Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy looks directly inside the uterus, which no scan can do as accurately. It finds polyps, fibroids growing into the cavity, scarring and abnormal lining, and in many cases treats them during the same procedure.
- Direct view of the uterine cavity
- Polyps often removed at the same time
- Day-care, home the same day
- No abdominal incision
Stay
Day care
Duration
10 to 30 minutes
Anaesthesia
Local or general
About Hysteroscopy
A fine telescope is passed through the cervix, and the cavity gently distended with fluid so the lining can be seen. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can be done under local anaesthesia in many women. Where a polyp or fibroid needs removing, it is usually done under general anaesthesia in the same sitting, so there is one procedure rather than two.
- Sees the cavity directly, which ultrasound cannot do as accurately
- Polyps are usually removed during the same procedure
- No abdominal incision is involved
- Tissue is sent for testing where the lining is abnormal
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about hysteroscopy. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest hysteroscopy.
- Heavy periods not responding to medical treatment
- Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
- Polyps or thickened lining seen on ultrasound
- Recurrent miscarriage or difficulty conceiving
- Suspected scarring inside the uterus
- Retained tissue after miscarriage or delivery
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Preparation
Usually scheduled after your period. Pain relief is given beforehand for procedures done under local anaesthesia.
The procedure
A fine telescope is passed through the cervix and the cavity gently distended with fluid so the lining can be examined.
Treatment
Polyps or small fibroids can be removed through the hysteroscope, and a lining sample taken for testing.
Recovery
You rest for a short period and go home the same day, with cramping and light bleeding for a few days.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- The procedure is usually scheduled in the week after your period
- Take the pain relief you are given beforehand if having it under local anaesthesia
- Fasting is required if a general anaesthetic is planned
- Arrange somebody to take you home if having sedation or general anaesthesia
- Tell the team if there is any chance you could be pregnant
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Cramping like period pain for a day or two is normal
- Light bleeding or spotting for up to a week is expected
- Avoid tampons, swimming and intercourse for about a week
- Normal activity can usually resume the next day
- Report heavy bleeding, fever or offensive discharge
Why choose Humayun for hysteroscopy
The value of a hysteroscopy is treating the problem in the same sitting it is found.
- Diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy in the same sitting, so a polyp found is a polyp removed
- Local anaesthetic option for diagnostic procedures, avoiding a general anaesthetic
- Histopathology on site, so lining samples are reported quickly
- Day-care pathway with most women home within a few hours
Your Health Matters
Take the next step towards better healthcare.
Connect with our experienced specialists and find the right care for you and your family.
More in Gynaecology & Maternity
Normal Delivery
Vaginal birth supported by our obstetric team, with labour rooms and neonatal care on the same floor.
Caesarean Section
Surgical delivery performed in a modular theatre, planned in advance or carried out when labour needs it.
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Keyhole removal of the uterus through small incisions, usually with a shorter recovery than open surgery.
Antenatal Care
Scheduled checks through pregnancy that follow your health and the baby's growth, and catch problems before they are felt.
High-Risk Pregnancy Management
Closer monitoring and specialist input for pregnancies where mother or baby needs more attention than routine care provides.
Postnatal Care
Care for the mother after delivery, covering recovery, feeding, mood, contraception and the checks that prevent readmission.
Pregnancy Emergency Management
Urgent obstetric assessment for bleeding, pre-eclampsia, reduced movements, preterm labour and problems after delivery.
Adolescent Gynaecology
Care for girls and young women, covering periods, pain, delayed puberty and PCOS, in consultations built for that age.
Menstrual Disorder Management
Investigation and treatment of heavy, painful, irregular or absent periods, most of which are readily treatable.
Menopause Care
Assessment and treatment of menopausal symptoms, and attention to the bone and heart health that changes with it.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Keyhole examination of the pelvis and abdomen to find causes of pain and infertility that scans cannot show.
Operative Laparoscopy
Keyhole surgery to treat endometriosis, adhesions, ectopic pregnancy and other pelvic conditions.
Management of Fibroids
Treatment for fibroids causing heavy bleeding, pain or pressure, ranging from medication to keyhole removal.
Ovarian Cyst Surgery
Keyhole removal of ovarian cysts, preserving healthy ovarian tissue wherever possible.
Endometriosis Management
Diagnosis and long-term treatment of endometriosis, a common cause of severe period pain and infertility.