What Is Hysteroscopy? How Is It Performed and Why Is It Important?

Hysteroscopy is the name given to the visualization of the inside of the uterus and the areas where the fallopian tubes open into the uterus using a special thin, illuminated device with a camera system. The device used in this procedure is called a hysteroscope. Hysteroscopy can be performed both to make a diagnosis and to treat some intrauterine problems in the same session (1).

Hysteroscopy is an important diagnostic method in the evaluation of intrauterine polyps, fibroids, adhesions, recurrent miscarriages, abnormal uterine bleeding, and infertility. According to ACOG, hysteroscopy is an effective method that can be performed in an office setting or operating room for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathologies (1).

How Is Hysteroscopy Performed?

Hysteroscopy is performed by reaching the inside of the uterus through the vaginal route and the cervical canal. During the procedure, a thin camera system called a hysteroscope is advanced into the uterus, and the images are transferred to a monitor. In this way, the physician can directly observe the inside of the uterus (2).

The way the procedure is performed may vary depending on the patient’s condition, the scope of the procedure, and the physician’s evaluation. Hysteroscopy may be performed under the following conditions:

• In an office setting with local anesthesia,
• In the operating room with general anesthesia,
• In the operating room with spinal anesthesia.

Before the procedure, in some patients, medication may be used orally or vaginally to make cervical dilation easier. When necessary, the cervix may be carefully dilated with thin instruments called dilators.

After the hysteroscope is placed inside the uterus, fluid is given to better visualize the uterine cavity. This allows the uterine walls to separate from each other and enables clearer evaluation of problems such as polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or structural abnormalities. If a problem requiring treatment is seen during the procedure, intervention can be performed with special surgical instruments passed through the hysteroscope (1).

What Are the Types of Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is generally divided into two main groups: diagnostic hysteroscopy and operative hysteroscopy.

• Diagnostic Hysteroscopy: It is performed to evaluate the inside of the uterus. In cases such as abnormal bleeding, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or suspicious ultrasound findings, the inside of the uterus is directly examined.
• Operative Hysteroscopy: It is performed to treat problems detected during diagnosis, such as polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or septum. In this procedure, special surgical instruments can be passed through the hysteroscope to perform intervention.

When Should Hysteroscopy Be Performed?

The most appropriate time for hysteroscopy is generally the first week after menstrual bleeding ends. During this period, the inside of the uterus can be seen more clearly; since there is no bleeding, the cavity can be evaluated more comfortably, and because the intrauterine tissue has not yet thickened significantly, structures such as polyps or fibroids can be noticed more easily.

However, timing is not the same for every patient. In cases such as excessive uterine bleeding, the need for urgent diagnosis, or treatment planning, the physician may prefer a different timing. Therefore, when hysteroscopy will be performed should be determined individually.

In Which Situations Is Hysteroscopy Used?

Hysteroscopy can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of many gynecological problems originating from inside the uterus. According to Cleveland Clinic, hysteroscopy is one of the commonly used methods especially to evaluate the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding (2).

The main situations in which hysteroscopy can be used are:

• Investigating the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding or intermenstrual bleeding,
• Diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine polyps,
• Evaluation and removal of fibroids growing toward the uterine cavity,
• Investigation of the causes of recurrent miscarriages,
• Evaluation of infertility or repeated IVF failures,
• Diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine adhesions, also known as Asherman syndrome,
• Evaluation of congenital uterine anomalies, especially uterine septum,
• Removal of an intrauterine device that has migrated into the uterus or whose string cannot be seen,
• Taking biopsies from suspicious intrauterine tissue areas,
• Clarification of abnormal ultrasound or HSG findings.

What Are the Advantages of Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy provides significant advantages in many cases because it allows direct visualization of the inside of the uterus. No abdominal incision is made during the procedure; the uterus is reached through the vaginal route. Therefore, recovery is rapid in most patients (3).

