Outpatient Hysteroscopy

Outpatient Hysteroscopy - Key Points

Hysteroscopy involves examining the inside of your uterus (womb). This is done by passing a thin telescope-like device, called a hysteroscope, that is fitted with a small camera through the neck of your womb (cervix). The womb is filled with water to allow the lining to open up for the examination. You may feel the water trickle out during the procedure.

The healthcare professional doing the procedure can then see whether there are any problems inside your uterus that may need further investigation or treatment.

The doctor may give local anaesthesia if you are experiencing discomfort. If you experience too much discomfort, it is important to let your healthcare professional know so that they can discuss options.

Risks of Outpatient Hysteroscopy

Possible risks of hysteroscopy include:

Pain and discomfort - This can feel like a mild to moderate period type pain.
Feeling giddy or faint - This usually settles when the procedure is stopped the doctor will lie you flat till you feel better but rarely you may need a drip to recover.
Bleeding and blood stained discharge which usually settles within a few days (common).
Infection of the lining of the womb - This can happen few days after the procedure and you may need some antibiotics (5%). Rarely this can become a more severe type of infection in the form of an abscess in the tummy. In this case, admission to hospital is required.
Rarely uterine perforation (damage to the wall of the uterus).
Sometimes the procedure may not be completed due to discomfort and technical reasons like blocked neck of the womb, previous surgery and scar tissue in the lining of the womb. Most women in this situation require the procedure to be carried out under general anaesthesia.
The risk of uterine perforation is lower during OPH than during hysteroscopy under general anaesthesia.

Find out more about Outpatient Hysteroscopy (OHP):

Risks Reasons for Treatment Pre/Post Operative Instructions Hysteroscopy Specialists

Length of procedure:
15-20 Minutes

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Reasons why you Might Be Referred for OHP

To treat and investigate abnormal bleeding like heavy periods, bleeding in between periods.
If you experience bleeding after menopause.
For removal of a polyp seen on a scan or to remove a coil with missing threads.
Investigation for fertility and miscarriage.
Unscheduled bleeding on hormone replacement therapy.
For removal of embedded or lost coil.

Book An Appointment With One Of Our Hysteroscopy Specialists

Book Now

Pre/Post-Operative Instructions

Preparing for your procedure:

Continue eating and drinking as normal before the procedure.
Take Ibuprofen 400mg or Paracetamol 1 gram (if unable to take Ibuprofen) 1–2 hours before the appointment. This will help to reduce your discomfort during and after the procedure
If you are in the reproductive age group, take contraceptive precautions before the procedure. Please let us know if there is any possibility of being pregnant so that the procedure can be rescheduled.

Post-procedure advice:

You may continue to get some blood stained discharge and bleeding which will settle in few days.
We advise you not to use tampons for 4 weeks following the procedure to minimise the risk of infection.
Observe any signs of infection in the form of painful discharge or discomfort in your womb area. If you experience any issues please get in touch with your GP or the clinic and we can assess the need for antibiotics.
Take some pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol if you experience discomfort.

Outpatient Hysteroscopy - Specialists

Mr Yousri Affifi

Consultant Gynaecologist

Mr Y. Afifi has over 25 years of experience in specialised laparoscopic and reproductive surgeries.

He is the director of the Birmingham Endometriosis Centre and lead consultant of the reproductive surgery unit in Birmingham Women’s Hospital.

Mrs Ruchira Singh

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Ruchira is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with her NHS practice based at Birmingham Women's Hospital in Edgbaston. She is the Clinical Director of Gynaecology at her NHS Trust.

Ruchira is a reviewer for European Journal of Obstetrics and gynaecology. She is also a Senior clinical examiner and Honorary lecturer for University of Birmingham.

Dr Mamta Pathak

Consultant Gynaecologist

Dr Mamta specialises in office Gynaecology consultations and procedures, having helped to establish and develop the office Gynaecology department in the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals.

Office Gynaecological procedures have made a significant clinical impact by removing the need for general anaesthesia, thereby allowing for a quick recovery following treatment.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Deny Accept