Hysteroscopy is the exam of the inside of the cervix and uterus. It uses a thin, lighted rigid or flexible tube. This is called a hysteroscope. Your doctor inserts the device through the vagina.

Your doctor may use hysteroscopy to:

• Take a tissue sample (biopsy).
• Remove polyps or fibroid tumors.
• Prevent bleeding by destroying tissue using an electric current, freezing temperature, heat, or chemicals.

Your doctor may do hysteroscopy in their office or in an outpatient center. You may have local or no anesthesia. Procedures that are more complex may be done in the operating room under local, regional, or general anesthesia.

You may need a hysteroscopy for:

• Abnormal Pap test results.
• Abnormal uterine bleeding.
• Bleeding after menopause.
• Retained pregnancy tissue.
• The evaluation of infertility or repeated miscarriages.
• The examination and removal of uterine scarring, polyps, or fibroids.
• The treatment of a uterine abnormality called a uterine septum.
• The removal of displaced IUDs (intrauterine devices).
• The removal of a small tissue sample (biopsy).
• The removal of endometrial lining.

You can't have a hysteroscopy if you are pregnant.

Your doctor may have other reasons to do a hysteroscopy.

Some possible complications of hysteroscopy may include:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Tears in the uterus (rare) or damage to the cervix.
• Complications from fluid or gas used to expand the uterus.

You may have slight vaginal bleeding and cramps for 1 or 2 days after the procedure.

There may be other risks based on your condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor before the procedure.

Certain things may interfere with a hysteroscopy. These include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Vaginal discharge.
• An inflamed cervix.
• A distended bladder.

• Your doctor will explain the procedure and you can ask questions.
• You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully. Ask questions if something is not clear.
• Your doctor may do a physical exam to be sure you are in good health. You may have blood tests or other diagnostic tests.
• You may be asked to fast before the procedure if you are to get local or general anesthesia. You may have local or regional anesthesia or no anesthesia. This depends on what other procedures your doctor will do at the same time.
• If you are pregnant or think you could be, tell your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthesia.
• Tell your doctor of all medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders. Also tell your doctor if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants), aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may be told to stop these medicines before the procedure.
• You may get a sedative before the procedure to help you relax. If so, you will need someone to drive you home.
• You will be scheduled to have the procedure after your period and before ovulation. This lets your doctor get the best view of the uterus. It also prevents harm to a new pregnancy.
• Dress in clothes that give access to the area or that are easily removed.
• Follow any other instructions your doctor gives you to get ready.

Your doctor may do a hysteroscopy on an outpatient basis, or during a hospital stay. Procedures may vary based on your condition and your doctor's practices.

Generally, a hysteroscopy follows this process:

1. You will remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown.
2. You will empty your bladder before the procedure.
3. An I.V. (intravenous) line may be put in your arm or hand.
4. You will be positioned on an operating table, lying on your back with your feet in footrests.
5. The vaginal area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
6. Your doctor may dilate (use small instruments to open) your cervix before inserting the hysteroscope.
7. Your doctor may inject medicine to numb the cervix prior to dilatation and placement of the hysteroscope.
8. Your doctor will insert the hysteroscope into the vagina, through the cervix, and into the uterus.
9. Your doctor will inject a liquid or gas through the hysteroscope to expand the uterus for a better view.
10. Your doctor will examine the wall of the uterus for problems. They may take photographs or videos and take tissue samples (biopsies).
11. If you need a procedure, such as fibroid removal, your doctor will insert tools through the hysteroscope.
12. For more complex procedures, your doctor may insert another type of scope through the belly (laparoscope). This is to view the outside of the uterus at the same time.
13. Your doctor will remove the hysteroscope when the procedure is done.

Your recovery will vary based on the type of anesthesia you have. If your doctor used general anesthesia or a sedative, your doctor will track your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing. This is done until they are stable and you are alert. When stable, you will be discharged home. Hysteroscopy is most often done on an outpatient basis.

Otherwise, you won't need any special care after a hysteroscopy.

You may have cramping and vaginal bleeding for 1 or 2 days after the procedure. Report fever, severe abdominal pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge.

You may have gas in the digestive tract and pains from the gas given during the procedure. This can last for about 24 hours. You may also feel pain in your upper belly and shoulder.

Take a pain reliever for soreness as advised by your doctor. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only recommended medicines.

Don't douche or have sex for 2 weeks after the procedure, or as advised by your doctor.

You can go back to normal activity and diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Your doctor may give you other instructions based on your situation.

Before you agree to the test or procedure, make sure you know:

• The name of the test or procedure.
• The reason you are having the test or procedure.
• What results to expect and what they mean.
• The risks and benefits of the test or procedure.
• What the possible side effects or complications are and when they should be reported.
• When and where you are to have the test or procedure.
• Who will do the test or procedure and what that person's qualifications are.
• What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure.
• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about.
• When and how you will get the results.
• Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems.
• How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure.