Hysteroscopy Procedure

What is hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy allows the doctor to see the inside lining of the uterus, also called the uterine cavity. Unlike laparoscopy, it does not involve cuts on the abdomen because the hysteroscope enters through the natural vaginal route.

The camera sends images to a screen, so the uterine lining, openings of the fallopian tubes, polyps, fibroids, adhesions or abnormal areas can be seen clearly. If needed, small instruments can be passed through the hysteroscope to remove tissue, take a biopsy or correct a problem.

When may hysteroscopy be advised?

Hysteroscopy is usually advised when symptoms, ultrasound findings or fertility history suggest that the inside of the uterus needs direct evaluation. It is useful because scans can suggest a problem, but hysteroscopy can confirm what is actually present inside the uterine cavity.

• Heavy, prolonged or irregular periods that need further evaluation.
• Bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause.
• Suspected uterine polyp seen on ultrasound or saline sonography.
• Submucosal fibroid projecting into the uterine cavity.
• Repeated miscarriage or failed embryo transfer where cavity assessment is needed.
• Infertility evaluation when a uterine cavity problem is suspected.
• Scar tissue or adhesions inside the uterus.
• Missing, stuck or displaced IUD when strings are not visible.
• Need for directed biopsy from a suspicious area of the uterine lining.

Diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is done mainly to inspect the uterus and understand the cause of symptoms. Operative hysteroscopy means treatment is done at the same sitting, when suitable.

For example, a small polyp may be removed, a biopsy may be taken, adhesions may be released, or a suitable submucosal fibroid may be treated. The decision depends on the size, location and depth of the finding, as well as pain-control needs and overall safety.

• Diagnostic hysteroscopy helps confirm what is inside the uterus.
• Operative hysteroscopy treats selected findings under direct vision.
• Some larger or deeper fibroids may need staged treatment or another surgical plan.
• A biopsy may be sent for testing when bleeding pattern, age or ultrasound findings make it necessary.

What happens during the procedure?

Before hysteroscopy, pregnancy is usually ruled out and the timing may be planned after periods for better visibility in women who are still menstruating. Your doctor will review your symptoms, scan reports, medicines, allergies and previous procedures.

During the procedure, a slim hysteroscope is passed through the cervix into the uterus. Saline fluid is used to gently open the uterine cavity so the lining can be seen. The procedure may take only a few minutes for diagnosis, but it can take longer if a biopsy, polyp removal, fibroid treatment or adhesion release is done.

1. The cervix and uterus are assessed with a thin camera.
2. The uterine cavity is expanded with fluid for clear vision.
3. Findings are reviewed on a screen.
4. Biopsy or treatment is done in the same sitting when appropriate.
5. Recovery instructions are explained before you leave.

Will hysteroscopy be painful?

Pain experience varies. Some women feel only mild cramping, while others may find it uncomfortable, especially if the cervix is tight, periods are usually painful, anxiety is high, or an operative step is needed.

Pain-control options depend on the procedure type and patient comfort. Some cases can be done without general anesthesia, while others are better planned with anesthesia or sedation. The right option should be discussed before the procedure, not after discomfort starts.

Recovery after hysteroscopy

Most women go home the same day. Mild cramps and light spotting are common for a few days. If only diagnostic hysteroscopy is done, many women return to routine activity quickly. If treatment is done, recovery advice may be more specific.

Use pads instead of tampons until bleeding settles. Avoid intercourse until your doctor says it is safe, especially if a biopsy, polyp removal or operative hysteroscopy was done.

• Mild period-like cramps can happen for one or two days.
• Spotting or light bleeding may continue for a few days.
• Most patients can resume light routine activity soon.
• Driving advice depends on whether anesthesia or sedation was used.
• Biopsy results, if taken, should be reviewed during follow-up.

When should you call the doctor?

Hysteroscopy is generally safe, but you should not ignore symptoms that may suggest infection, heavy bleeding or another complication.

• Heavy bleeding or bleeding that keeps getting worse.
• Severe abdominal pain not improving with advised medicines.
• Fever, chills or feeling very unwell.
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• Fainting, dizziness or severe weakness.

Hysteroscopy care with Dr Tripti Raheja

At Raheja Clinic, Dr Tripti Raheja reviews your bleeding pattern, ultrasound findings, fertility history and previous treatment before advising hysteroscopy. The goal is to avoid unnecessary procedures, choose the right timing and plan pain control properly.

As a gynecologist and obstetrician with experience in minimally invasive gynecologic care, Dr Tripti Raheja helps patients understand whether hysteroscopy is needed, whether treatment can be done in the same sitting and what recovery should look like. If your concern overlaps with infertility, pregnancy loss, fibroids or abnormal bleeding, the consultation can also help connect hysteroscopy with the next step in your care.

What to bring for your consultation

Bring any reports that can help explain the bleeding pattern, fertility history or scan finding. Even older reports can be useful if symptoms have been recurring.

• Recent pelvic ultrasound, saline sonography, MRI or hysterosalpingography report.
• Period dates, bleeding pattern and pain history.
• Previous biopsy, Pap smear or endometrial sampling reports.
• Fertility treatment records, miscarriage history or embryo transfer records if relevant.
• Current medicines, blood thinners, hormonal pills or IUD details.
• Previous surgery records, especially cesarean, D&C, fibroid surgery or hysteroscopy notes.