You should be able to go home the same day as your hysteroscopy. If you had an anaesthetic you may have to stay in hospital until it has worn off.
Once at home you should rest as much as possible. Some women experience cramping, similar to period pain, afterwards. You may also get shoulder pain, which is an effect of the gas or fluid used to inflate your womb. Any cramps or pain should pass within a few days. You can take painkillers in the meantime.
Most women feel they can return to normal activities, such as work, the day after having a hysteroscopy. You may wish to have a few days off to rest. The amount of time you need off will depend on whether you had additional treatment at the same time (for example, to remove fibroids or polyps).
If you have had treatment at the same time as your hysteroscopy you will probably experience some bleeding afterwards. You may find that you need to wear a sanitary towel until this wears off.
Even if you did not have treatment, you may find you get some vaginal bleeding and discharge. This is normal and should pass in a few days, although it can last for several weeks.
You should not use tampons for at least one month after having a hysteroscopy, to help reduce the risk of infection.
Follow your surgeon’s advice on exercise, sex and contraception.
Getting your results
Your surgeon may give you the results of the hysteroscopy immediately if it is to explore conditions such as polyps or fibroids. They will be able to see these on the computer screen.
If a biopsy is needed, it can take between two and six weeks to get the results. These results may be sent to your home address by letter or to your doctor’s surgery. Check how you will get your results before leaving the hospital.
