In-Office Procedures
IUD Insertion & Removal
What is an IUD?
An IUD is a long-term, reversible, effective method of birth control. An IUD is made from flexible plastic shaped like a “T” and is inserted inside your uterus.
Hormonal IUDs use progestin to prevent pregnancy. Progestin thickens your mucus, blocking the sperm from reaching an egg and sometimes even stopping eggs from leaving your ovaries. Copper IUDs repel sperm so they can’t reach an egg.
How long do IUDs prevent pregnancy?
When inserted by a professional, IUDs are 99% effective for 3-12 years, depending on the type you choose, and does not requires any maintenance.
If you will decide to get pregnant sooner than the IUD expires, it can simply be removed — even before its expiration — and you will able to get pregnant without delays.
Do IUDs offer protection against sexually transmitted disease?
No. Only male and female condoms offer some protection against sexually transmitted disease. If you’re sexually active with multiple partners or your partner has multiple partners, it is recommended that you use a condom as an additional form of protection in addition to your IUD.
Can IUDs provide emergency contraception?
If you’ve had unprotected sex and fear pregnancy, a copper IUD (ParaGard®) can be inserted within five days to prevent pregnancy. You can leave the copper IUD in place to stay protected from future unwanted pregnancies.
What is the process of getting an IUD?
During this procedure, your provider will insert the IUD through your vagina and into your uterus. You may experience some mild cramping or pain during insertion, but it its typically a short process and medicine helps alleviate discomfort.
IUDs may be inserted at any point during your menstrual cycle, and you can have sexual intercourse right after getting one. Most women feel fine and can resume their regular activities, but others may want to take it easy for a day due to dizziness and cramping. Some spotting can occur for a few months following insertion, but it usually resolves on its own.
You can check on your IUD by reaching into your cervix to detect a string about 1-2 inches long. Do not tug on the string or you risk dislodging your IUD.
Nexplanon / Implanon Removal
What is Nexplanon / Implanon ?
The Nexplanon implant is a long-term birth control method as it works as a contraceptive for a period of 3 years. After three years, the implant should be removed or replaced with a new one depending on whether one wishes to become pregnant or not.
Nexplanon is a newer version of the contraceptive implant – Implanon, which was discontinued in 2014 by its manufacturer. They are a long-term birth control option for women. It is radio-opaque i.e., can be seen on X-ray, which is helpful in locating the implant. This X-ray feature is possible due to the presence of barium sulfate present in a small amount in the implant.
How Does It Works ?
This contraceptive implant is a flexible plastic rod of about the size of a toothpick and placed under the skin of the upper arm. The slow and steady release of the dose of progestational hormone thickens the cervical mucus and the thin uterine lining called the endometrium. It subdues ovulation, the act of releasing the egg from the ovary. This procedure makes it tougher for the sperm to reach the uterus and difficult for the fertilized egg to attach itself to the uterus.
Etonogestrel Implant, the generic name for Nexplanon, provides contraception for a long period of three years. It becomes effective maximum within seven days of its implant.
Endometrial Biopsy
What is an Endometrial Biopsy ?
An endometrial biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small piece of tissue from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is removed for examination under a microscope. The removed tissue is examined for cancer or any other cell abnormalities.
Why is an endometrial biopsy done?
An endometrial biopsy is done to help your doctor find out the cause of problems leading to heavy or irregular bleeding. It is the most common test done to diagnose endometrial cancer. Though it is a simple office procedure, it needs to be performed by a provider who has experience in performing the test. The biopsy also lets your doctor check to see if your body's endometrial hormone levels are balanced.
Hysteroscopy, Dilation & Curettage
What is a hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that can be used to both diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. The procedure allows your provider to look inside your uterus with a hysteroscope. This is a thin, lighted tube that is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and inside of the uterus. Hysteroscopy can be a part of the diagnosis process or an operative procedure.
What is diagnostic hysteroscopy?
Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to diagnose problems of the uterus. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is also used to confirm results of other tests, such as hysterosalpingography (HSG). HSG is an X-ray dye test used to check the uterus and fallopian tubes. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can often be done in an office setting.
Additionally, hysteroscopy can be used with other procedures, such as laparoscopy, or before procedures such as Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In laparoscopy, your doctor will insert an endoscope (a slender tube fitted with a fiber optic camera) into your abdomen to view the outside of your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The endoscope is inserted through an incision made through or below your navel.
What is operative hysteroscopy?
Operative hysteroscopy is used to correct an abnormal condition that has been detected during a diagnostic hysteroscopy. If an abnormal condition was detected during the diagnostic hysteroscopy, an operative hysteroscopy can be performed at the same time, avoiding the need for a second surgery. During operative hysteroscopy, small instruments used to correct the condition are inserted through the hysteroscope.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
What is a Transvaginal Ultrasound?
“Transvaginal” means “through the vagina.”, therefore it is an internal examination.
It is an Ultrasound test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your internal organs. Imaging tests can identify abnormalities and help doctors diagnose conditions.
A Transvaginal Ultrasound, also called an Endovaginal Ultrasound, is a type of pelvic ultrasound used by doctors to examine female reproductive organs. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina.
Unlike a regular abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, where the ultrasound wand (transducer) rests on the outside of the pelvis, this procedure involves your doctor or a technician inserting an ultrasound probe about 2 or 3 inches into your vaginal canal.