Outpatient hysteroscopy is a procedure to look inside the uterus (womb) using a fine telescope called a hysteroscope. This is carried out awake in the outpatient department.
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
Worries or concerns?
Please contact Ashley Stewart (Lead Nurse) if you have any worries or concerns regarding your condition.
Gynaecology Clinic, 3rd floor
Queen Margaret Hospital
Whitefield Road
Dunfermline
KY12 0SU
Telephone 01383 623623 - Extension 20934
The hysteroscope is passed along the vagina, through the cervix into the womb. This enables the doctor to inspect the lining of the womb (endometrium). You will be offered local anaesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable.
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
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks. The main risk during a hysteroscopy is uterine perforation (damage to the womb). This risk is small, however, should this happen you may require surgery to repair the damage. This would result in a longer stay in hospital.
- Pain is a common side effect of having a hysteroscopy. Most people find simple pain killers can make them more comfortable. You can ask for the procedure to be stopped at any time.
- Bleeding – this shouldn’t be more than you’d see with a normal period. However, there is a small risk of heavy bleeding.
- Infection – this might happen to around 1/10 people and can cause a smelly vaginal discharge, tummy pain or fever. Most infections are easily treated with antibiotic tablets.
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.
- Please be prepared to provide a urine sample for a pregnancy test when you arrive
- Take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, one hour before your appointment
- Feel free to bring along some music or someone to support you if that helps you relax
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 can drive home after your procedure. However, it is advisable to have someone with you whilst you attend your appointment, although this is not mandatory.
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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