Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy – African Centre for Endometriosis, Kerugoya

If you have heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods or trouble conceiving, the cause may be inside your womb. Hysteroscopy at the African Centre for Endometriosis in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga, Kenya lets us look directly inside the uterus, find the problem and, often, treat it in the same visit.

Hysteroscopy at a Glance

  • Appointment length: Consultation of 30–45 minutes. A diagnostic hysteroscopy is often under 15 minutes. Operative procedures take longer.
  • Who it is for: Women with abnormal bleeding, suspected polyps or fibroids, recurrent miscarriage or unexplained infertility.
  • Key benefits: A direct view of the womb, treatment in the same visit for many problems, and no abdominal cuts.
  • When to seek help: Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause, or periods that disrupt daily life.

Why You Might Need a Hysteroscopy

Ultrasound is useful, but it can miss small growths or scar tissue. Hysteroscopy gives a clear, direct view of the uterine cavity. We may recommend it for:

  • Heavy, prolonged or irregular periods
  • Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
  • Suspected uterine polyps or submucosal fibroids
  • Scar tissue (adhesions) inside the womb
  • A uterine septum or other shape difference
  • Recurrent miscarriage or difficulty conceiving
  • A lost or hard-to-find intrauterine device (IUD)

NICE guidance on heavy menstrual bleeding recognises hysteroscopy as a key test when polyps, submucosal fibroids or other changes inside the womb are suspected.

What to Expect: Diagnostic and Operative Hysteroscopy

Before your hysteroscopy:

We review your history and scans, confirm you are not pregnant, and explain your options. We usually time the procedure just after your period, when the lining is thin and the view is clearest. Tell us about medicines, allergies and any recent infection.

During the procedure:

A thin, lighted telescope passes through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. Fluid or gas gently opens the cavity, and the image appears on a screen.

A diagnostic hysteroscopy may cause period-type cramping. An operative hysteroscopy treats a problem during the same sitting and takes longer. We agree your comfort plan, including whether sedation or anaesthesia is suitable, before you start.

After your procedure

Most women go home the same day. Light bleeding and mild cramps for a few days are common. Many women return to normal activity within a day or two after a diagnostic procedure, and a little longer after an operative one. You will receive written aftercare and a follow-up to review results.

Hysteroscopy Procedures We Offer

  • Diagnostic hysteroscopy and biopsy: A quick inspection of the cavity, with a small tissue sample if needed. No cuts are involved.
  • Hysteroscopy polypectomy: Removal of polyps that cause bleeding or affect fertility. Polyps are usually benign, and the tissue is sent for laboratory checking.
  • Fibroid treatment for submucosal fibroids: Fibroids growing into the cavity can often be removed through the hysteroscope, without abdominal surgery. Suitability depends on size and position.
  • Adhesiolysis (scar tissue release): Dividing adhesions to restore the cavity. A repeat check or further treatment is sometimes needed.
  • Septum resection and removal of retained tissue or IUDs: Correcting a uterine septum, or removing tissue or a device that should not be there.

Results depend on your condition, and we explain what to expect before you decide.

Do you always need a procedure? No. Some bleeding problems respond to medicines, such as hormonal treatment, tranexamic acid or iron replacement for anaemia. We discuss alternatives, monitoring and side effects with you first.

Hysteroscopy for Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage

Polyps, fibroids inside the cavity, adhesions or a septum can interfere with implantation or pregnancy. Treating them may improve the chances of conceiving in selected women.

Hysteroscopy is not needed for everyone. We recommend it when your history or scans point to a problem in the cavity. Our Fertility Enhancement team can then plan your next steps.

Risks, Recovery and When to Call Us

According to ACOG, hysteroscopy is a very safe procedure. Possible risks include infection, bleeding, injury to the uterine wall, and reactions to anaesthesia or the fluid used to open the womb.

Call us promptly if you have:

  • Heavy bleeding, such as soaking a pad every hour
  • Fever or foul-smelling discharge
  • Severe or worsening pain

Why Choose African Centre for Endometriosis

Our care is built around endometriosis, not added to a general practice as an afterthought. You are heard, examined with consent, and given explanations in plain language.

Your care is led by Dr Njagi Joseph Nyaga (Dr Joe Njagi). He is also known for his endometriosis education on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, where millions of followers learn about period pain and endometriosis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hysteroscopy

What is hysteroscopy used for?
Hysteroscopy is used to find and treat problems inside the uterus. Common reasons include abnormal bleeding, polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, a uterine septum, recurrent miscarriage and difficulty conceiving. It can also help locate a misplaced IUD.

Is hysteroscopy painful?
Many women feel cramping similar to period pain, which settles soon after. Discomfort varies between women and depends on the procedure. We agree a comfort plan with you beforehand, which may include pain relief or, for operative procedures, sedation or anaesthesia.

How long does hysteroscopy take, and when can I go home?
A diagnostic hysteroscopy is often under 15 minutes, while operative procedures can take longer. Most women go home the same day. Light bleeding and mild cramps for a few days are common.

What is hysteroscopy polypectomy?
Hysteroscopy polypectomy is the removal of a uterine polyp using instruments passed through the hysteroscope. It treats polyp-related bleeding and may help fertility. The removed tissue is sent to the laboratory to confirm it is benign.

Can hysteroscopy help me get pregnant?
If polyps, fibroids inside the cavity, adhesions or a septum are affecting your fertility, removing them may improve your chances. It is not needed for everyone, so we recommend it only when your history or scans suggest a cavity problem.

Can hysteroscopy diagnose endometriosis?
No. Hysteroscopy examines the inside of the womb, while endometriosis grows outside it. Endometriosis is assessed with specialist ultrasound, MRI or laparoscopy. Sometimes both procedures are combined, depending on your symptoms and goals.

Is hysteroscopy safe?
Yes, hysteroscopy is considered a very safe procedure, and serious complications are uncommon. Risks include infection, bleeding and injury to the uterine wall. We review your health beforehand and explain how to recognise warning signs afterwards.

Book your visit today

You do not have to live with pain. Whether you have a diagnosis or only suspect one, we will help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment depend on your individual situation, so a consultation with a qualified clinician is required.