Lise Helmsøe-Zinck

Examination of the inside of the uterus. Used when polyps and/or fibroids are suspected in the uterine cavity.

How: A thin catheter is inserted into the uterine cavity. Simultaneously with ultrasound scanning, a little saline is injected into the uterine cavity to obtain an accurate picture of the mucosal contours and thus any pathological processes. The catheter is removed. The examination lasts approx. 5 minutes.

Normal after-effects: The examination may be associated with menstrual-like pain in the uterus and a slight watery discharge in the hours following.

Complications in the aftermath: Pain in the abdomen and shoulders may occur during the first 24 hours. This is because a little blood may be flushed into the abdominal cavity along with the fluid used. The pain usually disappears within 1-2 hours. If necessary, a painkiller can be taken, e.g. Paracetamol tablet 500 mg, a maximum of 2 tablets every 6 hours. If the pain persists, the gynecologist or doctor on call should be contacted. In rare cases, a fever may occur, and then a doctor should also be contacted.

Water scanning (PDF)