Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a way for your doctor to look at the lining of your Reference uterus Opens New Window. He or she uses a thin viewing tool called a hysteroscope. The tip of the hysteroscope is put into your Reference vagina Opens New Window and gently moved through the Reference cervix Opens New Window into the uterus. The hysteroscope has a light and camera hooked to it so your doctor can see the lining (Reference endometrium Opens New Window) on a video screen.

A hysteroscopy may be done to find the cause of abnormal bleeding or bleeding that occurs after a woman has passed Reference menopause Opens New Window. It also may be done to see if a problem in your uterus is preventing you from becoming pregnant (Reference infertility Opens New Window). A hysteroscopy can be used to remove growths in the uterus, such as Reference fibroids Opens New Window or Reference polyps Opens New Window.

Your doctor may take a small sample of tissue (Reference biopsy Opens New Window). The sample is looked at under a microscope for problems. Another surgery, called a Reference laparoscopy Opens New Window, may also be done at the same time as a hysteroscopy if infertility is a problem.

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