You should be able to go home the same day after having a hysteroscopy. If you had a general anaesthetic you may have to stay in hospital until the effects have fully 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 pain should go within a few days and can be controlled with painkillers.
Getting back to normal
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 may depend on whether you had treatment at the same time, and the type of treatment you had.
If you have had treatment at the same time as your hysteroscopy, such as the removal of polyps or fibroids, you will probably experience some bleeding afterwards. You will 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 a few weeks.
You should not use tampons for at least one month after having a hysteroscopy, to help reduce the risk of any infection.
Follow your surgeon’s advice on exercise, sex and contraception.
Getting your results
Your surgeon may be able to give you immediate feedback on conditions such as polyps or fibroids as they will be visible 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.
