Hysteroscopy in Nottingham

A hysteroscopy allows your surgeon to look inside your uterus to diagnose and treat any issues. It’s performed by inserting a thin tube holding a camera and a light (a hysteroscope) into your vagina to view your cervix and the inside of your uterus.

The procedure can help diagnose issues like unexplained bleeding and fertility problems, remove polyps and fibroids, and correct a uterine septum. Most patients recover quickly, with many returning to normal activities within 1-2 days.

If your doctor has said you may need a hysteroscopy, we can help you understand what’s involved. Here, we’ll explain what a hysteroscopy is, how it's performed, recovery and aftercare, and how you can access a hysteroscopy through Ramsay Health Care.

What is a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your surgeon to see inside your uterus to diagnose and treat any problems they find. A key advantage of a hysteroscopy is that it doesn’t involve any cutting. Instead, your surgeon sees inside your uterus using a hysteroscope – a thin tube holding a light and a camera that sends images and video footage to a screen. The hysteroscope is inserted through your vagina and cervix and into your uterus.

It can be performed to diagnose a condition or to treat one:

• Diagnostic hysteroscopy: The surgeon uses the hysteroscope to examine your uterus to diagnose any issues, like the presence of adhesions (scar tissue) or polyps, or structural abnormalities that can cause bleeding, pelvic pain, and hamper fertility.

• Operative hysteroscopy: The surgeon uses the hysteroscope to guide an operation (using other slender tools inserted through your vagina and cervix), such as removing polyps and fibroids, or correcting structural abnormalities.

In many cases, a diagnostic hysteroscopy and an operative hysteroscopy are performed simultaneously, with your surgeon first diagnosing a condition and then treating it.

Why you might need a hysteroscopy procedure

A hysteroscopy procedure is usually recommended when you have unexplained symptoms, like abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, or you’re experiencing fertility issues. While a hysteroscopy is primarily used to diagnose and treat benign (non-cancerous) conditions, it can also help to identify abnormal tissue that may require further investigation. 

Common reasons for a hysteroscopy include:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding: Helping to diagnose the cause of heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after the menopause.

• Pelvic pain: Investigating unexplained discomfort or pain in the pelvic area.

• Fertility problems and miscarriages: Investigating possible causes of difficulties in getting pregnant or recurrent pregnancy losses.

• Abnormal scan results: Diagnosing any abnormalities revealed by an imaging scan (like an ultrasound or MRI scan).

• Intrauterine growths: Detecting and removing uterine polyps (an overgrowth of tissue in the inner lining of your uterus) or uterine fibroids (benign tumours in your uterus).

• Intrauterine adhesions: Examining and removing scar tissue that can affect your fertility.

• Congenital uterine abnormalities: Diagnosing and treating a uterine septum (where fibrous tissue divides the uterine cavity) that can cause fertility problems.

• Abnormal tissue detection: Taking a hysteroscopy biopsy to examine suspicious tissue. While a hysteroscopy can identify abnormal areas and guide tissue sampling, it cannot definitively diagnose cancer on its own – laboratory analysis of the biopsy is required for diagnosis.

• Heavy bleeding treatment: Removing the endometrial lining (endometrial ablation) to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.

• Retained tissue: Checking for retained pregnancy tissue or foreign bodies.

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Guiding the removal of an IUD that may be difficult to remove.

Preparing for a hysteroscopy

We’ll give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your hysteroscopy procedure before you come to us, but this will typically involve:

• Attending a pre-assessment: Where we’ll discuss your medical history, current health, and any concerns you may have.

• Discussing any concerns with your surgeon: Especially if you have questions about the hysteroscopy procedure, pain, recovery, or if you’ve had past reactions to anaesthesia.

• Sharing your medication list: Including any prescriptions, over-the-counter supplements, or blood thinners you take. Your GP or surgeon may advise you to temporarily stop certain medications, such as NSAIDs or blood thinners, before your hysteroscopy. 

• Timing your procedure: In some cases, we may schedule your hysteroscopy for a specific time in your menstrual cycle for optimal results. 

• Following any fasting instructions: If you’re having sedation or a general anaesthetic, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your procedure.

• What to bring: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, sanitary towels, and any relevant medical documents. 

• Arranging transport home: You won’t be able to drive for 24 hours after the procedure if you’ve been given sedation or anaesthesia. You may be able to drive if you didn’t have any form of anaesthesia.

• Arranging for someone to stay with you: If you live alone and have had sedation or a general anaesthetic, you should ask a family member or friend to stay with you for 24 hours as the effects wear off.

• Planning time off work: Depending on the type of hysteroscopy, you may need to take one or two days off work to recover.

The hysteroscopy procedure: What to expect

On arrival at the Ramsay hospital, you’ll be checked in, will change into a surgical gown, and meet with your surgical team. They’ll answer any last-minute questions and ensure you’re comfortable and ready for the procedure.

Once you’re in the operating room, you’ll be positioned comfortably on your back with your legs supported in stirrups. You’ll usually be given sedation or anaesthesia to reduce any discomfort and keep you relaxed. This may include:

• Local anaesthetic for your pelvic region

• Sedation to help you relax

• General anaesthetic (if a biopsy is being taken or surgical procedures like removing polyps or correcting abnormalities are planned)

Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will:

• Gently dilate (open) your cervix, if needed, using a dilating rod so the hysteroscope can be inserted.

