Home

Tests and Procedures

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a way of looking at the cervix through a special magnifying device called a colposcope. It shines a light onto the vagina and cervix. A colposcope can enlarge the normal view by 2-60 times. This exam allows the doctor to find problems that cannot be seen by the eye alone.

Colposcopy is done when a Pap test result shows abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.

Dilation and Curettage

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure used to diagnose or treat many conditions that cause abnormal bleeding from the uterus. It also can be used to help detect cancer of the uterus.

Endometrial Ablation

The lining of the uterus-the endometrium-is shed by bleeding each month during menstruation. Some women have heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than normal. For them, endometrial ablation may be a good treatment option. This procedure treats the lining of the uterus to control or stop bleeding.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy-removal of the uterus-is a way of treating problems that affect the uterus. Many conditions can be cured with hysterectomy. Because it is major surgery, your doctor may suggest trying other treatments first. For conditions that have not responded to other treatments, a hysterectomy may be the best choice. It depends on the effect of the condition and the surgery on your life.

Hysterosalpingography

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a procedure used to diagnose certain problems of the uterus and fallopian tubes. HSG most often is used to see if a woman's tubes are partly or fully blocked. Blocked tubes are a common cause of infertility. HSG also is used to help find the cause of repeated pregnancy loss.

Why Is HSG Done?

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a technique used to look inside the uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin, telescope-like device that is placed into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. It may help a doctor diagnose or treat a uterine problem.

What Is Hysteroscopy?

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

To treat certain problems of the uterus, your doctor may suggest a procedure called laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). LAVH combines laparoscopy and hysterectomy. Laparoscopy is used to look into the abdomen at the reproductive organs. Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a type of surgery. It is used to detect and treat many health problems. Over the past 20 years, laparoscopy has become fairly common. It often can be performed as an out-patient procedure. Most patients recover from laparoscopic surgery within days.

What Is Laparoscopy?

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure

If you have an abnormal Pap test result, your doctor may suggest that you have a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) as part of the evaluation or for treatment. LEEP is used to remove the area containing abnormal cells from your cervix.

Mammography

Mammography is an X-ray technique used to study the breasts. It can help doctors find breast cancer at an early stage (when treatment is more likely to succeed). About 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer during their lives. Most cases of breast cancer occur in women who are past menopause. By age 40 years, mammography should be a regular part of your health care.