Transvaginal ultrasound

An ultrasound used to build up a picture of the tissues in your womb.  What happens during a transvaginal ultrasound is a small metal ‘probe’, covered with a gel is inserted into the vagina.  This then creates the scan.  This test is not painful but may be a little uncomfortable.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscope which is a thin, flexible tube with a light at the end is passed through the vagina and into the womb. This allows the doctor to look inside the womb and take tissue samples or a biopsy. A local anaesthetic may be used for this test and would be discussed with you in advance.

Biopsy

A small amounts of tissue samples are taken from the womb during a hysteroscopy. Biopsies are sent to a laboratory and looked at under a microscope to find out if cancer cells are present.

D&C Dilatation and curettage

During a D&C the cervix and entrance to the womb are gently opened. Samples of tissue from the inner lining of the womb are taken with an instrument shaped like a spoon called a curette. The samples are then sent to the laboratory to be examined. This test is done under general anaesthetic.