If your gynaecologist just told you that you need a procedure or surgery in order to treat certain medical conditions, you shouldn’t panic because you are not alone. Millions of women each year experience uncertainty about the need for a gynaecological procedure or surgery. 

It is a good idea to learn about these gynaecological procedures before you need them. In this case, you will be one step ahead if your gynaecologist ever says that you need an additional assessment of a potential issue. However, as with all gynaecological procedures, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or even suspect pregnancy. 

It is clear that you may have concerns about any procedure that your gynaecologist recommends. Despite the fact that learning as much as possible is a good idea, it is also important to discuss all the available options with your doctor. In this article, we gathered the six most common gynaecological procedures and surgeries 

1. Cervical cryosurgery

Sometimes abnormal cells in your cervix can disappear without any treatment. If this doesn’t happen, your doctor may recommend cervical cryosurgery or cryotherapy, which is an effective gynaecological treatment that freezes part of the cervix. The goal of this procedure is to eliminate any abnormal cervical cells that can be precancerous. Such cells show changes that can lead to cancer. This condition is called cervical dysplasia that requires timely and proper treatment.

2. Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a non-surgical diagnostic procedure that is performed with the help of a colposcope. This procedure is usually performed in order to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva if a woman has an abnormal Pap test. If your gynaecologist discovers an area of ​​unusual cells, he or she can take a sample and send it to the lab for additional testing.

3. Dilation and curettage 

Dilation and curettage (usually called D&C) are one of the most common gynaecological procedures. During this procedure, the doctor removes the uterine mucosa using suction or a curette (surgical instrument). The procedure can help diagnose certain uterine conditions like uterine cancer or polyps, as well as such precancerous conditions as endometrial hyperplasia. This procedure can be also recommended as an option to remove uterine fibroids, molar pregnancy, or placenta that stuck in the uterus after childbirth and may cause excessive bleeding.

4. Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a non-surgical that can be used by a gynaecologist in order to diagnose or treat uterine certain uterine conditions. It helps to remove adhesions, distinguish the location of an intrauterine device, or determine the cause of repeated miscarriage. During the hysteroscopy, the healthcare provider uses a hysteroscope, which is a thin, lighted, telescope-like instrument that is inserted into your uterus through the vagina and sends images of your uterus to the screen. 

5. LEEP procedure

If your PAP test indicates abnormal cells that appear on the surface of your cervix, your gynaecologist may recommend performing the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). During the procedure, he or she will use an electrically charged thin wire loop to cut off the tissue with abnormal cells.

6. Pelvic laparoscopy

Pelvic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that is usually performed under general anaesthesia, but it can be performed with other types of anaesthesia that allow the patient to stay awake. A typical pelvic laparoscopy means that the doctor makes a small (1/2 to 3/4 inch) incision in the navel or lower abdominal area. Then carbon dioxide is pumped into the abdomen to make it easier for the surgeon to see your organs. Depending on your condition, he or she can also take tissue samples, remove scar tissue, reconstruct the uterus or remove the ovaries.