Pregnancy

You should not have a hysteroscopy if you could be pregnant.

Please contact us before attending if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.

You may be asked to provide a urine pregnancy test before the procedure.

Please use contraception or avoid sex between your last period and your appointment.

If you are having your period

It is usually best to attend your appointment. However, heavy bleeding can sometimes make the procedure more difficult.

Contact us if you have heavy bleeding prior to your appointment.

Eating and drinking

You can eat and drink normally before an outpatient hysteroscopy and do not need to fast.

We will tell you if there are any different instructions for your appointment.

Medicines

Please bring a list of your regular medicines.

Tell the healthcare team if you take:

  • blood-thinning medicine - depending on the medicine, it may need to be stopped prior to hysteroscopy, so please contact us before your appointment

  • hormonal medication

  • regular painkillers

  • any other prescribed or over-the-counter medicines.

Please do not stop prescribed medication, unless we specifically advise you to do so.

Bringing someone with you

One person can accompany you into the procedure room, so you may wish to bring someone along to support you.

Consent

We will discuss the procedure and go through a written consent form with you before proceeding, so that you are fully informed.

Before the procedure

There will be a team of healthcare professionals present to help take care of you. This includes your doctor or nurse specialist, hysteroscopy nurse, and a healthcare assistant.

Before your hysteroscopy, please tell us if you:

  • are worried about pain

  • have had a difficult previous examination

  • have previously found a hysteroscopy painful

  • have concerns about being examined

  • need additional support because of communication, learning or accessibility needs.

We will take you into the procedure room and ask you to change clothes if necessary.

We will help you get into a comfortable position and keep you covered as much as possible.

A healthcare professional will explain what is happening throughout the procedure.