A hysteroscopy is a way for your doctor to look at the lining of your uterus. He or she uses a thin viewing tool called a hysteroscope.
A hysteroscopy may be done to find the cause of abnormal bleeding or bleeding that occurs after a woman has passed menopause. It also may be done to see if a problem in your uterus is preventing you from becoming pregnant (infertility). A hysteroscopy can be used to remove growths in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps.
Why It Is Done
A hysteroscopy may be done to:
Find the cause of severe cramping or abnormal bleeding. Your gynaecologist can pass heated tools through the hysteroscope to stop the bleeding..
See whether a problem in the shape or size of the uterus or if scar tissue in the uterus is the cause of infertility.
Look at the uterine openings to the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are blocked, your doctor may be able to open the tubes with special tools passed through the hysteroscope.
Find the possible cause of repeated miscarriages. Other tests may also be done.
Find and remove a misplaced intrauterine device (IUD).
Find and remove small fibroids or polyps.
Use heated tools to remove problem areas in the lining of the uterus (endometrial ablation).
Place a contraceptive implant (such as Essure) into the opening of the fallopian tubes as a method of permanent sterilization.