Gynecology Tests & Procedures

A cervical biopsy is a procedure to remove tissue from the cervix to test for abnormal or precancerous conditions, or cervical cancer.

Your healthcare provider uses colposcopy to view the opening to the uterus, called the cervix, and the vagina. Your provider uses an instrument with a magnifying lens and a light, called a colposcope.

Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets the healthcare provider view the urinary tract, particularly the bladder, the urethra, and the openings to the ureters. Cystoscopy can help find problems with the urinary tract. This may include early signs of cancer, infection, narrowing, blockage, or bleeding.

Dilation and curettage or D&C is surgery to remove abnormal tissues in the uterus.

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to remove a thin layer of tissue (endometrium) that lines the uterus. It is done to stop or reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. But it is only done on women who do not plan to have any children in the future.

An endometrial biopsy is a procedure to take a small tissue sample from the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.

Laparoscopy uses a thin lighted tube that has a video camera. The tube is called a laparoscope. It is put into a tiny cut or incision in your belly. The video camera images can be seen on a computer screen.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a wire loop heated by electric current to remove cells and tissue in a woman’s lower genital tract. It is used as part of the diagnosis and treatment for abnormal or cancerous conditions.

For a Pap test, your healthcare provider will collect and examine cells from your cervix. The cervix is the opening to the uterus. They will do this test to screen for cervical cancer and other problems.

A pelvic ultrasound is a scan that looks at the organs and structures in your pelvic area. Read on to learn details about what to expect before, during, and after this scan.

Uterine artery embolization is a procedure to get rid of noncancerous tumors in the uterus (uterine fibroids). It doesn't use major surgery, so you may recover faster. You also may not need to stay in the hospital.

Hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus. Your healthcare provider may also remove one or both ovaries, and the fallopian tubes. In some cases, they may remove other parts of the reproductive system.

A robotic hysterectomy allows the surgeon to perform the procedure via a computer using laparoscopic tools to remove the uterus.