What is a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a small camera to look inside your uterus (also known as your womb). It is used to diagnose or treat problems with your uterus. It is a quick procedure lasting 10 to 30 minutes. You can have your hysteroscopy as an outpatient or an inpatient.

Knowing more about what happens during a hysteroscopy means that you can be better prepared.

Why is a hysteroscopy performed?

You might need a hysteroscopy to investigate problems such as:

• heavy or irregular periods
• abnormal bleeding
• fibroids
• polyps
• difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)
• difficulty staying pregnant (recurrent miscarriages)

You may need a hysteroscopy for treatment to remove:

• polyps or fibroids
• an intrauterine device (IUD)

How to prepare for a hysteroscopy

Leading up to your hysteroscopy you will prepare for it by:

• using contraception to avoid falling pregnant, as you cannot have a hysteroscopy if you are pregnant
• having blood tests to make sure there are no health issues preventing you from having a hysteroscopy
• taking a vaginal swab to check you do not have an infection

The day of your hysteroscopy you will prepare by:

• fasting — sometimes you will be asked to fast (not having anything to eat or drink) for at least 6 hours before your procedure
• your doctor will tell you if you should have your regular medicines the day of your procedure
• taking pain medicine — sometimes you will be asked to take pain relief medicines an hour before your hysteroscopy

Remember, you can ask your health team questions before agreeing to have the procedure and before the procedure itself.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

What happens during a hysteroscopy?

The following may happen during your hysteroscopy:

• Anaesthesia — the type of sedation you have depends on where and why you are having a hysteroscopy. You may be given a general anaesthetic or no anaesthetic — your doctor will recommend the best option for your situation.
• You will usually be asked to lie down and put your legs into stirrups (leg supports).
• A thin tube with a camera on the end is put into your vagina and passed through your cervix into your uterus.
• A small tissue sample from the uterus may be taken for testing (biopsy).
• Some conditions can be treated during the hysteroscopy procedure.

What to expect after a hysteroscopy

After your hysteroscopy you can expect the following:

• Immediately afterwards you will be monitored whilst your anaesthesia wears off and get pain relief medicines as you need them.
• Going home — you can usually go home after 2 to 4 hours and you must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Symptoms — most people may feel pain, cramping, bleeding or discomfort for a few days afterwards, similar to a regular period.
• Use sanitary pads and avoid tampons until after your next period to help prevent getting an infection.
• For 24 hours afterwards you should not drive, operate heavy machinery or do any heavy work or exercise.
• For 7 days afterwards avoid sexual intercourse to help prevent getting an infection.

What are the risks of hysteroscopy?

Even though hysteroscopy is usually a very safe procedure, there is a small chance you could have any of the following complications:

• excessive bleeding during or after the procedure
• infection inside your uterus — this can cause a high temperature, heavy bleeding and vaginal discharge
• tear of the wall of your uterus
• accidental damage to your cervix

When should I see my doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you have had a hysteroscopy and have any of the following symptoms:

• high temperature above 38℃
• severe pain in your lower abdomen
• heavy bleeding
• bad smelling vaginal discharge
• pain or burning when passing urine, or needing to go to the toilet a lot (this could be a sign of a urinary tract infection)

If you cannot see your doctor straightaway, go to the closest hospital emergency department to you.

To find your nearest hospital emergency department or after-hours medical service, use the healthdirect Service Finder tool.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Resources and support

• Visit The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website for more information about hysteroscopy.
• Learn how to find the right health professional for you.
• Learn about vulva and vagina health with The Royal Women’s Hospital factsheets: Your vulva and vagina webpage.