Hysteroscopy (NHS)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: National Health Service · Published: September 4, 2026 · Accessed: September 4, 2026

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• A hysteroscopy is a test to look inside a woman's womb using a thin tube with a small camera; sometimes a sample of tissue (biopsy) is taken during a hysteroscopy.
• A hysteroscopy can be done to find out why you're having symptoms such as unexplained vaginal bleeding, very heavy periods or bleeding between periods, and bleeding after the menopause.
• Having a hysteroscopy can be uncomfortable and may feel like period pain. Taking ibuprofen or paracetamol 1 hour before the procedure can help.
• However, for many people a hysteroscopy can be very painful. If you're worried about pain, or have questions about pain relief, you may want to speak to staff at the hospital or clinic before the day of your hysteroscopy.
• It may be possible to have a general anaesthetic or an injection to help you relax (intravenous sedation) during the hysteroscopy. Not all hospitals or clinics offer this, so you may need to be referred to one that does.
• Tell staff in advance if you have painful periods that make you faint, you've had painful vaginal examinations or cervical smears in the past, or you've experienced sexual violence, which could make the procedure difficult for you.
• Let staff at the hospital or clinic know if you'd like to bring a friend or family member with you; there will also be a nurse or other trained member of staff with you during the test (a chaperone).
• If you're in a lot of discomfort or pain during the procedure, you may be offered gas and air or a local anaesthetic to help with the pain. Or you can ask to stop the procedure at any time.
• You may feel sick or faint during the procedure. A hysteroscopy usually takes 10 to 15 minutes but can take longer if any tissue samples are taken, or a fibroid or small growth is removed.