Hysteroscopy: Procedure and Recovery | Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz

Hysteroscopy: Examining and Treating the Inside of the Uterus

Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz Last reviewed: 25 September 2026 2 min read

In short: Hysteroscopy uses a thin camera passed through the cervix to view the uterine cavity directly and, if needed, treat problems in the same session without incisions. It is used for polyps, cavity fibroids, uterine septum and adhesions, and to investigate abnormal bleeding and repeated IVF failure. Most procedures are day cases.

Types

Diagnostic (office) hysteroscopy: a short examination with very thin cameras, often without anaesthesia.
Operative hysteroscopy: treats polyps, fibroids, septum or adhesions, usually under brief anaesthesia.

When is it done?

Endometrial polyps
Submucosal fibroids
Uterine septum and other congenital anomalies
Intrauterine adhesions (Asherman syndrome)
Investigating heavy, irregular or postmenopausal bleeding
Recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure
Removing a retained IUD
Removing retained tissue after miscarriage

Hysteroscopy before IVF

A healthy uterine cavity is needed for implantation. If ultrasound raises suspicion or good-quality embryos fail to implant, hysteroscopy can detect and treat polyps, septum or adhesions in the same session. It is not routine for every IVF patient; the decision is individual.

The procedure

It is usually planned in the first days after a period. The camera is passed through the cervix and the cavity is distended with fluid. Diagnostic procedures take 5-10 minutes and operative ones 15-45 minutes. No abdominal incision is made.

Afterwards

Mild cramps and spotting for a few days are normal.
Most women go home the same day and resume daily life in 1-2 days.
Avoid sex and swimming for a few days to reduce infection risk.
Seek care for fever, severe pain or heavy bleeding.

Risks

Hysteroscopy is low risk. Rarely, perforation, bleeding, infection or fluid-related problems can occur.

Where procedures are performed
Births and surgeries are performed at Anlaşmalı Hastane. Examination, planning and follow-up take place at the clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hysteroscopy painful?

Diagnostic hysteroscopy causes mild cramping for most women. Operative procedures are done under anaesthesia, so no pain is felt during the procedure.

When can IVF start after hysteroscopy?

It depends on the procedure; after simple procedures such as polyp removal, treatment can usually start in the next cycle.

Sources

ESHRE/ESGE consensus on diagnosis of female genital anomalies and good practice recommendations for operative hysteroscopy, 2016-2021.
AAGL Practice Report: Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hysteroscopic Distending Media. J Minim Invasive Gynecol, 2013.

The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation.