By Constance McGraw, MPH

What is a hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure that helps healthcare providers examine a woman’s uterus using a thin, illuminated tube called a hysteroscope. Hysteroscopy is the preferred procedure for both diagnosing (diagnostic hysteroscopy) and treating (operative hysteroscopy) uterine issues.

When and why hysteroscopies are performed

Hysteroscopies are typically performed for the following reasons:

• To determine reasons for infertility
• To determine the cause of recurrent miscarriages
• To determine the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding
• To locate an intrauterine device (IUD)
• To treat pelvic pain
• To remove adhesions from previous surgery or infections
• To place small implants into a woman’s fallopian tubes as a permanent form of birth control (sterilization)
• To treat bleeding after menopause

The hysteroscopy procedure 

• Hysteroscopy takes place in a healthcare office or hospital when you’re not on your period.
• Prior to a hysteroscopy, you might receive medication to relax or anesthesia to put you to sleep.
• To ease the procedure, your cervix might be opened (dilated) using medication or special tools. 
• A speculum goes into the vagina, followed by a hysteroscope inserted through the cervix into the uterus. 
• Carbon dioxide or saline is used to expand the uterus for a clearer view. The fluid amount is monitored. 
• Your healthcare provider uses the hysteroscope to view your uterus lining and fallopian tube openings. If needed, small tools can be inserted for a biopsy or other procedures.
• If adhesions are removed, dilation and curettage will occur, where your doctor uses a curved tool called a curette to gently scrape tissue from your uterus.

Hysteroscopy is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, and you should be able to go home afterward; however, if you received general anesthesia, you may need to wait until you are less groggy to return home.