What should you know about hysteroscope uses?

A hysteroscope is a slender instrument with a light and camera. It is passed through the vagina and cervix so the clinician can inspect the uterine cavity without an abdominal incision. The view can help assess causes of unusual bleeding, investigate findings seen on an ultrasound, or look for changes such as a polyp or fibroid inside the cavity.

A diagnostic hysteroscopy is mainly an examination. If a finding needs treatment, an operative hysteroscopy can allow instruments to remove or treat it during the same type of procedure when clinically suitable. The approach, anaesthesia, and whether tissue is sent for examination depend on the reason for the procedure and your health history.

Before hysteroscopy, tell your care team about pregnancy or a chance of pregnancy, medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, and any previous reaction to anaesthesia. Follow the instructions you receive about eating, drinking, medicines, and arranging transport if sedation or anaesthesia is planned.

Afterward, mild cramping or light bleeding can occur. Use only the pain relief and activity advice provided for you, and ask when to resume intercourse, tampons, bathing, exercise, or work. If a polyp is removed, the procedure is called a hysteroscopic polypectomy; other procedures, such as endometrial ablation, have different aims and aftercare.

Contact your clinician promptly after hysteroscopy if bleeding is heavy or worsening, pain is severe or does not settle with the recommended medicine, or you develop fever, chills, faintness, unusual weakness, or unpleasant-smelling discharge. These symptoms can need assessment for bleeding or infection.

Seek urgent help for severe pain with collapse, difficulty breathing, or bleeding that makes you feel faint. Use the discharge instructions from your own service because they may include a direct number and procedure-specific thresholds.

Ask what the hysteroscope is intended to find or treat, whether the plan is diagnostic or operative, what anaesthesia is available, and whether a sample may be taken. You can also ask how to prepare, when results are expected, which symptoms require a call, and when normal activities can restart.