Gynaecology · London
Private hysteroscopy in London, by a consultant gynaecologist.
A proper hysteroscopy - outpatient “see-and-treat” or a day-case under GA - with a BSGE-accredited gynaecologist, saline distension, and the vaginoscopic no-touch technique as standard.
Indicative pricing
What a private hysteroscopy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£400–£800, home the same visit.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outpatient hysteroscopy (diagnostic) | £400–£800 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
| OPH with endometrial biopsy | £600–£1,100 | 20–30 min | Histology 7–10 days |
| See-and-treat polypectomy (MyoSure/Truclear) | £1,400–£2,600 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Day-case hysteroscopy under GA (diagnostic) | £2,000–£3,500 | Half-day | Same visit |
| Operative hysteroscopy under GA (fibroid/septum) | £3,000–£6,000 | Half-day | Same visit |
| Consultation only | £200–£400 | 30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by which gynaecologist does the case, by anaesthetic (none, sedation or GA), and by whether polyp or fibroid work is added on the day.
The problem
The right hysteroscopist, the right setting, the right technique.
Hysteroscopy is one of the most under-briefed tests in private gynaecology - patients arrive without knowing whether they will be awake, whether a biopsy is planned, or whether a polyp can come out the same day. We fix all three before you commit.
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Awake or asleep?
Outpatient OPH is quick and lets you drive home; a day-case under GA is worth it for bigger work or if the thought of being awake bothers you.
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Postmenopausal bleeding?
This is always urgent. A named BSGE-accredited hysteroscopist, an endometrial biopsy, and results within 7–10 working days.
When it helps
When hysteroscopy is the right test.
The situations we see most, plus the one red flag - postmenopausal bleeding - that means an urgent appointment, not a wait-and-see.
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Postmenopausal bleeding
The single most important indication - hysteroscopy plus endometrial biopsy to rule out cancer or hyperplasia.
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Heavy or irregular periods
Menorrhagia, intermenstrual or post-coital bleeding - a look inside the cavity, and a biopsy at the same visit.
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Endometrial polyps
Seen on ultrasound or suspected on symptoms - often removed at the same visit with MyoSure or Truclear.
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Submucosal fibroids
Type 0, 1 and 2 fibroids (FIGO) that distort the cavity - usually a day-case operative hysteroscopy under GA.
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Subfertility and recurrent miscarriage
To assess the cavity for polyps, adhesions or a septum - a treatable cause worth finding before IVF.
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Retained products (RPOC)
After miscarriage or delivery - targeted resection under vision is gentler than a blind ERPC.
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Lost coil or retained IUS
A stray IUS or coil with missing threads - retrieved under direct vision, usually in the outpatient setting.
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Red flag: postmenopausal bleeding
Any bleeding after the menopause is investigated urgently - do not wait, and do not accept a “watch and see”.
Procedure options
Outpatient, day-case, or operative - the right route for the right problem.
What each option on the table actually involves - and which fits which finding.
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Outpatient hysteroscopy (OPH)
Small-calibre scope, saline distension, no anaesthesia or a paracervical block. Vaginoscopic “no-touch” - no speculum, no tenaculum where possible.
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See-and-treat polypectomy
Mechanical morcellator (MyoSure or Truclear) removes polyps under 3 cm and small pedunculated fibroids at the same visit, awake.
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Day-case hysteroscopy under GA
Asleep in a licensed theatre. The right choice for large lesions, extensive adhesions, cervical stenosis or if OPH would be too uncomfortable.
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Operative hysteroscopy (fibroid)
Submucosal fibroid resection with a bipolar loop or morcellator, under GA. Staged if the fibroid is Type 2 and deeply intramural.
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Adhesiolysis (Asherman syndrome)
Careful division of intrauterine adhesions under vision to restore the cavity - often as part of fertility work-up.
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Septum resection (metroplasty)
Division of a congenital uterine septum where implicated in miscarriage or infertility, after MRI confirms the diagnosis.
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RPOC resection and IUS retrieval
Targeted removal of retained pregnancy tissue or a displaced coil under direct vision - safer than blind approaches.
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
Hysteroscopy is a safe, common day-case procedure. What is worth planning is your setting (OPH or GA), your analgesia beforehand, and knowing what is normal after.
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Outpatient or GA - a real choice
OPH is quick and lets you drive home; a day-case GA is better for larger operative work or if the thought of being awake bothers you.
