OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of vaginal misoprostol for cervical dilation in nonpregnant women before hysteroscopy. METHODS: Ninety-one women scheduled to have hysteroscopy were randomized to receive either vaginal misoprostol or placebo. Cervical response, outcome of hysteroscopy, and side effects of vaginal misoprostol were assessed. RESULTS: The mean cervical dilatation estimated by Hegar dilator and the mean duration of hysteroscopy were significantly different between the treated group (7.0+/-1.0 mm range 6-8.5 and 90.0+/-38.4 seconds range 60-240, respectively) and the control group (3.8+/-1.2 mm range 2-5.5 and 142.0+/-38.7 seconds range 60-270). In the misoprostol group, only three women (6.5) needed cervical dilation before hysteroscopy, compared with 14 (31.1) in the placebo group (P = .006). Cervical tears during hysteroscopy occurred in two patients (4.4) in the control group and none in the misoprostol group. The two most common side effects of vaginal misoprostol were mild lower abdominal pain in 15 women (32.6) and slight vaginal bleeding in 12 (26.1). Both side effects were significantly different when compared with placebo (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Vaginal misoprostol lessens the cervical resistance in women undergoing hysteroscopy and facilitates the procedure, with only mild side effects.
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