During this procedure a thin tube with a tiny light attached to it, called hysteroscope, is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and the inside of the womb.
In the case of diagnostic hysteroscopy, there is no need to stay in the clinic and you will be allowed to resume normal life after the procedure. You will be advised to take certain medications before the procedure to minimise discomfort and will be asked to avoid driving afterwards as the medications may make you a little drowsy.
Most diagnostic hysteroscopies are entirely uncomplicated, with the patient feeling something similar to mild menstrual pain during the procedure. Most of the times this is very tolerable and requires no sedation. The personal nature of how pain manifests in different people is why in rare occasions there may be a need for sedation for the procedure.
Benefits:
Hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard diagnostic method for intrauterine pathology. The other benefit this procedure gives is the possibility of treating certain situations like small endometrial polyps, endometrial adherences (scar tissue) and small uterine septa (uterine malformation).
How long does it last?
A diagnostic hysteroscopy can last anywhere from 15-45 minutes depending on the difficulty of the procedure and if there is anything that needs to be corrected with it.