Hysteroscopy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure that contains a small, flexible telescope. It features a camera and a light for examining your cervix and uterus. This small instrument has been passed through the vagina and guided up into the uterus.
This evaluation helps the doctor diagnose the exact reasons behind recurrent miscarriage and female infertility. A diagnostic procedure can be performed in nearly 30 minutes; however, the preparation time is a bit longer than this.
This article explains the hysteroscopy procedure, its benefits, success rate, and other significant factors associated with it. Read to know more in detail.
The Role of Hysteroscopy in Diagnosing and Treating Infertility
A hysteroscopy procedure is more likely to be handled by physicians to evaluate the core issue of infertility, heavy or irregular bleeding, or any typical ovulation problems. It can identify the causes of a number of conditions that a woman carries during pregnancy. Here are some potential roles played by hysteroscopy procedures:
How Hysteroscopy Identifies Causes of Female Infertility
Hysteroscopy procedures play a crucial role in infertility investigations. It thoroughly evaluates the fallopian tubes and uterus to identify the structural irregularities associated with them.
Diagnosing Uterine Abnormalities
Infertility in most women is caused by polyps and uterine fibroids. The term ‘polyps’ is an abnormal tissue growth on the inner lining of the uterus. Fibroids, on the other hand, are a noncancerous muscle growth attached to the uterus walls.
In both conditions, doctors remove that enemy tissue and improve the chances of conception. Fertility treatments like IVF are likely to be successful because this method transparently showcases the status of the uterus. Beyond both of these conditions, it also helps recognize whether a woman has a uterine septum or an abnormally shaped uterus.
Diagnosing Chronic Infections
Physicians say that chronic infections are another significant reason for female infertility. Hysteroscopy guided biopsy is a technique used to identify this infection effectively.
It can be identified in nearly 42% of patients with recurrent implantation failure and approximately 15% of IVF patients. Research stated that this cause can be treated and can improve the success of IVF procedures.
Diagnosing Endometriosis
Endometriosis is found in 1 in 10 women, increasing the causes of infertility in nearly half of the patients. It causes severe infection or inflammation in the uterus lining, which results in implantation failure.
Physicians use the hysteroscopy method to collect endometrial tissue samples and identify endometriosis. Women with infertility problems are tested positive for the BCL-6 marker for endometriosis. Studies show that providing appropriate treatment before an embryo transfer can help women increase their chances of pregnancy rates.
What to Expect During a Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy procedure can be performed in an examination room without any general anesthesia. However, some physicians may suggest moderate sedation to prevent discomfort during the procedure. If you are suggested hysteroscopy to remove polyps or uterine fibroids, it will be done in the operating room with general anesthesia.
Preparation for the Procedure
- Before going through a procedure, your physician or doctor evaluates your health to ensure that you have potential risks of complications.
- It is essential to confirm that you’re not pregnant during the procedure.
- If you are taking any medications or supplements like vitamins, you need to stop them until the procedure is done.
- Blood tests and other diagnostic tests are recommended to evaluate your overall health.
Description of the Procedure
- You will be given general anesthesia to avoid discomfort during the procedure. Based on your health condition, doctors suggest local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
- During the procedure, the physician gently inserts a speculum into your vagina. It helps them analyze any abnormalities associated with the uterus lining, such as infections, polyps, or fibroids.
- Depending upon the problems, they perform an operative hysteroscopy procedure at the same time. Once the evaluation is done, the speculum is removed. For a certain period, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room before being discharged.
Recovery Expectations
- You may experience mild cramping or bleeding, which is common for a few days after the procedure.
- For the first few days, you may notice a slight bloody discharge. Doctors also suggest pain relievers to eliminate discomfort and pain.
Success Rates of Hysteroscopy for Infertility
Hysteroscopy is a procedure performed to identify and remove abnormal conditions found in the uterine lining or walls that can cause infertility.
Natural Pregnancy: Once the hysteroscopy procedure is done, 20 to 30% of women are likely to get pregnant naturally.
IVF: Women who undergo IVF after a hysteroscopy procedure can improve the success rate of 40 to 50%. They are fertile enough to improve the chance of conception.
Submucous Fibroids: Most women with submucous fibroids are suffering from infertility. By using the hysteroscopy procedure, nearly 39% of women have a successful clinical pregnancy rate.
Next Steps After Hysteroscopy
After the procedure, you may experience a slight fever, abdominal pain, bleeding, spotting, or vaginal discharge for a few days. You will be given painkillers to manage your discomfort.
It is better to avoid exercise or having sex until the pain or bleeding has stopped. You should stop lifting any heavy weight. Taking as much rest as possible can help you recover your health quickly and can return to normal activities.
Based on your health condition, doctors recommended instructions to follow. If any unusual symptoms are experienced, you can consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Final Wordings
Hysteroscopy is an easy and effective procedure that identifies the abnormal conditions in your uterus and resolves them efficiently. No harmful medications are given; you can come back to a normal life quickly. It eliminates the problems associated with infertility and improves the chances of success rate. You can either get pregnant naturally or through IVF without any troubles.
Yes, there are some chances of occurring potential risks with hysteroscopy. Though the procedure, these complications are unavoidable in some cases:
- Fluid overload
- Air embolism
- Uterine perforation
- Infection and bleeding or spotting
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Cervical damage
Most commonly, women can get back to their normal activities within one or two days. They may experience pain or discomfort and can be manageable. However, you should avoid doing exercises or having sex until you recover completely.
Hysteroscopy is a safe, effective, and accurate procedure that helps identify and resolve uterine abnormalities like polyps, fibroids, or endometriosis. It eliminates the complications associated with infertility and improves the chances of conception either naturally or with IVF.
Yes, hysteroscopy is used to evaluate and treat conditions like endometrial hyperplasia, fibroids, and polyps. It also helps determine causes of infertility, repeated miscarriages, and abnormal uterine bleeding. During the procedure, the unwanted growth of tissues on the uterine lining or walls can be removed. It improves the chances of getting pregnant in infertile women.
