Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin telescope (hysteroscope) is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity, allowing the gynaecologist to directly visualise the inside of the uterus on a monitor. It can be used diagnostically — to investigate abnormal bleeding, recurrent miscarriage, or infertility — or operatively to treat the problem found, such as removing polyps, submucous fibroids, or a uterine septum. At Charak Hospital, hysteroscopy is performed under short general anaesthesia as a day procedure. There is no abdominal incision, minimal discomfort, and women typically go home the same day.
When Is Hysteroscopy Recommended?
- Abnormal uterine bleeding — heavy, irregular, or post-menopausal
- Recurrent miscarriages (two or more consecutive losses)
- Difficulty conceiving despite normal ovulation
- Suspicion of uterine polyps or submucous fibroids on ultrasound
- Uterine adhesions — especially after previous D&C
- Uterine septum or other structural abnormality
- Endometrial biopsy for post-menopausal bleeding assessment
- Removal of a lost or embedded intrauterine device (IUD)
Diagnostic vs Operative Hysteroscopy
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
Thin (2.9 mm) hysteroscope passed into the uterus under mild sedation or general anaesthesia. Provides direct vision of the uterine cavity, endometrial lining, and tubal openings. Biopsies taken if needed. Often performed as an outpatient.
Operative Hysteroscopy
Larger operating hysteroscope (5–9 mm) with a working channel to pass instruments. Used to resect polyps, submucous fibroids (TCRM), divide adhesions, cut a uterine septum, or remove a lost IUD. General anaesthesia used. Same-day discharge.
What Happens During Hysteroscopy at Charak?
- Short general anaesthesia (15–20 minutes) — you are completely comfortable
- Hysteroscope gently passed through the cervix — no incisions
- Uterine cavity filled with saline to expand and improve vision
- Surgeon examines the entire cavity on a high-definition monitor
- Any polyps, fibroids, or adhesions treated in the same session
- Procedure complete in 20–45 minutes
- Recovery in hospital for 2–3 hours; discharged the same day
Recovery & Aftercare
Mild cramping and light spotting for 2–5 days after hysteroscopy is normal. No abdominal wound to heal. Most women return to normal activities the next day. Intercourse should be avoided for one week. For women with infertility, implantation is often improved after correction of the uterine abnormality, and conception can usually be attempted from the next menstrual cycle.
Why Choose Charak Hospital?
- NABH-accredited facility
- Senior gynaecology team
- Laparoscopic & advanced surgical options
- 24×7 emergency care
- Full NICU & PICU backup
- Transparent treatment planning
- Compassionate multilingual staff
- Affordable, transparent pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Hysteroscopy is a procedure where a thin telescope with a camera (hysteroscope) is passed gently through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to directly view the uterine cavity. It is used to diagnose and treat causes of heavy or abnormal bleeding, find polyps or fibroids inside the uterus, investigate and treat repeated miscarriages, check the uterine cavity before IVF, and remove intrauterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome).
Diagnostic hysteroscopy causes mild discomfort similar to period cramps, and many women tolerate it easily with just painkillers taken beforehand. Operative hysteroscopy (where treatment is performed) is usually done under short general anaesthesia (sleep) so you feel nothing during the procedure. You may have some cramping and light spotting for 1–2 days after, which is normal and manageable with standard pain relief.
Yes—in fact, hysteroscopy is often performed specifically to improve chances of pregnancy. Removing polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or a uterine septum through hysteroscopy can significantly improve IVF success rates and natural conception. Your doctor will advise waiting 1–2 cycles after the procedure before trying to conceive, to allow the uterine lining to heal properly.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy only examines the uterine cavity and takes images or small biopsies—no treatment is done. Operative hysteroscopy goes a step further and treats conditions found inside the uterus (removing polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or a uterine septum) during the same procedure. Often, if an abnormality is found during diagnostic hysteroscopy, the surgeon can convert to an operative procedure in the same session.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy can often be done under local anaesthesia or with pain relief medication (no needles, just tablets or injection). Operative hysteroscopy is usually performed under general or regional (spinal) anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable while the surgeon works. The anaesthesia team will discuss the best option for your procedure beforehand.
Hysteroscopy can identify uterine polyps (growths on the uterine lining), submucous fibroids (fibroids inside the uterine cavity), uterine septa (a wall dividing the uterus—a birth defect causing miscarriages), intrauterine adhesions (scar tissue from previous surgery or infection), and abnormal uterine lining (checked for endometrial cancer or hyperplasia). It provides direct vision—far more accurate than ultrasound for these conditions.
Most women recover very quickly—after a diagnostic hysteroscopy, you can go home within a few hours and resume normal activities the next day. After operative hysteroscopy, you may need a day or two of rest. Light bleeding or spotting for a few days is normal. Avoid intercourse, swimming, and tampons for 1–2 weeks as directed by your surgeon.
Yes—in women where repeated miscarriages are caused by a uterine septum, polyps, or intrauterine adhesions, hysteroscopic correction can dramatically improve outcomes. Studies show that correcting a uterine septum hysteroscopically reduces miscarriage rate from over 60% to under 15%. It is an important part of the workup for women who have had two or more consecutive miscarriages.
After hysteroscopy, avoid sexual intercourse, swimming, and using tampons for at least 1–2 weeks to reduce infection risk. Light sanitary pads are fine for any spotting. Take your prescribed antibiotics and pain relief as directed. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, heavy bleeding (more than a period), or severe pelvic pain—these are uncommon but should be reported promptly.
In India, diagnostic hysteroscopy costs approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000, while operative hysteroscopy (with treatment) ranges from ₹30,000–₹60,000 depending on the procedure performed. Costs vary by hospital, city, and the complexity of findings. At Charak Hospital, Lucknow, we offer hysteroscopy with experienced gynaecological endoscopists at fair, transparent pricing.
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