Hysteroscopy
What is a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a clinical procedure that allows the specialist to view the cervix, the inside of the uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes to study the functions and shape of the endometrium. There are two types of hysteroscopy:
- Ambulatory, or in-clinic, to diagnose and treat uterine pathologies without surgical intervention.
- Diagnostic: a hysteroscope (a lighted tube) is inserted into the cervix to view the inside of the uterus. If samples are also taken, or if endometrial formations are resected or surgery is performed, it is known as a surgical hysteroscopy.
Why is a hysteroscopy performed?
A hysteroscopy is performed in the following cases:
- Irregular menstruation or metrorrhagia
- To perform sterility or infertility studies, recurrent miscarriages
- To diagnose changes in the shape of the inside of the uterus, such as polyps, fibroids or hyperplasia, as well as to detect foreign bodies or traces of placenta
- To study and control malformations of the uterus
- To block the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy
- To remove an IUD
- To perform a biopsy
What does a hysteroscopy involve?
The patient lies down and is placed in the gynaecological examination position. An instrument is inserted into the vagina to widen it (a speculum), and the vagina and the inside of the uterus is cleaned using an iodine solution. The cervix is then held in place with a clamp. The specialist adapts the hysteroscope to the size of the vaginal canal and slowly inserts it. The hysteroscope is a lighted tube connected to a video camera and a screen. In some cases, gas or fluid may be introduced into the uterus to expand it so that the inside of the uterine cavity can be seen better. Local anaesthetic may be applied to the cervix, if necessary. To remove abnormal growths or tissue for testing, tools may be placed inside the hysteroscope.
Preparing for a hysteroscopy:
Prior to a hysteroscopy, the specialist may prescribe medication that opens the cervix, which should be taken 8 to 12 hours before the procedure. It is important that you tell your doctor about any medication you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, or dietary supplements, and also if you have health problems, if you are pregnant, or if you smoke. On the day of the surgical hysteroscopy, you should not eat or drink anything in the hours prior to the procedure, and the indicated medication should be taken only with a small amount of water.
Post-treatment care:
You can return home on the day of the procedure; hospital admission is necessary only in a few cases. You will be able to return to normal daily life within two days of the procedure, but it is very important to abstain from sex until the specialist tells you that you are well enough to do so. You might experience menstrual-like cramps and some slight vaginal bleeding for a couple of days afterwards. For cramps, ask your specialist if you can take pain medicine. During the following few weeks, you may notice some watery discharge.


What to expect during and just after a hysteroscopy
By Mr Andrew (Ted) Baxter
2022-08-13
Your gynaecologist may need to perform hysteroscopy in order to have an up-close view of your uterus and cervix to look for any abnormalities. One of our specialists Mr Andrew Baxter explains everything that you need to know during and just after the procedure. See more


Asherman’s syndrome: essential facts
By Mr Mahantesh Karoshi
2022-08-13
Asherman's syndrome is a condition where adhesions (scar tissue) form inside the uterus. Mr Mahantesh Karoshi highlights the essential facts to give you a basic understanding of the condition. See more


Hysteroscopy: pain relief, postoperative bleeding and periods
By Dr Marina Fernando
2022-08-13
Dr Marina Fernando shares her expertise with you on hysteroscopy. She highlights your options for pain relief and explains how much bleeding is normal. See more


Should you have your uterine fibroids surgically removed?
By Mr Mahantesh Karoshi
2022-08-12
Uterine fibroids are a common concern in women of fertile age. They can cause multiple bleeding and pain-related symptoms as well as harm different aspects of a woman’s life. Mr Mahantesh Karoshi provides a guide to help you decide if the surgical removal of fibroids is right for you. See more
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Mr Adrian Lower
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Infertility
- Infertility
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Laparoscopy
- Hysteroscopy
- Fibroids
-
Ms Premila Thampi
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Fibroids
- Pelvic pain
- Ovarian cyst
- Laparoscopy
- Hysteroscopy
- Hysterectomy
-
Mr Stewart Disu
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Pelvic pain
- Laparoscopy
- Hysteroscopy
- Colposcopy
-
Mr Christian Barnick
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Antenatal care
- Caesarean
-
Mr Gerald Hackett
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Menstrual disorders
- Fibroids
- Menopause
- Pelvic pain
- Ovarian cyst
- Hysteroscopy
- See all

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Oak Tree Clinic
2A, Oak Tree Court Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff, CF23 8RS, CardiffExpert in:
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ObGyn Matters London
The Portland Hospital, 212 Great Portland Street, W1W 5QN, Central LondonExpert in:
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The Manor Hospital, Nuffield Health Oxford, Beech Rd, OxfordExpert in:
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