- This is the only procedure that enables diagnosis and surgical hysteroscopy to be carried out simultaneously for solving any structural problems within one appointment time.
- It is non-invasive because it does not use any cuts outside of the body, hence ensuring minimal post-procedure pain.
- Removing even tiny polyps or scars before transferring embryos greatly increases the chances of successful implantation.
- This is an outpatient procedure that takes under one hour.
When facing complicated fertility issues or gynecological symptoms that arise suddenly, determining a precise internal diagnosis is very important. A hysteroscopy could be the way a gynecologist suggests for those ladies who suffer from abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine abnormalities, or fertility issues. Although a medical procedure may raise one’s concern, to say the least, hysteroscopy is a state-of-the-art, delicate procedure for direct visualization and treatment of uterine conditions.
At Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, recognized as the Best IVF Clinic in Delhi, we use advanced diagnostic tools for enhanced medical care. Whether it is booked as an IVF hysteroscopy for creating better embryonic conditions or due to recurring pelvic disorders, gaining insights into hysteroscopy procedures can help you be completely assured about your treatment.
What is a Hysteroscopy-Diagnostic and Operative Hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a procedure through which a doctor or fertility expert can see the interior of the uterus first-hand. The doctor employs a slender instrument fitted with a light and a camera, called hysteroscope. This tool is carefully inserted into the vaginal canal, goes through the cervix, and reaches the uterine cavity under guidance.
For obtaining a complete picture of the entire uterine cavity, the specialist gently expands the uterus by introducing medical fluid or gas. In this way, the specialist can get a picture of the entire cavity of the uterus and its outlets into the fallopian tubes on a high-resolution monitor. Since the procedure uses natural passages, it is entirely a minimally invasive procedure with no cuts from outside.
1. Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
A diagnostic hysteroscopy is mainly done to find out the causes of symptoms or structural abnormalities. It assists in identifying why a woman has continuous abnormal bleeding, menstrual periods, or repeated miscarriages. When the doctor does the examination without a patient being heavily sedated and using only a simple examination room, that procedure is called office hysteroscopy or outpatient hysteroscopy.
2. Operative Hysteroscopy
In case there is any abnormality detected during the diagnosis process, a surgery can be conducted using the same device in what is referred to as operative hysteroscopy. During such a procedure, the specialist uses surgical tools to conduct the operation within the uterus.
The surgical procedure enables correction of any abnormalities by removing them surgically without having to make arrangements for an overnight stay in the hospital. In some cases, office operative hysteroscopy can be carried out in advanced medical facilities.
Common Conditions Diagnosed and Treated
With hysteroscopy, doctors have lots of options to treat the patients and at the same time reveal the hidden abnormalities:
- It is possible to remove uterine polyps, endometrial polyps, and submucosal fibroids without any risk. These fibroids need to be pressed into the womb cavity to be recognized, as they can cause heavy vaginal bleeding.
- It is sometimes necessary to identify and remove the intrauterine adhesions (band of scar tissue inside the uterus, also known as Asherman’s syndrome), which is one of the factors that cause the blockage of normal blood flow and severe period pain.
- Congenital Structural abnormalities: Fixation of a uterine septum (a congenital malformation of the uterus) to reduce the chance of miscarriage.
- Exploration of Abnormalities Related to Bleeding: Identifying cell abnormalities in cases of abnormal postmenopausal bleeding or obtaining samples of local tissues via an endometrial biopsy for diagnosing endometrial cancer.
- Removal of Contraceptive Device: Retrieving an IUD (an implanted device preventing pregnancy) that has become misplaced.
Hysteroscopy and the IVF Cycle
For couples looking for assisted reproduction, an ivf hysteroscopy can be the difference between success and failure. Many couples have small uterine defects that are not causing any symptoms but are capable of interrupting embryo implantation.
Prepping the uterine cavity for fertility promotion by hysteroscopy gives the fertility specialist the chance to make sure the internal cavity is clean and without any traces of inflammation or micro-polyps. This procedure essentially maximizes the uterine environment for a successful pregnancy.
What happens during a hysteroscopy
The doctor’s office will conduct a pregnancy test before your visit to ensure that you are not pregnant. It is best to schedule this procedure within the first week after your period is completed because the uterine wall will be thinner than at any other time during your period.
- Preparation: Following your gowning, your position will be similar to a normal pelvic exam.
- Anesthesia Support: The type of anesthesia you get really depends on whether your procedure is diagnostic or operative. It could be a local block, a local anaesthetic around the cervix, or a general anaesthetic. If you are given general anesthesia, you will be asleep and totally pain-free throughout the procedure.
- Dilation and Inspection: The doctor will very gently do cervical dilation so that the hysteroscope can be inserted, after which fluid is instilled in the uterus so that the endometrium can be visualized properly.
- Recovery: After the procedure, you will need to stay in a recovery bay for a few hours before you are allowed to go home. It is a good idea to have a companion with you for transportation at this time.
Recovery and Post-Procedure Care
Recovery time is usually fast, and women can resume all of their usual activities on the same day.
- Physical Symptoms: You might have slight menstrual-like mild cramping or a little cramping. Your doctor can provide you with pain management treatment if necessary.
- Managing Discharge: Light spotting or watery discharge are manifestations of normal for a few days. Take the precautions of using standard sanitary pads as a means of protection rather than tampons till you are done with bleeding to reduce the risk of infection.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: There are many reasons why you can become tired. Besides, it is really difficult for the body to digest the new tissue and heal internally, frequent trips to the bathroom and the changes in your hormone levels also require an adjustment. Visiting the doctor should be something you look forward to and that sounds will help you overcome tiredness.
Understanding Possible Complications
Hysteroscopic procedures are well-known for being very safe procedures that entail low risk. That said, like any other medical procedure, complications may arise:
- Uterine Perforation (small tears in the uterine wall that generally heal on their own).
- Cervical damage or tearing.
- Pelvic infection or unusually heavy bleeding.
- Negative effects due to fluid absorption or anesthesia.
Should you experience any of the following symptoms upon your return home, make sure to call your doctor right away:
- Severe pain.
- Chills.
- High fever.
- Severe abdominal pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
While in the sedated/anaesthetized state, there is no pain experienced by the patient. During an office check up with local block, a mild cramping, feeling like a period may be felt.
This will be determined by the tissue removal. For a simple diagnostic, often you can wait until the next regular cycle and try again.
If larger scar tissue or fibroids have been cleared, your specialist might suggest a wait of several months to allow the lining to establish.
There could be some spotting or bleeding right after the process is completed. Your regular periods, though, would become normal again in a month from then.
As a medical treatment that is used for the correction of certain abnormalities and the treatment of certain conditions, hysteroscopy is usually covered by any health insurance plans.