Hysteroscopy

Depending on whether the procedure is to investigate or treat a problem, a hysteroscopy usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes. It can be performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure.

Your gynaecologist will pass the hysteroscope through your vagina and into your womb. This can normally be done with local anaesthetic. However, for some procedures involving treatment, you may have a general anaesthetic.

A hysteroscopy that includes removing fibroids usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Your gynaecologist will pass the hysteroscope through your vagina and into your womb. They will then use small instruments passed though the hysteroscope to remove the fibroids. You will usually be under general anaesthetic during the procedure.

If your hysteroscopy is only to investigate or diagnose and is done in an outpatient setting, you should be able to go home shortly after the procedure.

If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will need to rest in hospital while the effects wear off, but you should be able to go home later that day.

For an outpatient hysteroscopy carried out using local anaesthetic, taking simple painkillers beforehand is helpful in reducing the discomfort during and after the procedure.

You should be able to return to your normal activities in a few days. You may experience some cramps, discomfort, and bleeding for a few weeks.

If your hysteroscopy also involves treatment, you will need to be cared for in hospital for up to two nights. Your recovery time will also be longer – up to two to three weeks.