Overview
A hysteroscopy is a way for your medical provider to look at the inside lining of your uterus.
Why It Is Done
A hysteroscopy may be done to:
- Find the cause of severe cramping or abnormal bleeding.
- See whether a problem in the shape or size of the uterus or if scar tissue in the uterus is the cause of infertility.
- Look at the uterine openings to the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are blocked, your medical provider may be able to open the tubes with special tools passed through the hysteroscope.
- Find the possible cause of repeated miscarriages. Other tests may also be done.
- Find and reposition a misplaced intrauterine device (IUD).
- Find and remove small fibroids or polyps.
- Check for endometrial cancer.
- Use heated tools to remove problem areas in the lining of the uterus (endometrial ablation).
- Place a contraceptive implant into the opening of the fallopian tubes as a method of permanent sterilization.
How To Prepare
Tell your medical provider if you:
- Are pregnant or might be pregnant.
- Are taking any medicines.
- Are allergic to any medicines.
- Have had bleeding problems or take blood-thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).
- Have been treated for a vaginal, cervical, or pelvic infection in the past 6 weeks.
- Have any heart or lung problems.
It is best to have a hysteroscopy done when you are not having your menstrual period. If there is a chance that you could become pregnant, the hysteroscopy should be done before you are ovulating so your medical provider is sure you are not pregnant.
Do not douche, use tampons, or use vaginal medicines for 24 hours before the hysteroscopy.
You may be given a medicine (sedative) to relax you for the test, or general, regional, or local anesthesia can be used. Your medical provider will discuss this with you.
If you are going to have general anesthesia, you will need to stop eating and drinking before the test. Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your surgery may be canceled. If your medical provider has instructed you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, do so using only a sip of water.
Arrange to have someone drive you home the day of the test in case you are given a sedative.
You will be asked to sign a consent form before the test. Talk to your medical provider about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean.
The hospital or surgery center may send you instructions on how to get ready for your surgery, or a nurse may call you with instructions before your surgery.
How It Is Done
A hysteroscopy is usually done by your gynecologist in the operating room of a hospital or surgery center. Most women go home the same day. In some cases, the hysteroscopy can be done in your medical provider’s office.
You may be given medicine (anesthesia) to help you relax, to numb the area, or to help you sleep.
You will undress from the waist down and wear a gown for the test. You will empty your bladder before the test. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet raised and supported by footrests (stirrups).
Your medical provider will put an instrument with smooth, curved blades (speculum) into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls so your medical provider can see inside the vagina and the cervix. Your vagina will be cleaned with a special soap to decrease the risk of infection.
The hysteroscope will be placed at the entrance to your vagina and gently moved through the cervix into your uterus. A gas or liquid will be put through the hysteroscope into your uterus to help your medical provider see the lining clearly. Your medical provider looks through the hysteroscope at a magnified view of the lining of your uterus. Your medical provider can also see the uterine openings of the fallopian tubes. A video screen may be used during the test.
If a biopsy or other procedure is done, your medical provider will use small tools through the hysteroscope. A hysteroscopy takes about 30 minutes, unless other procedures are being done.