What to Expect During and After Hysteroscopy

There are multiple reasons you may need a hysteroscopy: The procedure can help diagnose gynecologic issues and treat them in some cases. Knowing what to expect from a hysteroscopy can help you feel more confident beforehand.

Obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive health specialist Asia Mohsin, MD, performs hysteroscopy with great care at Progressive Women’s Health OB/GYN in Friendswood, Texas.

After preparing in the office with a pelvic exam and maybe a Pap smear, Dr. Mohsin walks you through your hysteroscopy. Here’s everything you can expect during and after the procedure:

What hysteroscopy does

Dr. Mohsin determines which type of hysteroscopy you need: Diagnostic or operative.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy

A diagnostic hysteroscopy explores possible gynecologic issues identified during routine pelvic exams and Pap smears. Typically, the focus of hysteroscopy is irregular bleeding (bleeding between periods, heavy periods, etc.)

Operative hysteroscopy

An operative hysteroscopy aims to treat issues identified during diagnostic hysteroscopy. In many cases, Dr. Mohsin performs diagnostic and operative hysteroscopies at the same appointment.

Procedure steps

At Progressive Women’s Health OB/GYN, you can expect a similar process whether your hysteroscopy is diagnostic, operative, or both. The first few steps are similar to getting a routine pelvic exam.

You lie on the examination table with your feet in stirrups
Dr. Mohsin uses a speculum to widen your vaginal canal
She inserts a hysteroscope, a long, lighted tube with a camera
She examines your cervix and uterus using the hysteroscope
If the procedure is operative, Dr. Mohsin uses other tools to remove abnormalities

How long your hysteroscopy lasts varies based on your needs. The procedure can take five minutes to over an hour.

What to expect after hysteroscopy

In some cases, you get anesthesia before a hysteroscopy. If you do, Dr. Mohsin observes you for a few more hours before clearing you to go home.

Whether or not you received anesthesia, you can expect some soreness in your pelvis or abdomen after your hysteroscopy. You might also feel a little nauseous. Note that, even though you may feel a little unwell, hysteroscopy is a safe procedure.

To make sure you can care for yourself, take the rest of the day off if possible. Dr. Mohsin may advise you to avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and douching for at least two weeks after your hysteroscopy. You should also avoid hot tubs, swimming, and baths until cleared.

Dr. Mohsin might advise you to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your hysteroscopy results.

Learning your diagnostic hysteroscopy results

Diagnostic hysteroscopy can confirm the results of pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and other tests conducted by your OB/GYN. Dr. Mohsin may want to discuss her findings with you. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can reveal conditions and abnormalities such as: