3 Follow-Through Questions Before Uterine Polyp Removal

An appointment described as “polyp removal” can leave you arranging time off before you know what the visit includes. Ask the clinic to connect the procedure, results and recovery in one written plan. Keep the contact details with it.

Three follow-through questions

1. Is removal agreed for this visit? A polyp found during hysteroscopy may be removed then, with your agreement, or at a separate appointment. Discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives, including anesthesia or sedation options. You can ask to stop an outpatient procedure.²

2. Who sends the tissue result? University Hospitals Dorset describes a letter or follow-up appointment after polypectomy. Your clinic’s timing and method may differ. Ask when to expect the result, who explains it and whom to contact if it has not arrived.¹

3. Which aftercare instructions apply? Ask about bleeding, pain, sex, tampons, exercise and return to work. RCOG advises written information and contact numbers before going home. Follow the instructions for your procedure rather than assuming another clinic’s schedule applies.²

Ask before the appointment if pregnancy is possible

Hysteroscopy should not proceed when there is a chance of pregnancy. Ask the service about contraception and pregnancy testing before the visit.²

Afterward, seek urgent advice for fever, severe abdominal pain or foul-smelling discharge. Bleeding that worsens or does not settle also needs medical contact.²

Put the expected result date on the calendar beside the procedure date. If work, childcare or transport makes the proposed arrangements difficult, tell the service while the plan is being made.

Period, Handled includes a Period Scorecard and a visit script. Use them to organize bleeding observations and the questions you want answered. See the book.