HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Hysteroscopy
How It Is Done
A hysteroscopy is usually done by your Reference gynecologist Opens New Window in the operating room of a hospital or surgery center. Most women go home the same day. In some cases, the hysteroscopy can be done in your doctor's office.
You may be given medicine (Reference anesthesia Opens New Window) to help you relax, to numb the area, or to help you sleep.
You will take off all of your clothes and wear a gown for the test. You will empty your bladder before the test. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet raised and supported by footrests (stirrups).
Your doctor will insert a lubricated tool called a Reference speculum Opens New Window into your vagina. The
speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls so your doctor can see inside
the vagina and the cervix. See a picture of a
Reference pelvic examination with a speculum Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window. Your vagina will be cleaned with a special
soap.
The hysteroscope will be placed at the entrance to your vagina and gently moved through the cervix into your uterus. A gas or liquid will be put through the hysteroscope into your uterus to help your doctor see the lining clearly. Your doctor looks through the hysteroscope at a magnified view of the lining of your uterus. Your doctor can also see the uterine openings of the fallopian tubes. A video screen may be used during the test.
If a biopsy or other procedure is done, your doctor will use small tools through the hysteroscope. A hysteroscopy takes about 30 minutes, unless other procedures are being done.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
