Hysteroscopy/ D&C/Endometrial Ablation in Los Angeles & Orange County, CA
Abnormal periods can be heavy, prolonged, or frequent, which can lead to severe symptoms of pelvic pain, cramping, anemia, fatigue or general discomfort throughout the menstrual cycle. These symptoms can significantly impact your daily activities, work, relationships, and overall quality of life. These unpredictable periods can be frustrating and distressing.
At AllSafe Medical Group, we use advanced procedures to manage menstrual symptoms. Oftentimes, these procedures do not require any incisions. With the use of narrow instruments introduced through the vagina, our expert doctors can explore the uterine cavity, obtain samples, and remove fibroids and polyps, without major surgery. An ablative procedure can also be performed by this method to “burn the lining” and minimize the recurrence of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Let’s discuss minimally invasive uterus-sparing techniques, their benefits over hysterectomy surgery, and how they can provide lasting relief from disruptive menstrual problems. We encourage you to reach out for a personalized consultation, where we ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your treatment options.
What Conditions Can Cause Abnormal Uterine Bleeding or Pelvic Pain?
Many gynecological issues can trigger troublesome uterine symptoms.
Heavy, Irregular Periods
- Endometrial hyperplasia: Overgrowth of uterine lining
- Uterine polyps/fibroids: Benign overgrowths
- Adenomyosis: Uterine tissue growing into muscular wall
- Hormonal imbalance: Thyroid disorders, menopause, etc.
Pelvic Pain/Cramps
- Uterine polyps/fibroids putting pressure on uterine muscle
- Ovarian cysts or masses
- Uterine tissue growing outside the uterus
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pelvic adhesions/scarring from infection, surgery, etc.
- Muscle tension exacerbating menstrual cramps
Our minimally invasive uterine procedures can obtain samples to diagnose many conditions through guided inspection. By removing polyps/fibroids or destroying problematic lining, we also often relieve associated heavy bleeding or pelvic pain without major surgery.
Why Consider Minimally Invasive Uterine Procedures?
For troublesome uterine symptoms, our surgeons may recommend hysteroscopy, D&C or endometrial ablation rather than traditional open gynecologic operations which require lengthy hospitalization and recovery times rife with risks. Our methods offer the following advantages.
- Outpatient setting: No extensive hospital stay needed
- Less pain and scarring: Small incisions mean less trauma
- Quicker recovery: Resume normal activities faster
- Lower costs and risks: Avoid major surgery’s complications
- Uterus preserved: No removal needed for many conditions
- Lasting relief: For many, symptoms remain controlled long-term
Our Experts’ Uterus-Sparing Gynecology Procedures
- Hysteroscopy: We insert a tiny, illuminated camera called a hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix, providing a video view inside the uterine cavity to pinpoint issues. Operative hysteroscopic versions with miniaturized surgical tools can also remove fibroids and polyps.
- Dilatation and curettage: A D&C procedure opens the cervix and scrapes or suctions the uterine lining to obtain samples for biopsy or remove abnormal tissues causing heavy periods.
- Endometrial ablation: Specialized devices destroy the entire uterine lining to permanently stop excessive bleeding. This technique is best for small non-cancerous fibroids/polyps only. Various ablation devices deploy heat, microwave energy, heated saline, or other means.
Recovering After Minimally Invasive Uterine Procedures
Patients can usually go home the same day following their outpatient uterine procedure at AllSafe Medical Group. Mild cramping, light bleeding and vaginal discharge may occur during the one-week healing process.
Our caring team carefully monitors patient progress, provides post-care instructions, and schedules follow-ups to ensure our patients feel supported throughout recuperation. We remain available to personally address any concerns.
Am I a Candidate? Risks and Considerations
Women experiencing disruptive uterine bleeding or debilitating pelvic pain may be candidates for our minimally invasive uterine techniques. We determine eligibility through comprehensive pelvic exams, ultrasounds, bloodwork, and assessment of contributing factors.
