What is a hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is the exam of the inside of the cervix and uterus using a thin, lighted, flexible tube called a hysteroscope. Your healthcare provider inserts the device through the vagina.

Your provider may use hysteroscopy to:

1) Take a tissue sample (biopsy)

2) Remove polyps or fibroid tumors

3) Prevent bleeding by destroying tissue using electric current, freezing, heat, or chemicals

Your provider may do hysteroscopy in his or her office or in an outpatient center. You may have local or no anesthesia. Procedures that are more complex may be done in the operating room under local, regional, or general anesthesia.

What are the risks for a hysteroscopy?

Some possible complications of hysteroscopy may include:

1) Infection

2) Bleeding

3) Pelvic inflammatory disease

4) Tearing of the uterus (rare) or damage to the cervix

5) Complications from fluid or gas used to expand the uterus