What Is Hysteroscopy- Purpose, Procedure & Benefits!

11/11/2025 6:05:00 AM   Lotus IVF Team   

What Is Hysteroscopy? 

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a doctor to look inside your uterus using a thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope. The hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity so the doctor can examine the lining and structural features of the uterus (and in many cases treat them at the same time). 

In short: hysteroscopy = uterus inspection + optional treatment, through a natural opening (no large incision) 

Purpose of Hysteroscopy

There are two broad purposes: diagnostic and operative/treatment.

• Diagnostic hysteroscopy: Used to identify abnormal uterine conditions — such as heavy or irregular bleeding, bleeding after menopause, infertility, recurrent miscarriages, intrauterine structural problems (polyps, fibroids, adhesions). 
• Operative (or treatment) hysteroscopy: Once a problem is found, tools passed through the hysteroscope can treat the condition (remove polyps/fibroids, open adhesions, retrieve a misplaced IUD, perform endometrial ablation), all in the same session. 

Why might you need it?

If you have abnormal uterine bleeding (heavy periods, bleeding between periods, post-menopausal bleeding), hysteroscopy can reveal the source. 

If you are being evaluated for infertility or recurrent miscarriage, structural problems of the uterine cavity may be discovered by hysteroscopy. 

If an imaging test (like ultrasound) shows a suspected intra-uterine growth (polyp/fibroid) or retained tissue or a misplaced IUD, hysteroscopy can confirm and often treat simultaneously. 

When Is Hysteroscopy Performed? 

Indications (when you should consider it)

• You have heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding or bleeding between cycles. 
• You have post-menopausal bleeding (bleeding after menopause) — a cue to look for uterine pathology. 
• You have infertility or repeated miscarriages and need evaluation of uterine anatomy. 
• An ultrasound or other imaging suggests a polyp/fibroid inside the uterus or scar tissue (adhesions). 
• There is a misplaced intrauterine device (IUD) needing removal. 

Timing details

• If you are still menstruating and your periods are regular, the procedure is often scheduled after the bleed ends but before ovulation so the uterine cavity is best visualised. 
• If you have reached menopause (no periods), the timing is less dependent on cycle. 

The Hysteroscopy Procedure – Step by Step

- Preparation

• Before the procedure, your doctor will explain what to expect and take your consent. You may need to undergo a few basic tests such as blood work, urine test, or a pregnancy test (if applicable).
• If the hysteroscopy is being performed under general anaesthesia, you will be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure. Fasting is usually not required for local or regional anaesthesia.
• You’ll also be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure for comfort.

- Anaesthesia

• Depending on the purpose of the hysteroscopy and your medical condition, one of the following will be used:
• Local anaesthesia: Numbs only the cervical area; you’ll stay awake.
• Regional anaesthesia: Numbs the lower half of your body.
• General anaesthesia: You’ll be asleep during the entire procedure.
• The choice depends on whether it’s a diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy.

- Insertion of the Hysteroscope

• Once the anaesthesia takes effect, the doctor gently inserts a speculum into your vagina (similar to a Pap smear) to view the cervix.
• A thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope is then inserted through the cervix into the uterus. This tube transmits the inside view of your uterus onto a monitor.

- Uterine Cavity Examination

• To get a clear view, your uterus is expanded using a sterile saline fluid or carbon dioxide gas.
• This helps the doctor clearly visualize the uterine lining (endometrium), the shape of the cavity, and the openings of the fallopian tubes.
• During this stage, any abnormalities like polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or septum can be seen.

- Treatment or Intervention (if required)

• If a problem is detected, the doctor may perform a therapeutic hysteroscopy immediately.
• Special miniature instruments are passed through the hysteroscope to:
• Remove polyps or fibroids
• Cut scar tissue (adhesions)
• Correct uterine septum
• Take a biopsy for further testing
• This allows diagnosis and treatment in a single sitting, avoiding multiple procedures.

- Completion of the Procedure

• After the examination or treatment, the hysteroscope and instruments are carefully removed.
• The fluid or gas used to expand the uterus is drained out
• The entire procedure usually takes 10–30 minutes, depending on its complexity.

