A clear look inside, with no incisions.
Hysteroscopy lets us look inside your uterus with a thin, lighted camera passed through the vagina and cervix. It helps us find the cause of symptoms like abnormal bleeding, and often treat the problem at the same time.
- What it is A thin camera through the cervix
- Incisions None
- How long Often just minutes
- Recovery Most women go home the same day
To look, to treat, or both
Hysteroscopy can be used to find a problem, to treat it, or both in one visit. Where it’s done depends on what you need.
Diagnostic
A look inside the uterus to find the cause of symptoms like abnormal bleeding. It is often quick and done in the office.
Operative
Treats a problem during the same procedure, such as removing a polyp or fibroid, using tiny tools passed through the scope.
Office or operating room
Simple procedures can be done in the office with numbing medicine. Longer ones are done in an operating room with anesthesia.
Reasons we may recommend hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy gives us a direct view of the inside of your uterus, which can show things other tests miss.
- Heavy or irregular bleeding Periods that are very heavy, last too long or come at unexpected times.
- Bleeding after menopause Any bleeding after your periods have stopped should be checked.
- An abnormal ultrasound To take a closer look at something seen on an ultrasound, like a thickened lining.
- Trouble getting pregnant To check the inside of the uterus for problems that can affect fertility.
- Repeated miscarriages To look for a cause inside the uterus, such as scar tissue or a septum.
- A lost IUD To find and remove an IUD when the strings can’t be seen or felt.
Answers and treatment in one visit
Many problems found during hysteroscopy can be treated right away, so you may not need a second procedure.
Polyps
Common growths
- Soft growths on the lining of the uterus
- Can cause irregular or heavy bleeding
- Removed during the procedure and checked by a lab
Fibroids
Inside the uterus
- Fibroids that grow into the uterine cavity
- A common cause of heavy periods
- Can be removed without any incisions
Biopsy
Testing the lining
- A small sample of the uterine lining
- Looks for precancer or cancer
- Often done when there is bleeding after menopause
Scar tissue
Adhesions
- Bands of tissue inside the uterus
- Can cause light or missed periods and fertility problems
- Gently removed to restore the uterine cavity
Uterine septum
A wall of tissue
- A band of tissue that divides the uterus
- Can be linked to miscarriage
- Can be corrected through the scope
Lost IUD
Find and remove
- When IUD strings can’t be found
- The IUD is located and removed
- A new IUD can often be placed if you want one
Your procedure, step by step
We’ll explain each step before we begin and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Before
We schedule it soon after your period ends. You may take a pain reliever beforehand, and sometimes a medicine to soften the cervix.
During
A thin, lighted scope is passed through the vagina and cervix. Fluid gently opens the uterus so we can see clearly on a screen.
Treatment
If needed, tiny tools passed through the scope remove polyps, fibroids or scar tissue, or take a biopsy.
Right after
Most women go home the same day. Mild cramping and light spotting are normal.
Before your procedure
We’ll give you instructions based on your procedure. Here are the basics.
- Plan your timing The best time is in the week after your period ends.
- Review your medicines Tell us about everything you take, especially blood thinners.
- Tell us if you could be pregnant We’ll check with a pregnancy test first.
- Follow eating instructions If you’re having anesthesia, we’ll tell you when to stop eating and drinking.
- Arrange a ride If you receive sedation or anesthesia, someone needs to drive you home.
- Ask about pain relief We may suggest taking ibuprofen about an hour before.
Feeling like yourself, quickly.
Most women recover quickly after hysteroscopy. For the next few days, it’s normal to have:
- Mild cramping for a day or two
- Light spotting or watery discharge for a few days
- Some tiredness if you had sedation or anesthesia
Most women return to normal activities within a day or two. Ask us when it’s okay to have sex, use tampons or take a bath.
Your results
What we see is often shared with you right after the procedure. Lab results from a biopsy or removed tissue usually take a little longer.
- We’ll contact you With results and any next steps
Risks are uncommon
Hysteroscopy is very safe. Rare risks include infection, heavy bleeding and injury to the uterus.
- We’ll review Your risks and answer questions before the procedure
When to call us
Call us right away if you have any of these after your procedure.
- Call for Fever or chills, bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour, severe pain or a bad-smelling discharge
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question here? Call us at 770-451-3100 and we’ll be glad to help.
Does hysteroscopy hurt?
Most women feel cramping, similar to period cramps, during and shortly after the procedure. We use numbing medicine or anesthesia depending on the procedure, and taking a pain reliever beforehand can help.
Will I be awake?
For a quick office hysteroscopy, you are usually awake with numbing medicine. For longer procedures done in an operating room, you’ll receive sedation or anesthesia. We’ll let you know what to expect.
How long does it take?
A diagnostic hysteroscopy often takes just a few minutes. When treatment is needed, it may take longer. Plan for extra time to check in and recover.
When can I go back to my normal activities?
Most women return to normal activities within a day or two. Ask us when it’s okay to have sex, use tampons or take a bath.
Will it affect my ability to get pregnant?
Hysteroscopy is often done to help with fertility, by finding and treating problems inside the uterus. Let us know if you are planning a pregnancy.
Are there any cuts or stitches?
No. The scope goes through the vagina and cervix, so there are no incisions on your belly.
Have questions about hysteroscopy?
We’re happy to talk through whether it’s right for you. Call us to schedule a visit. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
We accept most health insurance plans in Georgia
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770-451-3343
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Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pmClosed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30