Hysteroscopy is a technique that allows a doctor to look directly into your cervical canal and uterus. It is typically done during the first week or so after your period. A thin, telescopic instrument called a hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus through the cervix, allowing the doctor to examine the interior shape and lining of your uterus and fallopian tubes. The purpose is to look for any evidence of abnormalities or disease and to decide which approach to take for treatment.

Hysteroscopies can be performed quickly and conveniently in the doctor’s office, surgical center, or hospital. Diagnostic hysteroscopy only takes a few minutes, and you can go home shortly after the procedure. Even when an operative procedure is performed, the recovery time is very short. Almost all patients go home the same day after hysteroscopic surgery. Unlike some other procedures, there is very little pain after hysteroscopic surgery and problems such as injury to the cervix or the uterus, infection, or heavy bleeding occur in less than one percent of patients.