Hysteroscopy

Risks

If a fluid is used during the test to help your doctor see the lining clearly, you may absorb some fluid and feel bloated. It may also change the level of sodium in your blood. If gas is used, you have a small risk for an air bubble (air embolism) in a blood vessel, though this is very rare.

A hysteroscopy can cause injury to the uterus or cervix, an infection, or bleeding. In rare cases, the uterus, bladder, or bowel can be punctured during the test, requiring surgical repair. If general anesthesia is used, there is a small risk of problems from the anesthesia.

After the test

Right after the test, you will be taken to a recovery area where nurses will care for and observe you. Usually you will stay in the recovery area for 1 to 4 hours, and then you will be moved to a hospital room or you will go home. In addition to any special instructions from your doctor, your nurse will explain information to help you in your recovery. You will likely go home with a sheet of care instructions and who to call if you have any problems.

It is normal to have a small amount of vaginal bleeding for a day or so after a hysteroscopy. You also may have some mild belly pain if a gas was used during the test. This should go away in 24 hours. You can take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) to relieve the pain.

Follow any instructions your doctor gave you. Call your doctor if you have:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge (more than a normal menstrual period).
• A fever.
• Severe belly or pelvic pain or cramping.
• Problems urinating.
• Shortness of breath.
• Vomiting.

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Author:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 15, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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