What is a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a test to look inside a woman’s womb (uterus), using a thin tube with a camera on it. As long as they are not pregnant, anyone with a womb can have a hysteroscopy.

Why would I have a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy can be done to find out what is causing your symptoms. Symptoms can include:

• Unexplained or abnormal bleeding
• New bleeding after the menopause
• Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility)
• Stomach pain
• Help removing a contraceptive coil (IUD)

The test can identify polyps, fibroids and other abnormalities.

How do I get a hysteroscopy?

Although you can have a hysteroscopy privately or by the NHS, in most cases your first step is usually a visit to your GP. GPs or hospital doctors can refer you for a hysteroscopy. They will also want to check your signs and symptoms are so they can decide how urgently you need treatment.

You will be referred to a doctor who specialises in gynaecology (female reproductive system). They may have a consultation before or see you on the day, depending on your referral. The procedure can be undertaken in outpatients or on admission to hospital.

What’s the difference between a hysteroscopy and a colposcopy ?

A hysteroscopy looks inside the womb (uterus) whereas a colposcopy  looks at the opening of your womb (cervix) from your vagina.

Before a hysteroscopy operation

Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks (e.g. bleeding, pain) before the procedure.

The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologist guidance states that all patients should be provided with written information about the hysteroscopy procedure prior to their appointment. This includes advice about pain relief and the types of anaesthesia offered.

If you find the procedure too painful or distress, you should let the clinical team know who will stop the procedure.

What happens on the day of surgery?

For most hysteroscopies you will arrive, have your operation and go home all on the same day – this may be in a clinic or day case area.

Your doctor will explain what will happen, pain relief options and answer any questions. You will be asked to sign a consent form.

If you have the procedure done in a hospital operating theatre you may be given:

• Local anaesthetic to numb your cervix (womb opening)
• Spinal anaesthetic to numb the lower half of your body by an injection in the back
• General anaesthetic to make you unconscious, so that you will feel nothing during your operation
• You may also be offered sedation (medicine to relax you).

Not all NHS hospitals provide general anaesthetic or sedation, so you may need a referral to one that does. Going private gives you more choice and faster access.

The time of procedure can vary but usually 15-30 mins. During the procedure, the doctor will pass a thin tube with a small camera into your vagina, through your cervix and into your womb.

You may feel sick or faint during the procedure.

You can ask to stop the procedure at any time.

Recovery and what to expect after your hysteroscopy

After the operation you will go back to the ward or waiting area. You will go home once you feel well enough. If you have a general anaesthetic or sedation, you will not be able to drive.

What are the potential complications of a hysteroscopy?

All surgical operations carry a risk of complications. Your risks can increase the older you are, particularly if you have other health problems. Your surgeon will discuss any specific concerns with you before your operation.

Common – 1 in 100 people which is equivalent to one person on your street

• Period like pain for a couple of days after
• Bleeding or spotting

Rare – between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 10,000 people which is equivalent to one person in a town.

• Developing an infection afterwards
• Hole (rupture) in your womb (uterus)

Contact the hospital where you had your operation if you develop complications.

How much does a hysteroscopy cost?

Hysteroscopy is available free of charge through the NHS. Private healthcare may offer faster access or a broader selection of consultants, but you will have to pay.

Hysteroscopy is available through private medical insurance. Check with your insurer which hospital or consultant they will cover it.

You can also self-fund a hysteroscopy. Typically, an initial consultation with the surgeon will cost between £150 and £200. The cost of the operation itself will vary depending on the exact surgery you need will also vary depending on where you live. Costs can range between £1,500 and £3,000.

If you opt to self-fund you will be offered one of the following:

• An all-inclusive ‘package price’, where you know the full costs before undergoing treatment. Not all consultants and hospitals offer this.
• A ‘fee-per-service’ deal, where you pay for each part of your treatment and the services you use separately. You often will not know the full costs until you receive invoices.

For more information, you can read our guide on self-pay .

Helpful websites

References

Hysteroscopy. nhs.uk [Last updated 18 Jan 2024]

Hysteroscopy – StatPearls. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Last updated 06 April 2025]