Hysteroscopy

What is hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the lining of the uterus with the use of a hysteroscope, a tool that is inserted into the vagina and into the cervix and uterus. A hysteroscopy can be performed as part of a diagnosis process or an operative procedure.

Why is it performed?

The procedure is performed in order to find the cause of symptoms for abnormal bleeding and severe cramping. It is also used to investigate reasons for infertility, numerous miscarriages, or to remove fibroids. For more information on fibroids, see here.

Hysteroscopy can also be performed for one of the following reasons:

• To remove adhesions caused by infection or past surgery
• To diagnose the reason causing repeated miscarriage
• To locate and remove a lost intrauterine device
• To perform a sterilisation procedure – for more information on sterilisation, see here.
• To remove non-cancerous growths in the uterus, such as polyps and fibroids
• To detect the presence of uterine septum, a malformation defect in the uterus that’s present from birth

How does it work?

A hysteroscopy is conducted by a gynaecologist. The cervix is dilated before your gynaecologist inserts a hysteroscope through the cervix into the uterus. A fluid or gas is put through the hysteroscope, allowing your gynaecologist to see the lining of the uterus clearly. The gynaecologist will examine the uterus, and if a hysteroscopy surgery is required, small instruments will be inserted into the uterus through the hysteroscope and correct the abnormal condition.