Outpatient Hysteroscopy

Women’s Health Road is proud to offer outpatient hysteroscopy - a camera examination of the uterus performed right here in our Frenchs Forest clinic, with no hospital stay or general anaesthetic required.

Available from Tuesday 17th November 2026, this service allows most patients to have their procedure, receive answers, and be home for a cup of tea, all in the same mornings.

Patient Resources

WHR Outpatient Hysteroscopy Information
RANZCOG Hysteroscopy Leaflet

What is outpatient hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscope is a thin, lighted camera - about the width of a drinking straw - that is gently passed through the cervix into the uterus. It gives your doctor a clear, direct view of the inside of the uterine cavity in real time.

At WHR we use a modern, single-use disposable hysteroscope. This means the instrument is sterile and brand new for every patient, with no risk of cross-contamination.

The procedure is performed without a general anaesthetic. Most patients experience only mild cramping, similar to period pain, and are able to drive home and return to normal activities the same day.

Who is outpatient hysteroscopy for?

Your doctor may recommend a hysteroscopy if you have:

  • Heavy, irregular, or prolonged periods

  • Bleeding between periods or after sex

  • Postmenopausal bleeding

  • An abnormal finding on ultrasound, such as a suspected polyp, fibroid, or thickened endometrium

  • Difficulty falling pregnant or a history of recurrent miscarriage

  • A missing or misplaced IUD

  • An endometrial biopsy (tissue sample) that needs to be taken

Outpatient hysteroscopy is suitable for most people, though your doctor will discuss your individual circumstances at your consultation and advise whether this approach is right for you.

What to expect at your appointment

Before your appointment

Allow 60 minutes for your appointment. Please arrive 20 minutes early for admission.

  • Pain relief before your your appointment: Unless advised otherwise, take 400mg ibuprofen and 1,000mg paracetamol with food one hour before your appointment time. After the procedure, you will be given 500mg mefenamic acid (Ponstan) to take. If you have painful periods or a low pain threshold, speak with your doctor - stronger pain relief or a hospital-based procedure may be more appropriate for you.

  • Eat and drink as normal - having something in your stomach helps minimise the risk of feeling faint.

  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to remove. Please wear a shirt under any jumpers or hoodies. Bring a water bottle and a snack.

  • Penthrox & IUD Prescriptions: if your doctor has provided you with a script for Penthrox and/or an IUD to have during the procedure, please have these prescriptions filled before your appointment and bring the device(s) with you on the day.

  • Timing: the best time to schedule your procedure is within the 7 days after your period ends. The hysteroscopy cannot be performed during your menstrual cycle or if there is any chance you may be pregnant.

During the procedure

You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an examination table. Your doctor will gently pass the hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus - no cuts or stitches are involved. A small amount of fluid or gas is used to gently expand the uterus so your doctor can see clearly. The whole procedure typically takes between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on what is found and whether any treatment is performed at the same time.

If a polyp or small fibroid is found, it can often be removed during the same appointment - a “see and treat” approach that means you may only need one procedure rather than two.

IUD (intrauterine device) insertion, removal or replacement can also be performed during the same appointment where clinically appropriate - so patients can address contraception or heavy period management without needing a separate booking.

After the procedure

You will rest in our clinic for a short time before going home. Most patients feel well enough to leave within 30 minutes. You can expect some light spotting and mild cramping for a day or two, which is normal.

Your comfort is our priority

We know that for many people, the idea of any clinical procedure can feel daunting. At WHr we’ve designed a clinic with a cottage, homey feel - because how comfortable you feel matters as much as what we find.

There is no one-size-ftis-all approach here. Some of the options available to you include:

  • A safe, patient-controlled inhaled pain relief option. You hold the inhaler and use it as you need it during the procedure.

  • Choose from a range of relaxing environments and interactive videos. You can still hear your doctor and medical team clearly whilst wearing the headset - so you stay connected and in control throughout.

  • Gentle, relaxing background music to help you settle.

    • Bring your-own earbuds or headphones

    • Clinic provided music

  • Bring your own, or use one of ours - whatever makes you feel most at home.

  • Whether that is a member of our team or the support person you have brought with you, you do not have to go through this alone.

If there is anything else you would like to bring or use during your procedure please let us know.

Why choose outpatient hysteroscopy?

Anaesthetic

Hospital stay

Recovery time

Risks of GA

Results

Treatment same visit

Outpatient hysteroscopy

None (local if needed)

No

Hours

None

Same day

Often yes (“see and treat”)

Inpatient (Hospital/GA) hysteroscopy

General anaesthetic

Day surgery or overnight

1-2 days or more

Applies

At follow-up

Sometimes

Risks and things to know

Out patient hysteroscopy is a safe and well-established procedure. Serious complications are uncommon. Possible side effects and risks include:

  • Cramping and spotting - mild period-like pain and light bleeding are normal for 1-2 days

  • Infection - rare; contact us if you develop a fever, heavy bleeding, or offensive discharge

  • Vasovagal reaction - some patients feel faint or nauseous during of after the procedure; our team monitors you throughout

  • Difficulty completing the procedure - occasionally the cervix is too narrow or the procedure too uncomfortable to complete without additional pain relief or anaesthetic; your doctor will discuss options with you

  • Perforation of the uterus - very rare

Your doctor will discuss your individual risk profile with you before proceeding.

After your procedure

Most patients recover quickly and feel like themselves within a day or two. Here is what to expect:

  • The same day: Light spotting and mild cramping are normal. Rest if you need to. Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, or penetrative sex for 48 hours.

  • Pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually enough to manage any discomfort.

  • Results: If a biopsy (tissue sample) was taken, results typically take 1-2 weeks. Your doctor will contact you directly, or you may be asked to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss findings and any next steps.

  • When to call us: Contact the clinic if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour), a fever, severe pain, or foul-smelling discharge.

If you have any concerns at any time after your procedure, please don’t hesitate to call us.

For more information on recovery please see the WHR Outpatient Hysteroscopy Handout

IV Iron Infusion (post-procedure)

If your recent blood test results or history indicate an iron deficiency or anaemia - common in patients with heavy periods - an intravenous iron infusion can be arranged to take place during your recovery time in the clinic. A simple way to start treating both the cause and the consequence of heavy bleeding in a single visit.

How to access this service

Outpatient hysteroscopy at WHR is available by GP or specialist referral. If your GP has identified a reason for investigation, ask them to refer you to Dr Talat Uppal for an outpatient hysteroscopy.

New patients - pre-procedure consultation:

  • a consultation appointment is required before your hysteroscopy can be confirmed, unless your referral and clinical details have already been reviewed and discussed with Dr Talat. This appointment gives our team the opportunity to take a full history, explain the procedure, address any questions or concerns, and confirm that outpatient hysteroscopy is the right approach for you.

If you are already a patient of Dr Talat Uppal or another WHR clinician and this service has been discussed at your consultation, our team will assist with scheduling your procedure appointment.

For enquiries, please contact us: