Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy allows your surgeon to examine your uterus and treat any identified problems.

The procedure is carried out using a long and narrow telescope with a light and camera at one end, called a hysteroscope. This is carefully passed through your vagina and cervix, and into your uterus. No cuts to your skin are required for a hysteroscopy. Images showing the inside of your womb are sent to a monitor for your surgeon to see.

A hysteroscopy is carried out in an outpatient clinic using local or no anaesthetic in just five to ten minutes.

If treatment is required the procedure takes a little longer and is often performed as a day procedure in a hospital theatre under a local, regional or general anaesthetic. It may take up to 30 minutes to remove your fibroids or polyps using fine surgical instruments.

It is used to investigate symptoms such as heavy periods, irregular vaginal bleeding such as bleeding in between your periods, postmenopausal bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, and unexplained miscarriages.

During a the procedure, a biopsy tissue sample may be taken to check for endometrial cancer.

A hysteroscopy can also be used to treat problems in your uterus. Your surgeon might remove unwanted growths such as fibroids and polyps, intrauterine devices that have shifted out of place, and uterine scar tissue adhesions. Endometrial ablation may also be performed to thin your womb lining to prevent heavy periods.

You can expect a relatively fast recovery after the procedure.

You should be able to go home the same day as your procedure.

If you have a general anaesthetic you will need to stay in the hospital for a few hours and to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours, until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.

Over the first few days after your procedure, you may feel pain and cramping that is similar to period pain. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to relieve your hysteroscopy pain.

For a week or more you may have spotting or bleeding. Sanitary towels rather than tampons are advised until your next period to help reduce the risk of infecti

The cost of your treatment will depend on whether it is to investigate or treat your symptoms, the type of anaesthetic used, and your chosen Ramsay hospital.

This guide package price is an estimate of the costs of your hysteroscopy. You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your hysteroscopy procedure will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your procedure yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance - requires no deposit, offers the ability to pay in monthly instalments, and benefits from 0% interest
• All-inclusive Total Care - a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price that delivers direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance
• Pay as you go – a flexible funding option if your treatment costs are difficult to assess, that allows you to meet your treatment costs as and when they arise.

Hysteroscopy surgery is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to check with your insurance provider and obtain their written authorisation before starting your treatment.

After a hysteroscopy, you might wonder what you can expect and what you will be able to do.

You can eat and drink normally straight after the procedure. You may feel a bit nauseous if you had treatment under a general anaesthetic so light meals are recommended.

Depending on your doctor’s advice, you can shower the same day as your hysteroscopy and have a bath the following day. You may feel dizzy afterwards if you have a general anaesthetic so have another adult on hand for 24 hours to help you if needed.

You can get back to your normal activities the same or the following day if you have a local or no anaesthetic, and after 24 to 48 hours if you have a general anaesthetic.

It is advisable to abstain from sex until any bleeding stops after your procedure to reduce your risk of infection.