- Recovery

• You’ll be observed for a short period in the recovery room. Once you are fully awake and stable, you can usually go home the same day.
• Mild cramping, light bleeding, or watery discharge may occur for 1–2 days, which is completely normal.
• Most women resume normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
• Your doctor will schedule a follow-up to discuss findings and, if applicable, the biopsy result.

Hysteroscopy Advantages & Benefits:

Here are the key benefits that make hysteroscopy attractive:

• Minimally invasive: no large cuts/incisions into the abdomen. 
• Most often, outpatient/day-case — shorter hospital stay or no stay. 
• Diagnostic and therapeutic in the same session: you may avoid a separate surgery later if treatment is done right then. 
• Direct visualisation of the uterine cavity gives a more accurate diagnosis than some other tests. 
• Faster recovery, less pain, lower risk of infection compared to more invasive surgeries. 

So, if you or your doctor suspect a uterine cavity problem, hysteroscopy offers a modern, effective route.

Risks and Complications of Hysteroscopy:

While generally safe, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks to be aware of.

Common / Mild risks

• NMild cramping similar to period pain for a day or two. 
• Light vaginal spotting or bleeding. 

Less common / more serious risks

• Uterine perforation (tear in the uterine wall) – rare but possible. 
• Damage to the cervix. 
• Infection of the uterus or pelvic area. 
• Excess absorption of fluid (distention media complications) leading to fluid overload, especially in larger operative procedures. 
• Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure. 
• Risks associated with anaesthesia (if general anaesthesia is used). 

Conclusion:

If you’re facing unexplained uterine symptoms — such as heavy bleeding, irregular periods, infertility, or an abnormal ultrasound finding — hysteroscopy can be a powerful and effective diagnostic tool. It enables your gynecologist to look directly inside the uterus, make an accurate diagnosis, and, in many cases, provide treatment during the same procedure.

While hysteroscopy does carry some risks, these are minimal when performed by experienced specialists and with proper preparation.

At Lotus IVF, Dr. Shruti Ghate and her expert team specialize in advanced hysteroscopy procedures — offering safe, precise, and patient-centered care. If your doctor has recommended hysteroscopy, discuss openly what the findings might reveal and how they can guide your treatment plan.

With the right timing and expert guidance from Dr. Shruti Ghate at Lotus IVF, hysteroscopy can bring clarity,

confidence, and hope — helping you take one step closer to better reproductive health and fertility success.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Does hysteroscopy require general anaesthesia?

A: Not always. Diagnostic hysteroscopies can often be done with local anaesthesia or mild sedation. Treatment procedures may require general or regional anaesthesia.

Q: Will I stay overnight in the hospital?

A: Usually not. Most hysteroscopies are outpatient or day-care procedures. You can go home the same day unless a complex treatment is performed.

Q: Can I get pregnant after a hysteroscopy?

A: Yes. Many women conceive successfully after hysteroscopy, especially if it treated a problem like polyps, fibroids, or uterine adhesions.

Q: Is hysteroscopy painful?

A: You may feel mild cramping or discomfort similar to menstrual pain. Anaesthesia or pain relief is provided to minimize discomfort.

Q: How long does a hysteroscopy take?

A: The procedure typically takes 10–30 minutes, depending on whether it’s diagnostic or operative.

Q: What should I expect after the procedure?

A: Mild cramps, light bleeding, or watery discharge may occur for a few days. These are normal and usually resolve quickly.

Q: What problems can hysteroscopy detect or treat?

A: Hysteroscopy helps diagnose and treat uterine conditions like fibroids, polyps, septum, adhesions, and causes of abnormal bleeding.

Q: Is hysteroscopy safe?

A: Yes. It’s a safe and minimally invasive procedure. Complications are rare when performed by experienced doctors.

Q: Can hysteroscopy affect my menstrual cycle?

A: Your next period may arrive a bit earlier or later than usual. Light spotting after the procedure is common.

Q: Will hysteroscopy stop my periods?

A: No. It doesn’t stop periods unless done for endometrial ablation to control heavy bleeding.

Q: When is the best time to have a hysteroscopy?

A: The ideal time is after your period ends and before ovulation, as the uterine lining is thin and visibility is clearer.

Q: What’s the difference between diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy?

A: Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to look inside the uterus and identify problems. Operative hysteroscopy allows the doctor to treat those problems during the same procedure.