Χάρης Χ. Χηνιάδης

A hysteroscopy is a procedure where a doctor can look at the inside of the uterus (or womb) using a narrow telescope called a hysteroscope. The images are transmitted to a computer screen, which gives your doctor a close-up view to check for any abnormalities.

What's it used for?

It's used to find the cause of your symptoms. For example, if you have heavy or irregular periods, pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge, repeated miscarriage or difficulty getting pregnant, your doctor may advise you to have a hysteroscopy.

Will I have treatment at the same time if an abnormality is found?

If an abnormality is suspected after looking inside your womb, the doctor may remove a small sample of tissue (a procedure called a biopsy), which will later be examined in a laboratory.

Treatment for some conditions can sometimes be given at the same time as the hysteroscopy. Your doctor will discuss taking a biopsy and giving any treatment before he does the procedure and will seek your consent. You don't have to agree to any procedure being carried out during the hysteroscopy if you don't want to.

What kind of treatments can be done at the same time?

These are the most common treatments carried out during a hysteroscopy:

• Removal of polyps, small lumps of tissue growing on the lining of the womb.
• Removal of scar tissue in the womb, which may have been caused by a previous operation.
• Removal of adhesions, which are areas where the walls of the womb are sticking together.
• Removal of fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the womb).
• Locating a 'lost' or stuck contraceptive device, such as an IUD (or coil).
• To insert a contraceptive device such as Mirena, also known as levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. This is a hormone-releasing device which protects against pregnancy for five years.
• To treat division of the uterus (called a bicornuate uterus), where the womb is divided into two parts.
• A hysteroscopy may also be used before a doctor carries out a dilation and curettage (a D&C). This is where a sharp instrument is used to remove the lining of the womb. A D&C is commonly carried out to remove tissue from the uterus after a miscarriage or as a treatment for heavy periods.