• Insert the hysteroscope through your vagina and cervix and into your uterus.

• Inject sterile salt water (saline solution) through the hysteroscope and into your uterus to expand it and remove any blood or mucus. This makes it easier for your surgeon to see inside your uterus.

The camera on the hysteroscope will send video footage to a screen so the surgeon can examine your uterine cavity, uterine lining, and the openings of your fallopian tubes.

If required, your surgeon will also insert thin surgical instruments through your vagina and cervix to perform any additional surgical steps, like removing tissue or correcting structural problems.

Once complete, the hysteroscope and any surgical tools will be removed. The saline solution may be drained, or it may be left for your body to absorb naturally.

A hysteroscopy procedure usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes to perform. It can take longer – up to 30 minutes or more – if any additional surgery is performed, like taking a biopsy, removing a uterine growth, or addressing a structural problem.

Hysteroscopy biopsy

A biopsy may be performed during your hysteroscopy procedure if tissue in your uterus appears to be abnormal. This involves taking a small sample of tissue so it can be examined more closely under a microscope in a laboratory setting. 

If a hysteroscopy biopsy is performed, a very fine instrument is passed through the hysteroscope to gently remove a small sample of tissue from the lining of your uterus. The process typically takes only a few seconds. You may feel brief cramping similar to period pain, but the discomfort is usually short-lived. Pain relief or anaesthetic options will be discussed with you beforehand.

The tissue sample taken will be placed in a preservative solution and sent to a specialist histology laboratory. There, it will be examined by a pathologist, who’ll look at the structure and appearance of the cells to identify any abnormalities or changes in the uterine lining.

Your hysteroscopy biopsy results will usually be available within two to three weeks. In some cases, results may be ready sooner, but complex findings can take a little longer. 

The results from a biopsy might indicate:

• Normal uterine lining, requiring no further treatment

• Benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as polyps or hormonal changes

• Endometrial hyperplasia – a thickening of the lining of the uterus that may require monitoring or treatment

• Less commonly, early signs of cancer, such as endometrial cancer

What happens after a biopsy will depend on the results. Next steps might include future monitoring, medication to manage hormonal changes, additional procedures to remove abnormal tissue, or referral to a specialist team for further investigation or treatment. 

Our surgeon and your doctor will help you understand and undertake the necessary next steps after a biopsy.

Hysteroscopy recovery time and aftercare

After your hysteroscopy procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where you’ll be monitored while the immediate effects of your anaesthesia wear off. 

Hysteroscopy is usually performed as a day procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight and can go home the same day. If you didn’t have any anaesthesia, you should be able to drive yourself home, but if you have, you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours.

During the first 24 to 48 hours after your hysteroscopy, it’s normal to experience:

• Cramping: This can feel similar to period pain. You can take painkillers, like paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help manage it.

• Watery discharge: Caused by the saline solution that was injected into your uterus during the procedure (if it wasn’t drained during the hysteroscopy).

• Spotting and bleeding: Some light bleeding is common and can last from a few days to a week or more. It’s advised to use sanitary towels rather than tampons to help reduce the risk of post-operative infection.

After your hysteroscopy, you’ll be able to eat and drink as normal right away, and you should be able to shower the same day, although you may not be able to take a bath or swim for up to two weeks. 

Returning to normal activities will depend on the type of hysteroscopy you’ve had:

• Diagnostic hysteroscopy: You should be able to return to work and normal activities, including light exercise, within 1-2 days.

• Operative hysteroscopy: You may need 3-7 days before returning to work and up to two weeks before resuming strenuous activities and exercise. 

You should avoid having sex for at least a week, or until any bleeding stops and you feel comfortable doing so.

After a hysteroscopy procedure at Ramsay, we’ll give you detailed instructions on what you should and shouldn’t do as you recover.

Signs of infection after a hysteroscopy

Infections are rare after a hysteroscopy, but they can occur. While uncommon, it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for and when to seek help.

Contact your GP, the hospital where you had your procedure, or call NHS 111 for advice if you experience:

• A fever (temperature above 38°C/100.4°F)

• Foul-smelling discharge

• Pain that gets worse rather than better

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

Seek immediate medical attention by going to A&E if you have:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads quickly

• Severe abdominal pain that isn’t relieved by painkillers

• A high fever combined with other symptoms

• Feeling increasingly unwell

If you’ve had your hysteroscopy at Ramsay and have any concerns about your recovery, you can also contact the hospital directly for advice. We provide aftercare support to ensure your recovery goes smoothly. 

While infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or endometritis (a uterine lining infection) are uncommon, early detection and treatment are important. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal or need medical attention, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek advice.

Hysteroscopy results and next steps

The next steps after your hysteroscopy will depend on what was found during the procedure. 

If you had a diagnostic hysteroscopy without a biopsy, your surgeon will usually discuss the findings with you on the same day or shortly after the procedure. You’ll receive a discharge summary that outlines what was found and any recommended next steps. A copy of this will also be sent to your GP to ensure continuity of care.

