What is a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure to look at the inside of your uterus (womb) using a small telescope (hysteroscope). It is common for a biopsy (removing small pieces of tissue from the lining of your womb) to be performed at the same time.
What are the benefits of a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy will help to find out if you have one of the following conditions.
- Fibroids, where the muscle of your womb becomes overgrown.
- Polyps.
- Endometrial cancer.
- Abnormally-shaped womb.
Are there any alternatives to a hysteroscopy?
It may be appropriate to try to find the cause of your symptoms using a scan and by performing a biopsy using a small tube placed across your cervix (neck of your womb).
Your gynaecologist may recommend a sono-ultrasound (also called sono-hysterogram) where an ultrasound probe is placed in your vagina and your womb is filled with a saline solution.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic, or without any anaesthetic, and usually takes less than 10 minutes. Your gynaecologist may examine your vagina. They will pass the hysteroscope through your vagina, across your cervix and into your womb.
Your gynaecologist will inflate your womb using gas (carbon dioxide) or a fluid, so they can have a clear view. They can use instruments to perform a biopsy or remove polyps and small fibroids.
How soon will I recover?
The healthcare team will tell you what was found during the hysteroscopy and discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.
You should be able to go home the same day.
You should be able to return to normal activities the next day. You may get some cramps and mild bleeding similar to a period.
Regular exercise should improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
What complications can happen?
Some of these can be serious and can even cause death.
- Pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clot in your leg
- Blood clot in your lung
- Making a hole in your womb with possible damage to a nearby structure
- Failed procedure
