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Office Hysteroscopy

Procedures Offered

What Is a Hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your uterus using a thin, lighted camera called a hysteroscope. It is used to help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including:

  • Abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Uterine polyps or fibroids
  • Scar tissue (adhesions) inside the uterus
  • Evaluation of the uterine lining
  • Certain causes of infertility, such as chronic endometritis
  • Removal of an intrauterine device (IUD) or other foreign body

In many cases, your doctor can both diagnose and treat a problem during the same visit — this is sometimes called a “see and treat” approach.

Office Hysteroscopy: What to Expect

Many hysteroscopy procedures can be safely and comfortably performed right in your doctor’s office. Here is what a typical office hysteroscopy involves:

  • The procedure usually takes about 5–10 minutes.
  • A very thin hysteroscope (about the width of a pencil) is gently guided through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. In many cases, a speculum is not needed.
  • A fluid is used to gently expand the uterus so your doctor can see clearly.
  • You may be able to watch the procedure on a video screen if you wish.
  • You will be awake during the procedure.

Pain Management in the Office

Your comfort is a top priority. To help manage any discomfort, your doctor may use one or more of the following:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), taken before the procedure. We recommend taking 800mg of Ibuprofen at least one hour before the procedure.
  • Gentle techniques that minimize discomfort, such as using a very small hysteroscope and a “no-touch” approach that avoids the use of a speculum or clamp on the cervix

Most patients describe the sensation as mild to moderate cramping, similar to menstrual cramps. The discomfort is usually brief and goes away quickly after the procedure.

Benefits of Office Hysteroscopy

  • No general anesthesia is needed
  • Faster recovery — most patients return to normal activities the same day
  • More convenient — no need to schedule a separate surgery date
  • Lower cost compared to a hospital or surgery center procedure
  • Studies show high patient satisfaction with office-based hysteroscopy

Your Choice: Hysteroscopy Under Sedation in the Operating Room

While office hysteroscopy is safe and well tolerated by most patients, we understand that it is not the right choice for everyone. You always have the option to have your hysteroscopy performed under sedation in the operating room.

You may prefer the operating room option if:

  • You feel anxious about having the procedure while awake
  • You have had a prior office procedure that was uncomfortable or not well tolerated
  • You have certain medical conditions that make the office setting less appropriate
  • You simply prefer to be sedated during the procedure

If you choose the operating room setting, you will receive sedation or general anesthesia so that you are asleep and comfortable during the procedure. The procedure itself is the same — only the setting and type of anesthesia are different.

Please discuss your preferences with your doctor. Together, you can decide which option is best for you.