A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the womb (uterus).
It is carried out using a hysteroscope, which is a narrow telescope with a light and
camera at the end. Images are sent to a monitor so your doctor or specialist nurse can
see inside your womb.
The hysteroscope is passed into your womb through your vagina and cervix (entrance
to the womb), which means no cuts need to be made in your skin. A hysteroscopy can
be used to investigate symptoms such as heavy periods, unusual vaginal bleeding,
postmenopausal bleeding, pelvic pain, repeated miscarriages, or difficulty getting
pregnant.
It can also be used to diagnose conditions such as fibroids and polyps (non-cancerous
growths in the womb), and treat conditions such as removing fibroids, polyps, displaced
intrauterine devices (IUDs), and intrauterine adhesions (scar tissue that causes absent
periods and reduced fertility).
A procedure called dilatation and curettage (D&C) used to be common to examine the
womb and remove abnormal growths, but now hysteroscopies are carried out instead.
What Happens During a Hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is usually carried out on an outpatient or day-case basis. This means
you do not have to stay in the hospital overnight.
It may not be necessary to use anesthetic for the procedure, although local anesthetic
(where medication is used to numb your cervix) is sometimes used.
General anesthetics may be used if you are having treatment during the procedure or
you would prefer to be asleep while it is carried out.
A hysteroscopy can take up to 30 minutes in total, although it may only last around 5-10
minutes if it is just being done to diagnose a condition or investigate symptoms.
Is a Hysteroscopy Painful?
This seems to vary considerably between women. Some women feel no or only mild
pain during a hysteroscopy, but for others the pain can be severe.
If you find it too uncomfortable, tell the doctor or nurse. They can stop the procedure at
any time. If you are worried, speak to the doctor or nurse before having the procedure
about what to expect and ask them about pain relief options.