Hysteroscopy

Your hysteroscopy will be carried out at our dedicated Women’s Health centre. When you arrive, you’ll be shown to a purpose-built procedure room designed for your comfort and privacy. You’ll change into a gown and your consultant will talk you through what to expect, answer any questions you have, and make sure you’re comfortable and at ease.

Depending on your needs, you may have a local anaesthetic or sedation. You may also be offered nitrous oxide (“gas and air”).  

During the procedure: 

• your cervix may be gently dilated

• your consultant will insert the hysteroscope through your vagina, across your cervix and into your womb

• a fluid (or gas) may be passed into the uterus to improve visibility

• your consultant will examine the lining and structure of your uterus 

• procedures such as biopsies (tissue sampling) or polyp removal may be carried out 

• once the procedure is complete, the hysteroscope will be carefully withdrawn

A hysteroscopy usually takes between 5 and 30 minutes, depending on what’s needed. Your team will monitor you closely and ensure you feel safe, supported and comfortable at every stage.

After your hysteroscopy, you’ll rest in our recovery area until you feel ready to go home. Our nurses will monitor you closely while the effects of any anaesthetic or sedation wear off and check that you’re comfortable before you go home. It’s normal to experience mild cramping or light bleeding for a short time, and our team will explain how to manage this safely. 

Before you leave, your consultant will discuss any initial findings and let you know when to expect the results from any biopsies or any follow-up appointments. 

Hysteroscopy procedures and treatments at Welbeck

During a hysteroscopy, your consultant may carry out small procedures at the same time, avoiding the need for separate surgery. These treatments are performed using fine instruments passed through the hysteroscope, allowing gentle, minimally invasive care.

Endometrial biopsy

An endometrial biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample from the lining of the womb (endometrium) for laboratory testing. The sample is collected either through the hysteroscope or by inserting a thin tube through the cervix. You may feel cramping or period-like pain for a short time, but this usually settles quickly.

Polyp removal

Polyps are small, soft growths that develop on the lining of the womb — they often look like tiny grapes or skin tags. These can be removed during hysteroscopy using small instruments that are passed through the hysteroscope. 

Fibroid removal

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue within the wall of the womb. When fibroids bulge into the cavity of the uterus (called submucosal fibroids), they can be removed safely during hysteroscopy. 

Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD)

An intrauterine device is a small, T-shaped device placed inside the womb to provide long-term contraception or help manage heavy bleeding. During hysteroscopy, your consultant can position the IUD precisely under direct vision, which can be especially helpful if previous insertions have been difficult or uncomfortable.

A hysteroscopy is generally a safe procedure, especially when carried out by experienced specialists.   

Possible risks include:

• bleeding, especially after biopsy or resection

• infection

• uterine perforation (a small hole in the uterine wall)

• absorption of the fluid used to expand the uterus

• cervical trauma or bleeding

Serious complications are rare, but if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever after your procedure, you should contact your care team straight away.

Before your procedure, you’ll have a consultation with your gynaecologist, who’ll explain anything you need to do to prepare. They’ll ask you about any medical conditions, medications you take and any allergies. 

Preparation may include: 

• stopping certain medications (especially blood-thinning drugs) 

• not eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure if sedation will be used

• removal of any intra-uterine device (IUD)

After your hysteroscopy, you’ll rest in our recovery area until the effect of any sedation or anaesthesia has worn off and you feel ready to go home. It’s normal to experience mild cramping or light bleeding for a short time, and our team will explain how to manage this safely, along with specific advice on what you should avoid during your recovery. 

Following hysteroscopy: 

• mild cramping and light bleeding are normal

• you may experience some vaginal discharge for up to 2 weeks

• avoid using tampons, vaginal intercourse, strenuous activity, or heavy lifting for 1 to 2 weeks

If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever after your procedure, you should contact your care team. 

If you have nitrous oxide (“gas and air”), you’ll need to arrange for someone to collect you after your procedure, as you won’t be able to drive or take public transport on your own.

The cost of a private hysteroscopy at Welbeck starts from £1,800.

At Welbeck, our gynaecologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a hysteroscopy, you must be referred by either your GP or a gynaecologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a gynaecologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.