Hysteroscopy facts
- In a hysteroscopy, a small camera called a hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix to examine the interior of the uterus, viewed on an external monitor.
- Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery requiring no incision that allows a doctor to identify uterine conditions causing infertility and miscarriage, such as fibroids, polyps, scarring and structural abnormalities.
- This is a common fertility test, which can both identify and correct issues, often in one procedure.
- The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in our surgery center or in our clinic.
- Patient benefits are less time recovering, fewer complications and minimal medications for pain.
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What is a hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive fertility test to evaluate the inside of a person’s uterus for issues that can cause infertility. The procedure also evaluates other issues besides fertility.
In a hysteroscopy, a thin hysteroscope (a small fiber optic camera) is inserted into the vagina and through the cervix then advanced into the uterine cavity. In some cases, the patient is awake and alert during the procedure, which does not require anesthesia. Hysteroscopy is usually well tolerated by patients; however, pain medications can be taken before the procedure to minimize pain.
Hysteroscopy is an excellent procedure that can diagnose uterine fibroids, scarring, polyps or other intrauterine disorders that may interfere with conceiving and/or cause miscarriage. But it does not identify other potential issues outside the uterus that can cause infertility. We utilize laparoscopy for that, such as evaluating fallopian tubes for blockage.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy & operative hysteroscopy
Our fertility surgeons can view the lining of the uterus (endometrium), with images sent from the hysteroscope camera to an external monitor. This is known as a diagnostic hysteroscopy.
If we find abnormalities, often we can repair them during the same procedure, avoiding the need for another surgery. The procedure then becomes an operative hysteroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery procedure.
Once the issue has been identified or confirmed during these procedures, our surgeons insert small instruments the same way they inserted the camera: through the cervix. They use those instruments to repair or correct the cause of infertility.
Sometimes our doctors perform a hysteroscopy to repair problems that have already been revealed by in-office diagnostic procedures such as a hysterosalpingogram or saline sonogram.
Dallas IVF’s expertise in hysteroscopy
- Our physicians have advanced training in creating an evidence-based, custom treatment plan for the individual.
- We have years of experience and expertise in fertility testing and as skilled surgeons conducting hysteroscopy procedures.
- Our specialists are guides for our patients, with several of our doctors having experienced infertility and treatments themselves.
Benefits of hysteroscopy, including infertility treatment success
Overall benefits of hysteroscopy over other forms of surgery include faster recovery time, no hospital stay and fewer medications.
Patients with several issues and needs can benefit from this fertility test procedure.
- It can benefit those having difficulty conceiving due to uterine fibroids, polyps and scarring that can hamper embryo implantation or cause miscarriage.
- Dallas IVF fertility specialists use hysteroscopy for diagnosing causes of recurrent miscarriage. It can also assist us in evaluating cases of unexplained infertility.
- Patients with anatomical problems preventing pregnancy or maintaining it can benefit from this fertility test and treatment. These anatomical issues include a septate uterus, bicornuate uterus and unicornuate uterus.
- Studies have shown that correction of these abnormalities can increase patients’ chances of conceiving a baby on their own or improve their chances of successfully conceiving through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Hysteroscopy allows our physician to evaluate if the uterus is going to be able to accept an embryo through successful birth.
- Hysteroscopy is very helpful in discovering the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. This can be a sign of ovulation problems, which affects fertility.
- A biopsy through hysteroscopy evaluates for uterine infections, which can cause infertility. Chronic infection is present in some infertility patients. Treating those infections can improve pregnancy rates.
What to expect in a Dallas IVF hysteroscopy procedure
Our physicians can perform hysteroscopies in our convenient, state-of-the-art IVF lab & surgery center as an outpatient procedure or at each clinic location for convenience. Hysteroscopy takes anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on whether we are investigating symptoms or treating an issue.
No incisions are made. Our surgeon may use dilators to prepare the cervix before insertion of the hysteroscope. A gas or fluid is often used to inflate the uterus for better viewing.
If an operative procedure is needed, such as to remove fibroids or polyps, the hysteroscopy will take longer than if only observations are made. Medications may be used before an operative procedure. After the operative procedure, we may give the patient medications and antibiotics to prevent infection and to promote healing.
Afterward, our physician will explain the results and present possible next steps. If we recommend IVF or another fertility treatment, the patient may be advised to wait several weeks or more to allow the body to fully recover from surgery.
The patient will rest awhile after the hysteroscopy, usually going home in an hour or two.
Risks of hysteroscopy
Few patients, less than 1%, have complications from a hysteroscopy. Risks are similar to any type of surgery and include:
- Internal bleeding.
- Skin irritation or infection.
- Anesthesia complications, if general anesthesia is used.
- Damage to the uterus (womb) or cervix.
- Scar tissue.
Our doctors discuss all risks with each patient before the procedure. We closely monitor patients throughout the procedure and afterward.
