Hysteroscopyis a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside the uterus in order to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. It is also very useful in the diagnosis and treatment of Infertility in females. The procedure can be either diagnostic or operative.

Hysteroscopy is done using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube that is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and inside of the uterus.

The procedure itself can take anywhere from just 5 minutes to 30 minutes depending on what's being done.

For most diagnostic-only purposes, thehysteroscopycan be done in your doctor's office with just local or regional anaesthesia. This is typically true for the simple removal of small polyps as well. When the hysteroscopy is being used in conjunction with a more in-depth surgical procedure, it may be done in a hospital. In that case, the doctor will use a regional or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery that's required.

When should Hysteroscopy be performed?

Your doctor may recommend scheduling thehysteroscopyfor the first week after your menstrual period. This timing will provide the doctor with the best view of the inside of your uterus. Hysteroscopy is also performed to determine the cause of unexplained bleeding or spotting in postmenopausal women