Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, lighted camera is passed through the vagina and cervix to look directly inside the uterus. It is used to find and often remove the cause of abnormal bleeding, polyps, small fibroids or scar tissue in the same session. There are no skin incisions, it usually takes 15–45 minutes, and most women go home the same day.
- Duration
- 15–45 minutes
- Anesthesia
- Local, sedation or brief general
- Hospital stay
- Same-day discharge
- Back to desk work
- 1–2 days
- Best timing
- Shortly after your period
- Results
- Discussed in English, written report available
What is hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscope is a slim telescope (about 3–5 mm for diagnosis) with a light and camera. It is guided through the natural opening of the cervix, and the uterus is gently filled with sterile saline so the doctor can see the uterine lining on a monitor in real time.
There are two main types:
- Diagnostic hysteroscopy — a look-and-check examination, often done in an outpatient setting.
- Operative hysteroscopy — fine instruments pass through the scope to remove polyps, submucosal fibroids, a uterine septum or adhesions, or to take a targeted biopsy.
When do doctors recommend it?
Your gynecologist may suggest hysteroscopy if an ultrasound or your symptoms point to a problem inside the uterine cavity:
- Heavy, prolonged or irregular bleeding, or bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Endometrial polyps or submucosal fibroids seen on pelvic ultrasound
- Difficulty conceiving or repeated miscarriage
- Suspected scar tissue (Asherman’s syndrome) or a uterine septum
- A lost or displaced IUD
Diagnostic vs. operative hysteroscopy
| Diagnostic | Operative | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Find the cause of symptoms | Treat what is found |
| Typical time | 10–20 minutes | 20–45 minutes |
| Anesthesia | None, local or light sedation | Sedation or brief general anesthesia |
| Common uses | Bleeding, infertility work-up | Polypectomy, myomectomy, adhesiolysis, septum resection |
| Recovery | Same day | 1–2 days of rest |
Your hysteroscopy at Yoonho, step by step
- Consultation & ultrasound Your history and symptoms are reviewed in English and a transvaginal ultrasound is performed. Bring any previous reports.
- Scheduling The procedure is ideally booked a few days after your period ends, when the lining is thin and easier to assess.
- Preparation If sedation is planned you will be asked to fast for about 6–8 hours. A pregnancy test is done beforehand.
- The procedure The hysteroscope is passed through the cervix, saline expands the cavity, and any polyp or lesion is removed and sent for pathology.
- Recovery room You rest for about 1–2 hours, then go home with written aftercare instructions.
- Results visit Pathology results are usually ready in about a week and are explained in English; an English report is available for your home doctor or insurer.
A polyp inside the uterine cavity can cause irregular bleeding and affect fertility.
The polyp is removed through the scope — the cavity is clear and no skin incision is made.
Recovery timeline
- Day 0 Mild cramping and watery or light bloody discharge are normal. Use pads, not tampons.
- Day 1–2 Most women return to desk work and normal daily activity.
- Up to 1–2 weeks Light spotting may continue. Avoid intercourse, baths, swimming and tampons for about 1–2 weeks, or as advised.
- Follow-up Review of findings and pathology, and a plan for anything that needs further care.
Cost and insurance for international patients
The cost depends on whether the procedure is diagnostic or operative, the type of anesthesia and pathology tests. As a general guide it ranges from about ₩300,000 to ₩1,500,000; you will receive a written estimate after your consultation.
- Residents enrolled in Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) are usually covered for a large part of medically necessary procedures.
- Travelers can request an itemized receipt, English diagnosis and medical certificate for travel insurance claims.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Is hysteroscopy painful?
Most women describe cramping similar to a strong period. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is often done with little or no anesthesia; for operative hysteroscopy, sedation or brief general anesthesia is used so you are comfortable.
Can I fly home after hysteroscopy?
Most patients can fly 1–2 days after an uncomplicated procedure. If you are traveling, tell us your flight date so we can plan the procedure and follow-up around it.
Will hysteroscopy affect my fertility?
Hysteroscopy does not involve cutting the uterine wall from outside. Removing polyps, submucosal fibroids or adhesions can improve the chance of conception for some women.
Do I need to stay overnight?
Usually not. After 1–2 hours in the recovery room, most women go home the same day with a companion.
When will I get my results?
What the doctor saw is explained right after the procedure. Pathology results for any removed tissue are usually ready in about a week and can be shared in English.
OB-GYN Specialist · Ph.D. · Medical Director
Former Professor of OB-GYN, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine · Former editorial board member, AAGL · 11th President, Korean Society of Aesthetic Gynecology
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.