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Pain during OPH is honestly variable
Most women describe it as period-like cramping. Around 5–30% find it moderate to severe - analgesia beforehand and a stop-at-any-point rule matter.
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Bleeding and spotting afterwards
Light spotting for one to two weeks is normal; heavier bleeding, fever or spreading pain is not - call the clinic the same day.
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No baths, no tampons, no sex for 2 weeks
Showers are fine from day one. Baths, tampons and intercourse wait a fortnight to let the cavity settle and reduce infection risk.
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Perforation is rare but real
Around 0.1–1% risk, higher with operative work. Recognised on the day, usually managed conservatively; occasionally a laparoscopy is needed.
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Infection under 1%
Post-procedure endometritis is uncommon. Antibiotics are used selectively, not routinely - your gynaecologist will decide.
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Saline distension avoids TUR syndrome
Modern bipolar systems use normal saline. The old glycine/sorbitol fluid-overload risk (“TUR syndrome”) is largely historical.
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Incidental cancer diagnosis
Around 5–10% of postmenopausal bleeding turns out to be endometrial cancer - finding it early is exactly the point of the test.
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When hysteroscopy is not appropriate
Pregnancy, active pelvic infection, known cervical cancer and heavy bleeding that would obscure the view are all reasons to delay or choose another test.
Reading your operation note
Your hysteroscopy note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever route was taken, the note your gynaecologist sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and technique used
Why the procedure was done - postmenopausal bleeding, polyp, subfertility - and whether it was outpatient or day-case under GA.
- 02 Findings
Cavity, endometrium and any lesions
A clear description of the uterine cavity, the endometrium, and any polyps, fibroids (FIGO type), adhesions or a septum.
- 03 Procedure
Biopsy, resection and specimens sent
What was taken - a Pipelle sample, a directed biopsy, a polypectomy or a fibroid resection - and where the histology has gone.
- 04 Impression
Recovery, results and follow-up
Read this first: expected recovery, when histology will be back, and whether a review, imaging or further surgery is planned.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for hysteroscopy varies by insurer and by indication - usually funded when medically indicated (postmenopausal or abnormal bleeding, suspected polyp/fibroid).
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about hysteroscopy.
Quick answers on pain, cost, outpatient vs GA, and what happens if a polyp is found on the day.
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What is a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a look inside the womb (uterine cavity) using a thin fibre-optic telescope passed through the cervix. It can be diagnostic - a look plus a biopsy - or operative, to remove polyps, fibroids or adhesions at the same visit.
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Outpatient hysteroscopy or day-case under GA - which is better?
Neither is medically superior. Outpatient (OPH) is quick, cheap, avoids GA and lets you drive home. Day-case under GA is better for larger polyps or fibroids, extensive adhesions, cervical stenosis, or if the thought of being awake bothers you. Your gynaecologist will guide you and you can convert on the same pathway.
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Does an outpatient hysteroscopy hurt?
Most women describe period-like cramping. Around 5–30% find it moderate to severe. Taking analgesia one hour before, using the vaginoscopic “no-touch” technique, and having the option to stop at any point make a real difference. If pain is intolerable, you convert to a day-case under GA.
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How much does a private hysteroscopy cost in London?
Roughly £400–£800 for a diagnostic outpatient hysteroscopy, £600–£1,100 with an endometrial biopsy, £1,400–£2,600 for a see-and-treat polypectomy, and £2,000–£6,000 for a day-case under GA depending on what is done.
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Why do I need an endometrial biopsy at the same time?
For postmenopausal or abnormal bleeding, a biopsy is the point of the test - it rules out endometrial cancer or hyperplasia. A Pipelle sample is a good screen for cancer; a directed biopsy under vision is more accurate for focal lesions and polyps.
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How long is the recovery?
After outpatient hysteroscopy: mild cramps for 24–48 hours and light spotting for one to two weeks. After a day-case under GA: light activities the same day, no baths for 48 hours, and no intercourse or tampons for two weeks.
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What are the risks?
Uterine perforation in 0.1–1% (higher with operative work), infection under 1%, incomplete resection of larger fibroids, cervical trauma, a false passage, vasovagal reaction and - occasionally - an incidental cancer diagnosis. Modern saline systems have largely removed the historical “TUR syndrome” fluid-overload risk.
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When should I contact the clinic urgently?
Heavy bleeding soaking pads, a fever above 38°C, offensive discharge, spreading pelvic pain or feeling generally unwell after the procedure are all reasons to call the same day - do not wait for a scheduled review.