baby, the inside of the womb has to be ready to receive a pregnancy. A polyp, a septum or scar tissue in the cavity can stand in the way, and a hysteroscopy can find and often treat them in one sitting. It may be suggested after repeated miscarriages, or when embryo transfers have not worked; read about recurrent miscarriage. Whether you need one is decided after your first tests, not as a routine.
What happens on the day?
- Timing. It is usually planned soon after your period has finished, when the lining is thin and easier to see. Tell the team beforehand if there is any chance you could be pregnant.
- Anaesthesia. It is planned for you, depending on what is being done. Read about anaesthesia for gynaecological surgery.
- The procedure. No cut is made. The telescope goes in through the natural passage, and fluid gently opens the cavity so that the lining can be seen. It usually takes a short time.
- Going home. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is usually day-care, with no overnight stay, once you are comfortable.
What will I feel afterwards?
Mild period-like cramps and light bleeding or a watery discharge for a few days are common. Most women are back to their normal routine within a day or two. Call the hospital if you have heavy bleeding, fever, a bad-smelling discharge or pain that is getting worse instead of better. The hospital is open 24 hours for gynaecology emergencies.
Is a hysteroscopy the same as keyhole surgery?
No. Laparoscopic surgery in Goa makes small cuts on the tummy and looks at the womb, tubes and ovaries from outside. A hysteroscopy makes no cut and looks inside the womb. When both are needed, for example in some fertility work-ups, they can be done together, in one anaesthetic.
What does a hysteroscopy cost?
The fee depends on whether the hysteroscopy is diagnostic or operative and on what is treated. It is explained at the consultation, before the procedure is booked.
Who does the hysteroscopy?
This guide is by the Pai Hospital Team. Hysteroscopy in Goa at Pai Hospital is done at the hospital in Vaddem, Vasco-da-Gama, by our consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (MBBS, MS OBG), in the hospital's own operation theatre. Call or WhatsApp us, and send any scan reports you already have.
Your questions
Does a hysteroscopy need a cut?
No. The telescope goes in through the vagina and the cervix, the natural passage, so there is no cut on the tummy and no stitches.
Does a hysteroscopy hurt?
Most women feel cramps like period pain during or after it. The anaesthesia is planned so that you are comfortable, and the cramps usually settle within a day or two.
Can I go home the same day?
Diagnostic hysteroscopy is usually day-care, with no overnight stay. You are told beforehand if your procedure needs a longer stay.
When in my cycle is a hysteroscopy done?
Usually soon after your period has finished, when the lining is thin and easier to see. The doctor gives you the date.
Is hysteroscopy covered by DDSSY?
Pai Hospital is registered under the Goa government's Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) for diagnostic hysteroscopy, among other gynaecological procedures. Bring your health card and confirm your own eligibility.
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This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.