Hysteroscopy Whakamātaunga kōpū
A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to look inside your womb (uterus) and at the lining of the womb. A sample (biopsy) of the lining is usually taken as part of a diagnostic hysteroscopy, to look for abnormalities. Hysteroscopy can also be used to treat some problems affecting the womb.
When you would have a hysteroscopy
You may have a hysteroscopy to investigate symptoms or treat problems, such as:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding or irregular periods
- fibroids
- problems getting pregnant (infertility)
- removal of an intrauterine device (IUD).
Having a hysteroscopy
A hysteroscope is a narrow tube-like telescope with a small camera and light at the tip. A specialist doctor (gynaecologist) passes the hysteroscope through your vagina and the neck of your womb (cervix), into your womb. They can then see the inside of your womb.
No cuts (incisions) are needed and you will usually be awake throughout the procedure. You can request to have a sedative to make you more comfortable or anaesthetic (which means you would be asleep for the procedure) if you prefer.
The specialist doctor can remove polyps or samples of the lining of the womb during the procedure. These will be sent to a laboratory for testing.
Before your hysteroscopy
If you are having a sedative or anaesthetic you may need to stop eating and drinking for some time before the procedure. You will get instructions about this from your specialist team.
Make sure your specialist team knows about any medications you are taking, including supplements from the pharmacy. Take a list of them all to your appointment.
At your appointment, you should let the team know if you think you might be pregnant. They will usually do a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before they do the hysteroscopy.
Bring a support person with you if possible, for company and to drive you home afterwards.
After your hysteroscopy
You should feel able to return to your normal activities by the day after your hysteroscopy. You may be able to return to work the same day.
But if you have had a sedative or general anaesthetic you may be advised to take 1 or 2 days off work to recover. You cannot to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.
It is common to have a small amount of vaginal bleeding after the procedure. You may also feel cramping, similar to period pain. Simple pain relief such as paracetamol for the first few hours may help.
Results of your hysteroscopy
Your specialist doctor will usually discuss the findings of the procedure before you leave hospital.
If samples have been sent to the laboratory, it may be some time until they are available. Your specialist will arrange a follow-up appointment to get the final results. This will either be with them or your healthcare provider.
Risks of hysteroscopy
There is a risk of infection in your womb. To reduce this risk, for 1 week or until any bleeding has stopped, you should avoid:
- bathing (you can shower on the same day)
- swimming pools and spas
- using tampons (use sanitary pads instead)
- sexual intercourse.
Infection can cause a smelly vaginal discharge, heavy bleeding and fever. It can usually be treated with antibiotics. If you think you might have an infection, contact your healthcare provider.
Other risks of hysteroscopy include:
- feeling faint during the procedure — this stops once the procedure is finished
- making a small hole in the uterus (a perforation) — this is uncommon and does not usually need investigation or treatment with a further operation
- heavy bleeding — this is rare, but a a small amount of bleeding is normal.
If you have a sedative or general anaesthetic there are some risks with these.
Healthcare services may be provided to you only if you make an informed choice and give informed consent to it. This forms part of your rights (Rights 5, 6 and 7) under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer Rights (the Code).
The Code and Your Rights/Ōu Mōtika — Health & Disability Commissioner
The 3 rights that together allow for informed consent are:
- Right 5 — the right to effective communication
- Right 6 — the right to be informed
- Right 7 — the right to choice and consent.
This means you must be told about the service being suggested, including any risks or possible complications. You must have the chance to ask as many questions as you need to understand the information you are given.
You also have the right to have someone with you to help you. But the decision to say 'yes' or 'no' must be yours (unless you are unable to make that decision due to illness or other impairment, or sometimes in an emergency).
You also have the right to be given the information in a language you fully understand. You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Referral information
You will need to be referred to a specialist doctor (a gynaecologist) by your healthcare provider. You cannot self-refer.
This procedure can be done in the public health system or privately.