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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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A number of different sizes and types of hysteroscope are available. The choice of instrument varies according to the purpose of the procedure and whether surgical procedures are to be performed at the same time.

Sometimes, hysteroscopy using narrow-diameter hysteroscopes can be performed without anesthesia. Local anesthetic can also be used topically or given by injection. In some cases, dilation of the cervical opening with medications known as prostaglandins and/or surgical instruments may be necessary. A vaginal speculum is often inserted prior to the procedure to facilitate insertion of the hysteroscope through the cervical os (opening). After insertion of the hysteroscope, fluid or gas is usually injected into the uterine cavity to distend the uterus and thus improve visualization.

Some mild cramping may be experienced during the procedure, depending upon the type of anesthesia used. Short-acting pain control or sedative medications may be given intravenously if necessary.

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