Benefits

The benefits of outpatient hysteroscopy include:

  • looking directly inside the womb

  • finding the cause of abnormal bleeding

  • identifying polyps or fibroids

  • taking a biopsy when appropriate

  • sometimes treating the problem during the same appointment

  • avoiding a general anaesthetic in suitable patients

  • usually having a short recovery period.

However, outpatient hysteroscopy is not always successful or appropriate, and alternative options are available.

Risks

Hysteroscopy is generally a safe procedure, but complications can occur.

Pain

Pain during or after hysteroscopy is common. We have lots of available options for pain relief, and will make sure you feel comfortable before sending you home.

Feeling faint or sick

Some people may feel faint, dizzy, sweaty or sick during or shortly after the procedure. These symptoms usually settle quickly. We may monitor you in the rest area for a short period afterwards following your procedure if you experience these symptoms.

Bleeding

Light bleeding or spotting is common afterwards.

Infection

Infection is uncommon, but if present it may cause:

  • fever

  • increasing abdominal pain

  • feeling unwell

  • offensive or unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge.

If you experience these symptoms, is important that you contact your doctor.

Difficulty completing the procedure

Sometimes it is not possible to pass the hysteroscope through the cervix or to see the womb properly. This may happen if the cervix is narrow or scarred, or because of pain or other technical difficulties. If this happens, we will discuss alternative options with you.

If we find a polyp or fibroid which is larger than expected, we may offer you a separate procedure in the outpatient clinic or an operating theatre. We will tell you about this procedure, and the benefits and risks, before you decide whether or not to go ahead.

Perforation of the womb

Very rarely, the hysteroscope or another instrument can make a small hole in the wall of the womb.

This occurs in fewer than one in 200 diagnostic hysteroscopies. The risk is slightly higher when treatment such as removal of a polyp or fibroid is performed.

Most perforations do not require further treatment, but occasionally an operation or hospital admission may be necessary.