Hysteroscopy procedure

A diagnostic hysteroscopy is for the purpose of visualising the inside of the uterus in order to learn more about your uterine health and provide an accurate diagnosis.

An operative hysteroscopy is for the purpose of correcting or treating uterine conditions, for example, removal of fibroids.

Prior to a diagnostic hysteroscopy, you can eat and drink as usual.

Prior to an operative hysteroscopy, if you opt for sedation, you may need to refrain from eating and drinking.

After undressing and lying down on the gynaecology bed with your feet in stirrups, a speculum will be inserted into the vagina.

The cervix will be cleaned with antiseptic and the consultant will carefully inject local anaesthesia into the cervix using a very fine needle. This may feel uncomfortable but the pain associated with this is less than an injection at the dentist.

If necessary, the cervix may be dilated to allow the small (4mm circumference) LiNA hysteroscope into the uterus from the vagina. You may feel some cramping at this stage.

A liquid saline solution is then introduced to allow your consultant better visibility of the uterus. Your consultant will then be able to examine the uterus, and treat most conditions on the spot.

The procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Our choice of hysteroscope (LiNA Operascope) is smaller than most others, minimising the pain and discomfort during the procedure.

You can expect some discomfort during injection of local anaesthesia, though this is comparable to the pain of a dental injection.

During the procedure you may experience moderate period pain which is caused by the saline solution expanding the uterus.

After the procedure you may experience cramps in the lower abdomen, but this should only last around 30 minutes.

As with any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications. However, as the hysteroscopy is performed under direct vision, hysteroscopy is considered very safe. Complications, such as perforation, occur in less than 1% of procedures.

After the procedure you may experience cramps in the lower abdomen, but this should only last around 30 minutes.

You will spend around 30 minutes after the procedure in the waiting room under observation.

Getting home

30 minutes after the procedure you can travel home in private transport.

However, if you opted for sedation, you will need someone to accompany you home and you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours.

What to expect

After hysteroscopy, you can expect spotting and cramping for a few days after the procedure. Take over-the-counter painkillers if needed.

What to avoid

Avoid intercourse to prevent infection. You will need to avoid using tampons and opt for sanctuary towels for any bleeding.

Getting back to normal activities

If your hysteroscopy was diagnostic, you can return to work the following day.

If your hysteroscopy was operative, you might need to take a few days off before returning to your normal activities.

Complications

If you experience fever, severe pain, discharge or heavy bleeding following the procedure, you should attend your nearest A&E right away.

If your hysteroscopy involves a biopsy, the sample will be sent directly to the laboratory. Results take around 7 days to come back to us. Once we have these, we will send them to you via email.