Hysteroscopy
Reviewed
Also called: Diagnostic hysteroscopy, Operative hysteroscopy, Hysteroscopic surgery
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a health care provider to look at the inside of your uterus and cervix.
Specimen: Not applicable
Why this test may be ordered
- To diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding
- To help find the cause of infertility
- To find the cause of repeated miscarriages
- To find and remove fibroids and polyps
- To remove scar tissue from the uterus
Preparation and collection
Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions. If you will be getting general anesthesia, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 6-12 hours before the procedure. Do not use a douche, tampons, or vaginal medicines for 24 hours before the test. You may need to stop taking certain medicines before this test, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. Also, tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you might be. You should not have a hysteroscopy if you are pregnant. The procedure may be harmful to a developing baby. You also shouldn't have a hysteroscopy if you have a pelvic infection.
A hysteroscopy is often done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. You may be given a sedative, a medicine that helps you relax and blocks the pain. In some cases, you may need general anesthesia, which makes you unconscious during the procedure. A hysteroscopy may take 15 minutes to an hour, depending on what is done during the procedure. The medicines you were given may make you drowsy for a while. You should arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure.
A hysteroscopy is a very safe procedure. You may have mild cramping and a little bloody discharge for a few days after the procedure. Serious complications are rare, but they may include heavy bleeding, infection, and tears in the uterus. Call your provider if you have a fever, severe abdominal (belly) pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding.
Understanding results
If your results were not normal, it may mean one of the following conditions.
- Growths found: Fibroids, polyps, or other abnormal growths were found. Limitation: They may also take a biopsy, a tissue sample of the growths, for further testing. Next step: Your provider may be able to remove these growths during the procedure.
- Other findings that are not normal: Scar tissue was found in the uterus. This tissue may be removed during the procedure. The size or shape of the uterus did not look normal. Openings on one or both fallopian tubes are closed. Limitation: If your results were not normal, it may mean one of the following conditions. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- Hysteroscopy is not recommended if you are pregnant, have cervical cancer, or have pelvic inflammatory disease.
- The procedure provides visual information; a biopsy may be needed for a definitive diagnosis of certain conditions.
- Serious complications are rare but can include heavy bleeding, infection, or uterine tears.
- Mild cramping and bloody discharge are common after the procedure.
- Results must be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your overall health.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- What were the specific findings of my hysteroscopy?
- Were any growths or scar tissue removed during the procedure?
- Was a biopsy taken, and when will I get the results?
- What symptoms should I watch for after the procedure?
- When can I resume normal activities, including sexual activity and exercise?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.