About the procedure
The office hysteroscopy is done at the MUHC Reproductive Centre. It’s a procedure that allows your doctor to view the inside of your uterus by using a thin rigid instrument called a hysteroscope (about 3mm), inserted via the vagina and the cervix. The hysteroscope connects to a camera, which is connected to a video monitor.
The procedure takes about 10 minutes.
- The procedure is uncomfortable, but well-tolerated by most patients.
- During the examination, patients can view the procedure on a video monitor.
- The doctor may take a tiny piece of tissue (biopsy) from the uterus and send it to the laboratory for analysis, in which case the results are given at the follow-up appointment.
Scheduling your appointment
If your appointment is scheduled far in advance, your doctor may prescribe oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills). See the document titled Using the oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills) for scheduling office hysteroscopy to know when to start the medication.
- If no oral contraceptive pills are prescribed, send an email to [email protected] to announce your day 1. Write in the subject HYSTEROSCOPY. The procedure is done between days 6 to 12 of your menstrual cycle.
- There are only a few spots available per week. You can’t book ahead of time. If no appointment is available that month, you need to try with your next menstrual cycle. It might take a few months to get an appointment.
Preparation
- Use abstinence or condoms from day 1 of your period until the day of procedure (unless you are using oral contraceptive pills).
- No fasting required but avoid heavy meals.
- Bring a sanitary pad for after the procedure (avoid tampons).
- If Ativan is prescribed, you must be accompanied before and after the procedure. Take 30-60 minutes before the procedure.
- Take Tylenol, Advil (or Naprosyn if prescribed) 30-60min before the procedure.
- Arrive and register at the reception 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
After the office hysteroscopy
- You should be able to go home shortly after the procedure.
- Avoid sexual intercourse and swimming (pool, spa or lake) for the next 2 days.
- It is normal to have some mild cramping or some bloody discharge for a few days after the procedure.
- If you have a fever, heavy bleeding or severe pain call 811 or go to the emergency department.
Follow-up appointment
Book a follow-up appointment with your doctor in 3-4 weeks to review the results of your biopsy and plan you next treatment (if applicable).
Last updated: July 8, 2024