Description

There are several reasons that hysteroscopies may be done. These include;

1. Heavy period bleeding
2. Prolonged periods
3. Bleeding between periods (intra-menstrual bleeding)
4. Vaginal bleeding after menopause (post-menopausal bleed)
5. Investigating women who are having problems conceiving
6. Those who have had multiple miscarriages
7. When a grow or abnormality in the womb is suspected.

The procedure is usually done as a day case and under general anaesthesia, although local anaesthetics can be used.

The surgeon starts by dilating the entrance to the cervix and then inflating the cavity of the uterus with air or a special liquid so that the inside of the uterus can be seen.

At this stage, the hysteroscope can be inserted and observations made about the endometrium of the uterus (womb lining). Samples (biopsies) can be taken or scrape and suction sampling (curettage) can be done and sent for further analyisis to the labs.