What are the signs of a complication after a hysteroscopy that should prompt me to call my doctor?

Call immediately if you develop heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in more than one hour), severe pelvic pain that isn’t relieved by over‑the‑counter pain meds, fever above 100.4 °F (38 °C), foul‑smelling vaginal discharge, or any sudden dizziness or fainting.

Can I resume normal activities, like exercise and work, right after the procedure?

Most patients can return to light activities within a day, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or swimming should be avoided for 2–3 days to allow the uterine lining to heal. If you had tissue removed, your doctor may suggest a slightly longer rest period.

Will a hysteroscopy be painful, and do I need anesthesia?

Most office‑based hysteroscopies use a local cervical block or a mild sedative, so you feel little to no pain. In a hospital setting, general anesthesia may be offered, especially for operative hysteroscopies that involve tissue removal. Your doctor will discuss the best option based on the procedure’s length and your comfort level.

How should I prepare my schedule before the procedure?

void sexual intercourse, tampon use, and douching for 24–48 hours before the hysteroscopy, as these can introduce bacteria or alter the uterine lining. If you’re on hormonal birth control, keep taking it unless your doctor says otherwise. Plan to wear comfortable clothing and arrange someone to drive you home if you receive sedation.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a medical procedure that allows a health care provider to examine the inside of the uterus and cervix using a thin, camera-equipped tube called a hysteroscope.

What is a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a health care provider to look at the inside of your uterus and cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, which is the organ where a baby grows during pregnancy.

The procedure uses a thin tube called a hysteroscope, which is inserted through your vagina. The hysteroscope acts like a telescope with a camera on it, sending images of your uterus onto a video screen.

The procedure may be done to diagnose or treat different uterine diseases and conditions:

It is called a diagnostic hysteroscopy when it is done to check for the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.
It is called an operative hysteroscopy when it is done to remove polyps, fibroids, or adhesions.

Sometimes, you may have both types done at once.

What is it used for?

A hysteroscopy is most often used to:

Diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Help find the cause of infertility, defined as the inability to get pregnant after at least a year of trying.
Find the cause of repeated miscarriages (more than two in a row).
Find and remove fibroids and polyps, which are usually non-cancerous abnormal growths in the uterus.
Remove scar tissue (adhesions) from the uterus, which may have formed due to an infection or past surgery.
Remove an intrauterine device (IUD).
Perform a biopsy, which removes a small sample of tissue for testing.

Why do I need a hysteroscopy?

You may need this test if:

You are having heavier than normal menstrual periods or bleeding between periods.
You are bleeding after menopause.
You are having trouble getting or staying pregnant.
You want to remove an IUD.

What happens during a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is often performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center and typically takes between 15 minutes and an hour. The procedure generally includes the following steps:

You may be asked to empty your bladder and change into a hospital gown.
You will lie on your back on an exam table with your feet in stirrups.
An intravenous (IV) line may be placed in your arm or hand.
You may be given a sedative to help you relax or general anesthesia to make you unconscious.
Your vaginal area will be cleaned, and a speculum will be inserted to spread open your vaginal walls.
Your provider may dilate (expand) your cervix before inserting the hysteroscope.
A liquid or gas may be injected through the hysteroscope to expand the uterus, allowing for a clear view of the uterine lining and fallopian tubes on a video screen.
Your provider may perform a biopsy or use tools inserted through the hysteroscope to remove growths or perform other treatments.

Because the medicines used may make you drowsy, you should arrange for someone to take you home afterward.

Preparation and Risks

Your provider will give you specific instructions. If you are receiving general anesthesia, you may need to fast for 6–12 hours. Do not use a douche, tampons, or vaginal medicines for 24 hours before the test. It is best to schedule the procedure when you are not having your menstrual period. You should also inform your provider if you are pregnant or think you might be, as the procedure can be harmful to a developing baby. You should not have a hysteroscopy if you have a pelvic infection, cervical cancer, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

A hysteroscopy is a very safe procedure. Mild cramping and bloody discharge for a few days are common. Serious complications are rare but can include heavy bleeding, infection, or tears in the uterus. Contact your provider if you experience a fever, severe abdominal pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding.

What do the results mean?

If your results were not normal, it may indicate:

The presence of fibroids, polyps, or other abnormal growths.
The presence of scar tissue in the uterus.
An abnormal size or shape of the uterus.
Closed openings on one or both fallopian tubes.