Diagnostic & operative
Hysteroscopy
A short procedure that lets us look directly inside the womb using a slim camera. No cuts are needed. Available in clinic under local anaesthetic, or at hospital under general anaesthetic for more involved cases.
- In clinic
- 5–30 minutes
- Local anaesthetic (or general anaesthetic for selected cases)
Overview
About this procedure.
Hysteroscopy is the gold-standard way to look inside the womb. The slim, flexible camera passes naturally through the cervix, and modern instruments mean many small problems (a polyp, a stuck coil) can be sorted at the same appointment.
Preparing for your appointment: take paracetamol or ibuprofen one to two hours before, eat and drink normally unless told otherwise, and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Contact the clinic if afterwards you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, smelly discharge or are passing large clots.
Setting
In clinic
Duration
5–30 minutes
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic (or general anaesthetic for selected cases)
Indications
What it's for.
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Heavy or irregular bleeding
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Bleeding after the menopause
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Pelvic pain
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Repeated miscarriages
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Difficulty getting pregnant
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Investigating or removing fibroids, polyps or a misplaced IUD
On the day
How it's done.
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A thin camera (hysteroscope) is passed through the vagina and cervix into the womb
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Sterile fluid is used to gently open the womb cavity so it can be seen clearly
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Some patients feel period-like cramping during the procedure
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Small treatments (such as a polyp or biopsy) can often be done at the same time
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The procedure can be stopped at any point if you find it too uncomfortable
Recovery
After your procedure.
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Most patients go home the same day
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Light cramping and spotting for a few days is normal
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Use sanitary pads (not tampons) until your next period
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Avoid intercourse for one week or until any bleeding has settled
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Most patients are back to normal activities the next day
Benefits
Why this approach.
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No external cuts or scars
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Often diagnostic and therapeutic in one visit
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Avoids a general anaesthetic for most patients
Risks
What to be aware of.
- Cramping pain during and shortly after the procedure
- Light bleeding
- Infection (uncommon)
- Perforation of the womb (rare)
Related conditions
Often seen alongside.