If a biopsy was taken, your results will typically be available within two to three weeks. Your surgeon or GP will contact you to discuss the findings and what they mean for you. 

Possible outcomes and next steps may include:

• No abnormalities found: No further treatment needed, but you may have follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms.

• Benign conditions identified and treated: Such as polyps or fibroids that were removed during the procedure. You may need follow-up scans to ensure successful treatment.

• Conditions requiring medication: Such as hormonal treatments for endometrial hyperplasia.

• Further procedures recommended: If additional treatment is needed, such as a repeat hysteroscopy or referral to a specialist.

• Long-term monitoring: In some cases, you may need ongoing monitoring through repeat scans, periodic reviews, or follow-up hysteroscopies. 

Your Ramsay surgeon will discuss the appropriate next steps for your individual case, and your GP will be kept informed throughout your care. If you have any questions or concerns after receiving your results, our team is here to support you.

Alternatives to hysteroscopy

In some situations, other procedures will be suitable to examine your uterus or may be used alongside a hysteroscopy, including:

Transvaginal ultrasound

A small probe is inserted into the vagina to create images of the uterus and other pelvic organs using ultrasound. A transvaginal ultrasound is commonly used as a first-line investigation for symptoms like abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain. While it can identify thickening of the uterine lining and the presence of fibroids and polyps, it can’t always detect small abnormalities inside the uterus that a hysteroscopy may reveal.

Endometrial biopsy

An endometrial biopsy involves taking a sample of the lining of the uterus. Whilst a biopsy can be taken without a hysteroscope, biopsies are often taken during a hysteroscopy. A biopsy can help detect abnormal or cancerous cells, but on its own, it won’t reveal structural changes and abnormalities, like polyps or adhesions.

MRI scanning

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can produce detailed images of pelvic organs and may be used in more complex cases, such as assessing large fibroids or suspected conditions outside the uterus. However, MRI scanning doesn’t allow direct viewing of the uterine lining and cannot be used to take tissue samples or perform surgical treatments.

When hysteroscopy is preferred over the alternatives

A hysteroscopy is often recommended when other tests are inconclusive, when symptoms persist, or when a direct view of the inside of the uterus is needed. It’s particularly useful for investigating abnormalities that can’t be fully assessed with scans alone.

Unlike other procedures, a hysteroscopy allows your surgeon to see the inside of the uterus in real time and, if needed, treat problems during the same procedure. This may include taking a targeted biopsy, removing polyps, or treating adhesions. Combining diagnosis and treatment in one procedure can reduce the need for additional tests and help you get the treatment you need quickly.

Your doctor and/or surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach for you based on your symptoms, medical history, and the results of any previous procedures.

Why choose a private hysteroscopy?

Choosing to have a private hysteroscopy can offer a range of benefits, including:

• Enhanced privacy and dignity – Your own private room throughout your stay, giving you the comfort and discretion you need during your recovery.
• Faster access to treatment – Private care means you can schedule your surgery quickly, at a time that suits you, rather than being placed on a lengthy waiting list.
• Continuity of care – You'll be cared for by the same consultant from initial consultation through to follow-up care, building a relationship with a specialist who understands your individual needs and treatment plan.
• Flexible appointments – Appointments arranged at times that work around your schedule, from your initial consultation through to post-operative follow-up appointments.

What is the cost of a private hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy costs with Ramsay Health Care will depend on the details of your hysteroscopy, including whether any additional surgical steps are performed, and which Ramsay hospital you have your procedure at. We’ll give you a personalised price for your hysteroscopy procedure after a consultation with one of our surgeons, which will be valid for up to 60 days.

We can offer you a range of payment options for your hysteroscopy, including:

• 0% Payment Plans – Allowing you to spread the cost of your procedure with fixed monthly payments made over a time period that suits you.

• Self-funded treatment – With our all-inclusive Total Care package, you’ll make a one-time payment at a pre-agreed price that covers all the treatment you’ll need.

• Private medical insurance – Your healthcare insurance may cover your hysteroscopy. You should get written confirmation from your insurance provider before booking your treatment with us.

For a personalised quote or to discuss payment options in more detail, please contact our friendly team.

Hysteroscopy treatment at Ramsay Health Care

Have your hysteroscopy with Ramsay to get quick access to the expert healthcare you need, delivered in a hospital close to you. With hospitals across the UK, we make specialist gynaecological care accessible and convenient. 

With Ramsay Health Care, you’ll benefit from patient-focused care from experienced consultant gynaecologists. Your appointments will be arranged at times to suit you, and you’ll receive a comprehensive treatment and recovery plan tailored to your needs.

Your Ramsay experience:

• Convenient locations across the UK, many with on-site free parking

• State-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology

• Comprehensive care from consultation to full recovery

• Dedicated patient support with easy access to your dedicated private patient team throughout your journey

• Experienced consultants who specialise in hysteroscopy procedures

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to speak to one of our friendly advisors, find out more about having a hysteroscopy with Ramsay Health Care, and book your consultation.

Hysteroscopy procedure FAQs