hysteroscopy

What is a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a method a looking inside the womb using a tiny camera and telescope.

Most women are seen because of abnormal bleeding. This can occur before or after the menopause.

What will happen?

You will be seen by the nurse and doctor. You will be asked some questions about what the problem is. The procedure will be explained to you. Most women will be asked to provide a sample of urine and we will test this to ensure that you are not pregnant.

You will be taken into the hysteroscopy room, and asked to remove your clothes below the waist.

You will lie down on an examination couch. You will rest your legs on two supports, slightly apart so that the doctor can examine you vaginally.

The vagina is cleaned gently, and a speculum put into the vagina. This is the same instrument used when you have a smear test.

The telescope is then passed through the cervix. The doctor looks on a television screen when the telescope is inside the womb. If you wish to look the doctor can explain the procedure to you, but you do not have to look!

Is it painful?

Sometimes women have crampy pains like period pains during the procedure, and sometimes for a short time afterwards.

Will I bleed afterwards?

Sometimes you will have some bleeding afterwards, but this should be slight and only last a few hours. Some women will have a discharge for a few days. Some women will have spotting for longer. You must not use tampons during the bleeding or discharge, but use pads.

How long does it last?

The procedure lasts only a few seconds. If there is some bleeding it takes a little longer.

Is anything else done?

We usually take a little sample from the lining of the womb at the end of the procedure, which will not be painful.

Can I have the procedure when I am having a period?

If you are at the end or at the beginning of your period and it is light, we can still do the hysteroscopy. If you are bleeding heavily we will not be able to see with the little telescope in out-patients. Please phone us and we will then give you a different date. If this is difficult because you are continuously bleeding it might be better to see the doctor and he will discuss management further.

Can I drive?

We would recommend that you came with someone and you do not drive for 48hours. We recommend that you take it easy for at least the rest of the day.

Can I have sex afterwards?

You should not have sex for two weeks after the procedure.

Are there any complications?

There is a small risk of infection with this procedure. If you find you have an increase in temperature, pain, offensive vaginal discharge or heavy bleeding, you should contact your GP or the hysteroscopy clinic. There is a very small risk of the instrument perforating the wall of the womb (making a tiny hole). This should heal itself but is also usually treated with antibiotics.

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