Do I need any tests if I have heavy periods (cont'd)?

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An ultrasound scan of the uterus. This scan is a safe and painless test which uses sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside your body. The probe of the scanner may be placed on your abdomen to scan the uterus. A small probe is also commonly placed inside the vagina to scan the uterus from this angle. An ultrasound scan can usually detect fibroids, polyps or other changes in the structure of the uterus.
Endometrial sampling. This is where a thin tube is passed into the uterus. Gentle suction is used to obtain small samples (biopsies) of the uterine lining (endometrium). This can often be done without an anaesthetic. The samples are looked at under the microscope for abnormalities.
Hysteroscopy. This is where a doctor can look inside the uterus. This is done by passing a thin 'telescope' into the uterus through the cervix via the vagina. This too can often be done without an anaesthetic. Small samples can also be taken during this test.
D and C (dilation and curettage). This test is done much less commonly thesedays as the above tests are usually sufficient. It involves the cervix being dilated (widened), and then an instrument called a curette is inserted into the uterus to scrape samples of tissue from the endometrium. You need a general anaesthetic for a D and C.

Keeping a menstrual diary

It may be worth keeping a diary for a few periods (before and after any treatment). It means making a daily record during each period. Your doctor may give you a chart which you can fill in. Basically you record the number of sanitary towels or tampons that you need each day, and the number of days of bleeding. Also, note if you have any flooding or interruption of normal activities. An example of a chart is in another leaflet called 'Period Blood Loss Chart.'

A diary is useful for both patient and doctor to see:

How bad symptoms are, and whether treatment is needed.
If treatment is started, to assess if it is helping. Some treatments take a few menstrual cycles to work fully. If you keep a diary it helps you to remember exactly how things are going.