A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows the womb (uterus) to be examined using a narrow tube-like telescopic camera called a hysteroscope. A hysteroscopy can be used either to diagnose or treat gynaecological conditions such as:
- Heavy or irregular bleeding that has not got better with medication
- Bleeding in-between periods
- Bleeding after your menopause
- Irregular bleeding whilst you are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Unexplained miscarriages
A hysteroscopy can also be used to remove abnormal growths from the womb, such as:
- fibroids – non-cancerous growths that can develop inside the womb and can sometimes cause symptoms such as pain and heavy periods
- polyps – small growths that develop on the lining of the womb and can cause irregular and heavy periods
- intrauterine adhesions – which are sections of scar tissue that can cause absent periods and infertility
Depending on the reason for hysteroscopy it can be performed under local anaesthetic.
Hysteroscopy Information
http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/h/hysteroscopy#textBlock212915
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysteroscopy/pages/introduction.aspx