Recovery after a hysteroscopy

Before you go home, we talk to you about the results of the procedure and whether further treatment is needed.

Information about your procedure will be sent by post to your GP. We give you a copy with your discharge information. If you need to contact the hospital or see your GP within the next few days please have this information available.

Problems or concerns after your hysteroscopy

For advice and any concerns:

• contact or visit your GP
• call the gynaecology ward on 020 7188 2703 or 020 7188 2697
• call NHS 111 and speak to a specially trained nurse

Go to your nearest emergency department (A&E) or call 999 in an emergency.

Vaginal bleeding and discharge

You might bleed from your vagina for 7 to 10 days. This bleeding might be heavier than a normal period and can stop and start. These variations are normal.

Please contact us if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every 1 or 2 hours) or if you pass any clots larger than the size of a 10 pence coin.

It is normal to have vaginal discharge for up to 2 weeks after the procedure. You should talk to your GP if this discharge becomes offensive smelling as this might be a sign of an infection.

Returning to work

If you had a general anaesthetic, check when to go back to work with your doctor or nurse before you leave hospital. Everyone reacts differently to the anaesthetic and there is no definite rule as to when you can return to work.

We recommend that you have some rest to help you heal and do not return to work until you feel ready to do so.

Fit note

If you feel you need a fit note, tell the doctor or nurse caring for you before you leave. Getting a fit note in hospital or in clinic means that you don't have to make an appointment with your GP.

You can read more about getting a fit note.

Having sex

Please do not have penetrative sex for at least 7 days after the procedure to help prevent an infection in the uterus or vagina.

Using tampons

Please do not use tampons during your next period. This will help to prevent an infection. After your next period, you can start to use tampons again.

Having a bath or shower

You can have a shower the day of the procedure and a bath the next day.

If you had a general anaesthetic you might feel dizzy so please have an adult around to help you, if needed, and keep the bathroom door unlocked.

Eating and drinking

You can eat and drink as normal.

If you had a general anaesthetic you should avoid alcohol for 2 days. You should not drink alcohol while taking certain medicines so make sure that you read the label or information sheet that comes with the medicine.

Follow-up appointments

You might need a follow-up appointment in the outpatient clinic. The gynaecology department in the McNair Centre at Guy’s Hospital will advise you about this.