Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to look inside your uterus (womb).

A gynaecologist passes a narrow tube-like telescope (a hysteroscope) with a camera and light at the end through your vagina and the neck of your womb (cervix), into your uterus. They can then examine the inside of your uterus. No cuts (incisions) are needed and you are usually awake throughout the procedure.

You may have a hysteroscopy to investigate symptoms and treat different conditions, such as:

abnormal vaginal bleeding or irregular periods
fibroids
problems getting pregnant (infertility)
removal of an intrauterine device (IUD).

The Canterbury DHB has produced a patient information pamphlet with more information about hysteroscopy, including how it's performed, the risks and what to expect afterwards.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed September 2021.

Page reference: 65539

Review key: HIHYO-65539