A hysteroscopy is a procedure which allows a doctor to look inside the uterus (womb) using a fine telescope called a hysteroscope. The hysteroscope is passed along the vagina, through the cervix and into the womb.
Produced by Gynaecology Department
Information Version
Date of Issue: January 2026
Review Date: October 2029
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published
Need to contact us
Day Surgery Unit
Queen Margaret Hospital
Dunfermline
Tel:01383 627010
Victoria Hospital
Kirkcaldy
Tel:01592 729151
Reasons for hysteroscopy
- To investigate abnormal bleeding e.g. bleeding in between periods, heavy and prolonged periods, bleeding after the menopause.
- To obtain information for further surgery.
- To assess fibroids (non-cancerous growths of the uterine muscle tissue).
- To investigate causes of subfertility.
It may be possible for an additional procedure to be performed at the same time, such as:
Polypectomy
This is removal of a polyp (a small tissue swelling – a bit like a skin tag from the womb).
Endometrial biopsy
This is where a small sample of endometrium (uterus lining) is taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Insertion/removal of a coil
If the threads are no longer visible through the cervix.
NOVASURE
This is where a small device burns the endometrium (lining of the womb) to treat heavy periods.
Risks involved with a hysteroscopy
- Pain is a common side effect of having a hysteroscopy. Most people find simple pain killers can make them more comfortable.
- Bleeding – this shouldn’t be more than you’d see with a normal period. However, there is a small risk of heavy bleeding during and after your procedure.
- Infection – this might happen to around 1/10 people. This can cause a smelly vaginal discharge, tummy pain or fever. Most infections are easily treated with antibiotic tablets.
- Damage to the womb is uncommon. However, should this happen you may require surgery to repair the damage. This would result in a longer stay in hospital.
- An anaesthetic carries risks and this will be discussed with you by the anaesthetist. An alternative would be to have your hysteroscopy done awake in the outpatient department.
How to prepare for your hysteroscopy
- If you are aged under 55 and you haven’t been through the menopause, please use contraception for at least 21 days prior to your appointment.
- Pre-assessment will give you advice on when to stop eating and drinking before your anaesthetic, along with what to do with your regular medications.
After your surgery
Following surgery, the doctor will discuss any findings with you. If you have had samples sent for analysis, it can take up to eight weeks for the results to get to you. This may be by letter, phone call or a face to face appointment.
You may experience some discomfort following surgery (similar to period pains). It is advisable to have a supply of painkillers at home as you may have discomfort for 1 to 2 days.
Slight to moderate vaginal bleeding is common following surgery. It may last for a few days to over a week depending on which of the above procedures you have had done. Please use sanitary towels, do not use tampons during this time.
We advise that you do not have sexual intercourse or go swimming until the bleeding has stopped.
You should not drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.
When to seek advice
There is a slight risk of infection following surgery. The signs of infection are:
- Smelly discharge
- Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in under one hour or clots the size of your palm)
- Pelvic pain
- High temperature
You should contact your GP (or 111 if your GP is closed) if you have any of these symptoms as you may require a course of antibiotics.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
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