What is Hysteroscopy?

This is the use of a hysteroscope to view the inside of a woman’s uterus (womb). A hysteroscope is a long, thin telescope with a camera on the end. Other tiny tools may also be inserted into the uterus through the hysteroscope.

Female Reproductive Organs © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Hysteroscopy is done for:

• Diagnostic reasons—to examine the inner uterus to identify problems or abnormalities; may be done if you have:

• Repeated miscarriage
• Infertility
• An abnormal Pap test
• Abnormal or postmenopausal uterine bleeding
• Therapeutic reasons—to correct anatomic problems and defects in the uterus; may be done for:

• Endometrial ablation —removal of uterine lining from the uterus
• Myomectomy —removal of fibrous or muscular tissue (fibroids)
• Removal of polyps (usually noncancerous)
• Removal of intrauterine devices (IUDs)

The result of the hysteroscopy depends on the reason for the procedure. In some cases, the doctor may be able to treat a condition right away. In other cases, you may need further surgery or other...

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have hysteroscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Swelling or bleeding
• Infection
• Organ injury
• Reaction to anesthesia

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• History of pelvic inflammatory disease
• Inflammation of the cervix
• Distended bladder
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
• Allergies to surgical materials (eg, iodine, latex, medicines, anesthetics)

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills ...