1. What is a Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is visualisation of the uterine cavity (womb) is a test carried out to see if there is any problem inside the womb.

2. Who needs it

• Women having difficulty in getting pregnant
• Women having difficulty in continuing their pregnancy (miscarriages).
• Women who has repeated miscarriages
• Women who need assessing or removing scar, septum, polyp or fibroid, which can be diagnosed on the scan or 3D Scan more precisely.
• Women with abnormal or irregular bleeding
• Diagnostic Hysteroscopy has become an essential part of the infertility evaluation. Operative hysteroscopy involves treating any of the above-mentioned problems i.e. scar, septum, polyp or fibroid.

3. What happens during Hysteroscopy?

This procedure is done under anaesthesia and women are advised to admit an hour before the surgery. Procedure altogether takes about 30-45 minutes. A very small telescope (called a Hysteroscope) is introduced through the opening of the cervix into the womb. The inside of the uterus (known as uterine cavity) is expanded with sterile normal saline. A picture of the inside of the womb will be seen on the TV screen which is connected to the camera.
Sometimes a small sample of the lining of the womb is taken to be sent for biopsy for further examination under the microscope. If adhesions (scar tissue) or a septum, a small polyp (benign lump) or fibroid are present, they can be removed at the same time.

4. Are there any side-effects or complications?

The complications of such simple test are very rare. Occasionally the test may cause infection in the womb and/or in the tubes. To prevent this, antibiotics are commenced before the procedure. There can be pain for which pain killers are advised. Very rarely, the instrument might go through the wall of the womb causing perforation. In this case you may be advised to stay in the hospital for a day and take antibiotics for the following 7 days.

In case of excess bleeding, unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge, contact hospital for further instructions.

5. When do I get the results?

Most of the time, findings will be explained soon after the operation. However, if a sample of the lining of the womb is taken (biopsy), or a polyp is removed, results will be discussed at the follow up appointment. Next steps of fertility management will also be discussed before discharge.

6. Are there any alternatives

Unfortunately, No! No substitute to looking inside with camera.

7. Answers to Frequently asked questions FAQs

You will be discharged home 2-4 hours after surgery
You can return to your place of work after 24 hours.
This procedure cannot be done during periods