Hysteroscopy

Frequently Asked Questions Expand All

• What is hysteroscopy?

  Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose or treat problems of the uterus. A hysteroscope is a thin, lighted telescope-like device that is placed into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. The hysteroscope transmits the image of your uterus onto a screen. Other instruments are used along with the hysteroscope for treatment.

• Why is hysteroscopy done?

  One of the most common uses for hysteroscopy is to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Abnormal bleeding can mean that your menstrual periods are heavier or longer than usual, or happen less or more often than normal. Bleeding between menstrual periods is also abnormal (read Abnormal Uterine Bleeding).

  In some cases, abnormal bleeding may be caused by benign (not cancer) growths in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps.

  Hysteroscopy is also used in the following situations:

  • Remove adhesions caused by infection or past surgery

  • Diagnose the cause of recurrent pregnancy loss 

  • Find an intrauterine device (IUD)

• How is hysteroscopy done?

  Hysteroscopy can be done in a health care professional's office or at the hospital. It is scheduled when you are not having your menstrual period. 

  To make the procedure easier, your health care professional may dilate (open) your cervix before your hysteroscopy. This may be done using medication that is inserted into the cervix, or special dilators. 

  Before the procedure begins, you may be given a medication to help you relax, or a general or local anesthetic may be used to block the pain. If you have general anesthesia, you are not awake during the procedure.

  • First, a speculum is inserted into the vagina. 

  • The hysteroscope is then inserted and gently moved through the cervix into your uterus. 

  • Carbon dioxide gas or a fluid, such as saline (salt water), is put through the hysteroscope into your uterus to expand it. The gas or fluid helps your health care professional see the lining more clearly. The amount of fluid used is carefully checked throughout the procedure. 

  Your health care professional can see the lining of your uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes by looking through the hysteroscope. If you need a biopsy or other procedure, your health care professional uses small tools passed through the hysteroscope.

• What should I expect during recovery?

  You should be able to go home shortly after the procedure. If you had general anesthesia, you may need to wait until its effects have worn off.

  It is normal to have some mild cramping or a little bloody discharge for a few days after the procedure. You may be given medication to help ease the pain. If you have a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, call your health care professional right away.

  Talk with your health care professional about when you can get back to your normal activities at work or home. For most people, it is the next day. Make sure to ask about when you can have sex or use tampons.

• What are the risks of hysteroscopy?

  Hysteroscopy is a very safe procedure. But there is a small risk of problems. The uterus or cervix can be punctured by the hysteroscope, you may have bleeding, or extra fluid may build up in your system. In very rare cases, hysteroscopy can cause life-threatening problems. If a problem happens during the procedure, it is treated right away.

• Glossary

  Adhesions: Scars that can make tissue surfaces stick together.

  Anesthetic: A medication used to relieve pain.

  Biopsy: A minor surgical procedure to remove a small piece of tissue. This tissue is examined under a microscope in a laboratory.

  Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.

  Fallopian Tubes [fuh-LOH-pee-uhn]: Tubes through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.

  Fibroids: Growths that form in the muscle of the uterus. Fibroids usually are noncancerous. Also called leiomyomas.

  Intrauterine Device [in-truh-YOO-tuhr-ruhn] (IUD): A small device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy, lighten or stop periods, or reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

  Polyps [PAH-luhps]: Abnormal tissue growths that can develop on the inside of an organ. Polyps usually are not cancerous.

  Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: The loss of two or more pregnancies in a row.

  Speculum [SPEK-yuh-luhm]: An instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina, such as during a Pap test.

  Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus. Also called the womb.

  Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles. The vagina leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.