Hysteroscopy involves putting a thin telescope through the neck of the womb to look at the cavity of the womb. Some fluid is also pumped inside the womb in order to distend the womb cavity so that a full examination can be carried out.  This is done in order to check the lining of the womb for any abnormalities such as polyps (fleshy growths of the womb lining) or fibroids (benign muscle growths). Polyps and fibroids can be removed during this procedure.  Hysteroscopy is also used to diagnose cancer of the womb lining.

Hysteroscopy is performed for period problems, bleeding after the menopause, recurrent miscarriage or fertility problems.  The procedure takes around 10 minutes and carries minimal risks of infection, bleeding and womb perforation.

Hysteroscopy can be performed under General Anaesthetic as well as Local Anaesthetic or painkillers as an outpatient procedure.  The commonest problem is period-like cramp during the procedure when performed as an out-patient.  This is minimised by particular techniques and pre-medication with pain killers. 

Complications of hysteroscopy are very rare as it is a minor procedure.  There is a small risk of infection in the womb, scar tissue forming in the womb and perforation of the wall of the womb.