While usually safe, all procedures have risks like infection or organ injury. Endometrial ablation may not be suitable if you’re hoping to become pregnant. We thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks of each option to determine the optimal, personalized treatment plan for your needs and preferences.
Long-Term Outlook After Minimally Invasive Gynecology Procedures
Most women experience sustained control of abnormal uterine bleeding or debilitating pelvic pain after minimally invasive ablation, polyp/fibroid removal, or other uterine-sparing procedures at AllSafe Medical Group. You may eventually require additional treatment if new gynecological issues emerge. We tailor long-term management plans with proper follow-up care to each patient for lasting relief.
Uterine Health Specialists Serving Los Angeles County and Orange County
If you suffer from heavy periods, painful fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, or other disruptive uterine/gynecological conditions, the compassionate team at AllSafe Medical Group can diagnose the root cause and craft an individualized minimally invasive treatment plan catered to your unique needs. Contact us to schedule your personalized consultation today.
Hysteroscopy FAQs
A diagnostic hysteroscopy allows our seasoned medical experts to examine your uterus for polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, or other abnormalities that may cause irregular or heavy periods, unexplained infertility, postmenopausal bleeding, or recurrent miscarriages. This procedure can confirm findings from other tests like ultrasounds or X-rays.
In comparison, an operative hysteroscopy can remove fibroids, polyps, or adhesions, or correct uterine health abnormalities.
Often, our doctors perform diagnostic and operative hysteroscopies in the same session to save time and avoid doing multiple procedures.
That depends on the complexity of the procedure. Minimally invasive gynecology, such as an endometrial biopsy, may not require anesthesia. However, if one of our AllSafe Medical Group doctors needs to perform excision or ablation to remove scar tissue, fibroids, polyps, or adhesions, they may recommend sedation or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Cancerous uterine polyps may cause irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, postmenopausal bleeding, or pelvic pain. While most uterine polyps are benign, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to check for abnormal or precancerous cells. Early detection is essential for maintaining your uterine health and preventing the progression of malignant conditions. If necessary, AllSafe Medical Group’s doctors can remove polyps during a hysteroscopy to prevent further complications.
While removing uterine polyps does not directly lead to weight loss, some women experience reduced bloating, improved hormone balance, and relief from symptoms like heavy bleeding or water retention. If polyps contribute to an underlying hormonal imbalance, removing them may regulate your metabolism. Additionally, having a dilation and curettage performed alongside a hysteroscopy can reset your menstrual cycle, leading to better hormonal regulation.
Insurance coverage for a D&C procedure, hysteroscopy, or other gynecological surgery depends on whether your procedure is medically necessary. Most providers will cover hysteroscopy performed to investigate abnormal bleeding, remove growths, or evaluate infertility. However, they may not agree to pay for elective procedures, such as those performed solely for fertility enhancement without a medical diagnosis.
A simple diagnostic procedure where a provider inserts a thin camera into your uterus usually takes about five to 10 minutes. A hysteroscopy can last up to a half-hour if it involves additional steps like removing polyps or fibroids.
Yes, it is safe to have a bowel movement after a uterine procedure like hysteroscopy. However, some women experience mild bloating, cramping, or constipation due to the anesthesia or pain medication used during the procedure. Drink plenty of water, eat fiber-rich foods, and take a mild stool softener if necessary to ease digestion and avoid discomfort.
Gynecological surgery can be a solution if you have previously struggled to conceive, particularly if the procedure removes polyps, fibroids, or adhesions that could prevent implantation. A hysteroscopy can improve your fertility by creating a healthier environment for embryo attachment. Some doctors even recommend getting a hysteroscopy before assisted reproductive treatments like IVF.
Cervical dilation is often necessary for a hysteroscopy, especially an operative hysteroscopy. Dilation allows the hysteroscope to pass into the uterus without resistance. In some cases, your AllSafe Medical Group doctor may give you medication to soften and prepare your cervix before this procedure.
There is no medical requirement to shave or wax your pubic area before undergoing a gynecological procedure. In some cases, hair removal may lead to uncomfortable irritation or ingrown hairs.