Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside the uterus in order to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. The procedure can be either diagnostic or operative.
A hysteroscopy is generally very safe, but like any procedure there is a small risk of complications. The risk is higher for women who have treatment during a hysteroscopy.

Some of the main risks associated with a hysteroscopy are:

• accidental damage to the womb – this is uncommon, but may require treatment with antibiotics in hospital or, in rare cases, another operation to repair it
• accidental damage to the cervix – this is rare and can usually be easily repaired
• excessive bleeding during or after surgery – this can occur if you had treatment under general anaesthetic and can be treated with medication or another procedure; very rarely it may be necessary to remove the womb (hysterectomy)
• infection of the womb – this can cause smelly vaginal discharge, a fever and heavy bleeding; it can usually be treated with a short course of antibiotics from your GP