Hysteroscopy—safe surgery, without any cuts

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows surgeons to safely diagnose and treat uterine problems by looking inside the uterus with a thin telescope called a hysteroscope, which is inserted through the cervix.

Hysteroscopy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that does not involve any cuts. We use the hysteroscope to check the lining of your uterus and the openings of your fallopian tubes—and can often treat any problems we find as part of the procedure.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy

We perform diagnostic hysteroscopy to look at your uterus for any signs of problems. We normally take a small sample (or ‘biopsy’) of the lining of your uterus. We then send this sample off to pathology to have it studied for any abnormalities.

We might recommend diagnostic hysteroscopy if a pelvic ultrasound or examination indicates there might be a problem, or if you are having any abnormal symptoms.

We can use hysteroscopy to investigate the following health issues:

  • Abnormal bleeding (such as heavy, long or scanty periods).
  • Absence of periods.
  • Adhesions in the uterus.
  • Spotting or breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods).
  • Bleeding after menopause.
  • Painful or irregular periods.
  • Pelvic pain or discomfort.
  • Infertility.
  • Recurrent miscarriage.

Operative hysteroscopy

Operative hysteroscopy (or therapeutic hysteroscopy) is used to treat certain uterine problems. We insert tiny surgical instruments into the uterus to perform this procedure and—depending on the problem—this can sometimes prevent you needing major surgery.

Operative hysteroscopy is most often used to:

  • Correct defects of the uterus.
  • Insert a contraceptive device.
  • Remove adhesions (scar tissue).
  • Remove an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) such as a Mirena or Copper IUD.
  • Remove fibroids (non-cancerous growths of the uterine wall).
  • Remove polyps (non-cancerous growths of the endometrial lining).
  • Treat abnormally heavy periods.

Diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy

We can perform diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy on you separately or at the same time, depending on your specific needs. We will discuss all of these options with you before your procedure to make sure you are fully informed and comfortable with what we are planning on doing.

To book an appointment with a gynaecologist at Adelaide Obstetrics & Fertility, please call us on 08 8272 7755.