Uterine Polyp Removal: How Hysteroscopy Works and Recovery

• When it causes irregular or heavy bleeding
• When there is bleeding after the menopause, or a polyp is found after the menopause
• When a polyp is found before fertility treatment or IVF
• When it is large or looks suspicious on ultrasound

Before the menopause, a small polyp without symptoms may sometimes shrink away on its own, so your doctor may suggest watching it.

Before hysteroscopy, your doctor will ask about your periods, previous reports and any medicines you take. A few points to keep in mind:

• If there is any chance of pregnancy, this is ruled out first, so a pregnancy test may be done.
• If a general anaesthetic is planned, you will need to stop eating and drinking for a set time beforehand; check the timing with the hospital.
• Tell your doctor in advance if you take blood thinners or medicines for diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Some routine blood tests may be needed.
• It is helpful to bring a relative or friend with you on the day.

A hysteroscope is a thin telescope-like instrument with a camera and light. It is passed through the vagina and cervix into the womb, and while watching on a screen, the doctor uses fine instruments to cut the polyp away at its base. No cut or stitches are needed on the tummy.

• It is usually best done a few days after a period has finished.
• Depending on the polyp, it may be done under general anaesthetic or with local numbing.
• Most women go home the same day.
• The removed polyp is always sent for histopathology to confirm that it is harmless.

Compared with a blind scrape of the womb (D&C), hysteroscopy lets the polyp be seen and removed directly, so it is considered the more reliable method.

• Light bleeding or brown discharge for a few days and mild period-like cramps are normal.
• Most women can return to normal activities within a day or two.
• It is sensible to avoid sex and tampons until the bleeding settles; follow your doctor’s advice.
• Ask your doctor which pain relief is suitable for you.
• Always attend follow-up with your histopathology report.

Polyps can come back in some women after removal. If irregular bleeding returns, do not ignore it; let your doctor know. The report usually confirms the polyp is harmless; in the rare case that abnormal cells are found, your doctor will explain the next steps in detail.