• It allows the inside of the uterus to be visualized without making an incision.
• Diagnosis and treatment can be performed in the same session.
• Problems such as polyps, small fibroids, or adhesions can be directly treated.
• A long hospital stay is usually not required.
• The recovery process after the procedure is generally rapid.
• Because intrauterine problems are seen directly, diagnostic accuracy may increase.

What Should Be Considered After Hysteroscopy?

Most patients can be discharged on the same day after hysteroscopy. After the procedure, mild groin pain, cramps similar to menstrual pain, and a small amount of vaginal bleeding may occur. The NHS states that pain similar to menstrual cramps may occur for a few days after hysteroscopy and spotting may last up to one week (3).

• Light Bleeding: Spotting or light bleeding may occur for a few days after the procedure. During this period, sanitary pads are recommended instead of tampons.
• Cramps and Pain: Mild groin pain or cramps similar to menstrual pain may be considered normal. Painkillers recommended by the physician may be used.
• Sexual Intercourse: Sexual intercourse should be avoided as long as bleeding and pain continue. If an operative procedure was performed, the period recommended by the physician should be followed.
• Vaginal Douching and Tampons: Vaginal douching and tampon use should be avoided to reduce the risk of infection.
• Return to Daily Life: After diagnostic hysteroscopy, many patients can return to daily life in a short time. If general anesthesia or surgical intervention was performed, the resting period may be longer.

In case of excessive vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, fever, severe abdominal pain, or gradually increasing pain, a physician should be consulted without delay (3).

Is Hysteroscopy a Risky Procedure?

Hysteroscopy is generally considered a safe minimally invasive procedure. However, as with every medical procedure, there are some risks. Rarely, infection, bleeding, injury to the uterine wall, uterine perforation, or complications related to the fluid used may occur. The level of risk may vary depending on whether the procedure is diagnostic or operative, the patient’s general health condition, and the scope of the intervention to be performed (1).

Recovery Process After Hysteroscopy

The recovery process after hysteroscopy is generally rapid. Many patients who undergo diagnostic hysteroscopy can return to their daily activities on the same day or the next day. In patients who undergo operative hysteroscopy, general anesthesia, or intrauterine surgical intervention, the recovery process may take a few days longer (3).

The most important point to consider after the procedure is to follow the personalized recommendations given by the physician. This is because the recommended rest period and sexual abstinence period may vary after procedures such as polyp removal, fibroid removal, or opening adhesions.

What Is the Difference Between Hysteroscopy and Endometrial Biopsy?

Endometrial biopsy is the pathological examination of a sample taken from the intrauterine tissue. Hysteroscopy, on the other hand, allows direct visualization of the inside of the uterus with a camera. In some cases, these two procedures can be performed together. Mayo Clinic states that hysteroscopy can allow visualization of suspicious areas inside the uterus and, when necessary, tissue sampling (4).

In other words, while endometrial biopsy helps make a diagnosis through a tissue sample, hysteroscopy allows direct evaluation of the inside of the uterus and, if necessary, targeted biopsy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hysteroscopy Prices 2026

Hysteroscopy prices may vary depending on whether the procedure is diagnostic or operative, the type of anesthesia, hospital or clinic conditions, whether additional procedures such as polyp or fibroid removal are performed, and whether pathological examination is required.

The most accurate information about current hysteroscopy prices for 2026 can be provided through a personal evaluation after the examination. This is because each patient’s needs, the scope of the procedure to be performed, and the treatment plan are different.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopy is an important gynecological method in terms of diagnosis and treatment, allowing direct visualization of intrauterine problems. Your physician may recommend hysteroscopy in cases of abnormal bleeding, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, polyps, fibroids, intrauterine adhesions, or suspicious ultrasound findings.

You can request an appointment and information via nazlikorkmaz.com to get detailed information about hysteroscopy, intrauterine evaluation, abnormal bleeding, or pregnancy planning.

References

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Hysteroscopy. (https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hysteroscopy)
2. Cleveland Clinic. Hysteroscopy: Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Recovery. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10142-hysteroscopy)
3. NHS. Hysteroscopy. (https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/hysteroscopy/)
4. Mayo Clinic. Dilation and curettage (D&C). (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910)