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A hysteroscopy is a procedure to look inside your uterus (womb) using a narrow telescope with a light and camera attached to the end of it. The hysteroscope is passed into your womb through your vagina and cervix (the entrance to your womb), which means no cuts need to be made in your skin during the process. The hysteroscope is a connected to a monitor, which displays images of inside your womb. Your consultant can examine these images as they perform the procedure.
A hysteroscopy is an effect way of examining and diagnosing a range of gynaecological issues, including abnormal bleeding, heavy periods, fibroids, and endometrial cancer. In some cases, your consultant can treat these issues through a hysteroscopy.
You might need a hysteroscopy if you have symptoms of any of the following gynaecological problems:
Uterine fibroids
Most women will develop one or more uterine fibroids during their reproductive lifespan. Uterine fibroids can lead to heaviness and pressure across your pelvic area. If left untreated, uterine fibroids will continue to grow, causing increased pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain can be caused by conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. It is felt in the lower part of your tummy. It might be sudden and severe (acute pelvic pain) or last for at least six months or longer (chronic pelvic pain).
Intrauterine adhesions
Adhesions is another word for scar tissue. Intrauterine adhesions is scar tissue that forms between the inner walls of your uterus. They mostly form due to injury or trauma, such as during pregnancy. This scar tissue can cause pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and irregular periods.
Ovarian cysts
Most women will be unaware that they have an ovarian cyst(s), because they are often asymptomatic. If you do have symptoms, you will likely experience pelvic pain, pain during sex, and unusually heavy periods.
A pelvic tumour
A pelvic tumour is any one of many tumours that can be found in your pelvic area. These can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Pelvic tumours typically cause a feeling of pressure on your tummy, bloating, and urinary and bowel changes.
These are just some of the conditions that can be diagnosed (and sometimes treated) through hysteroscopy. If you have any of these conditions, you will most likely experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Heavy periods
- Irregular periods
- Tummy and pelvic pain
- Bloating and swelling
- A feeling of pressure and fullness across your tummy
- Urinary and bowel changes
- Pain during sex
- Difficulty getting pregnant
A hysteroscopy is not usually carried out under anaesthetic. This is because it is a relatively quick procedure and doesn't involve making incisions in your skin.
Occasionally, a local anaesthetic may be applied to numb your cervix (entrance to the womb). Longer or more complicated procedures to treat issues such as fibroids and polyps might be performed under general anaesthetic.
A hysteroscopy usually takes between five and 30 minutes depending on your reason for having it. To begin, you will be asked to lie on a bed with your legs apart. An instrument called a speculum will be inserted into your vagina to hold it open (the same instrument used for a cervical screening test). Your consultant will then carefully insert a hysteroscope up your vagina and into your womb. You might experience some cramping and discomfort as it passes through your cervix. Taking traditional painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help reduce any pain and discomfort after the procedure. Fluid will be gently pumped into your womb to help your consultant see clearly.
Your consultant will examine your womb using the monitor connected to the hysteroscope. If you feel discomfort or pain at any point during the procedure, you can tell your consultant. They can stop at any point.
If you're having a hysteroscopy to treat a condition such as fibroids or polyps, your consultant will pass specialist surgical instruments along the hysteroscope to cut or burn away the abnormal tissue.
It is important to remember that risks and complications can occur during any surgery, and that complications are not common during a hysteroscopy. Some of these potential risks include:
- Pelvic pain
- Sickness or feeling sick
- Abnormal bleeding
- Bloating and cramping
- Infection
- Accidental damage to the womb (this is uncommon, but might require treatment with antibiotics)
- Tearing of the uterus (rare)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
You should be able to go home the same day. A member of the healthcare team will tell you what was found during the hysteroscopy and will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.
Most women are able to return to normal activities the day after the procedure. You may experience some period-like cramps and mild bleeding.
A hysteroscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if you have a problem with your womb and, in some circumstances, treating your symptoms.
Hysteroscopy costs are covered by most medical insurance policies, but please check with your insurer first. If you are paying for your own treatment the cost of the operation will be explained and confirmed in writing when you book the operation. Ask the hospital for a quote beforehand, and ensure that this includes the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee and the hospital charge for your procedure.
Copyright © EIDO Healthcare Limited The operation and treatment information on this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Circle Health. The intellectual property rights to the information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited. You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial use. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Hysteroscopy (uterus examination) (LA)
Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.
| Patient pathway | Initial consultation | Diagnostic Investigations | Main treatment | Post discharge care | Guide price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital fees | N/A | Not included | £2,025 | Included | £2,025 |
| Consultants fees from | £200 | N/A | Included | Included | £200 |
| Guide price | £2,225 | ||||
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
- Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
- The freedom to choose which hospital and Consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, Consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Support by the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to spread the cost of your care
If you would like to learn more about this procedure, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.
