For many couples, the road to parenthood isn’t as straightforward as they imagined. You run test after test, sit through long appointments, and yet the reports come back saying everything looks “normal.” And still, no pregnancy. That’s when the suspicion often shifts to the uterus itself, because some problems don’t always reveal themselves in blood tests or routine scans.
This is where hysteroscopy comes into use and can be a game-changer for many couples. This guide is all about the role of hysteroscopy for infertility. If you are looking for a hysteroscopy for infertility in Bangalore, Revive Hospital is the right place for you. Read on to learn how we perform hysteroscopy and the role it plays in infertility!
What is Hysteroscopy?
At its core, hysteroscopy is just a way for your doctor to directly look inside the uterus, without having to make any cuts or incisions. A very thin tube, fitted with a light and a camera, is passed through the vagina and cervix. This gives the doctor a clear view of the uterine cavity, so they can spot anything that might be interfering with conception.
Hysteroscopy is done for various purposes, and infertility is one of the reasons. Depending on your overall health and the purpose of hysteroscopy, the doctor may either perform a diagnostic-only or an operative hysteroscopy.
Hysteroscopy: Types
Hysteroscopy can be of two types: one is for diagnosis only, and the other is recommended for surgical procedures. These are:
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
As the name may suggest, a diagnostic hysteroscopy is performed when the doctor needs to diagnose the uterus for a possible cause of infertility or any underlying concerns. Usually, diagnosis-only hysteroscopy is a daycare procedure performed in the doctor’s office under local anaesthesia.
Operative Hysteroscopy
For surgery, the hysteroscopy is usually done in a hospital. The doctor may use general or local anaesthesia before the procedure.
The Process of Hysteroscopy: What Really Happens
It sounds a little daunting, but in reality, it’s usually a short, safe procedure. Here we have outlined the process of hysteroscopy, generally followed:
During Hysteroscopy
The procedure may range from 15-30 minutes or more, depending on the purpose of the hysteroscopy. You have to lie down with your feet on the exam table.
The doctor will first insert a speculum into your vagina, followed by a hysteroscope insertion through the cervix. The doctor may move the device to capture images and understand the uterine health. Afterwards, carbon dioxide gas may also be sent into the uterus to widen the area
In case of a surgery, the doctor may use a hysteroscope attached to surgical tools.
After Hysteroscopy
Once the hysteroscopy process is over, you may relax and rest for a while. Depending on the purpose of hysteroscopy, whether diagnosis or treatment, the recovery tenure may also differ.
Post-hysteroscopy, you may experience the following:
- Pain in the shoulders (if carbon dioxide gas was used)
- Cramping in and around the vagina
- Bleeding or spotting, usually in small amounts
- Nauseated
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
Your doctor will advise you regarding post-hysteroscopy care for a quick recovery.
Purpose of Hysteroscopy: Why Do Doctors Recommend It?
Infertility can be caused by various reasons, and underlying concerns in the uterus can be one. We perform hysteroscopy to understand the uterine health of our patients and recommend the right treatment. The following may be the reasons why hysteroscopy is advised:
To Identify Abnormalities
The uterus may develop certain malformations, blockage, fibroids, etc., over time. Routine tests may not accurately assess these conditions, and so, hysteroscopy may be advised.
To Treat Abnormalities
In case a patient has already been diagnosed with certain uterine abnormalities, the doctor may use hysteroscopy to assist the treatment. In this case, the hysteroscope also has surgical tools attached for the surgery.
To Take Tissue Samples (Biopsy)
If a biopsy is required for further diagnosis of the patient, hysteroscopy may be done. It is used to collect the samples for a biopsy.
To Assess Uterine Health
In several couples, no exact cause of infertility could be diagnosed with routine tests and check-ups. So, to confirm the uterine health, the doctor may suggest hysteroscopy to rule out other possibilities.
Role of Hysteroscopy in Infertility
Now the important question is how hysteroscopy can assist in infertility? Well, a hysteroscopy in terms of infertility can do the following tasks:
Hysteroscopy and IVF
In vitro fertilisation, or IVF, is an assisted reproductive procedure. It is recommended for people who may not conceive naturally. In this process, the eggs and sperm are fertilised in a laboratory, and then the embryo is carefully placed into the woman’s uterus.
So, before IVF, the doctor may perform a hysteroscopy to understand the uterine health and assist the IVF procedure.
Infertility Treatment
Certain conditions, like abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, abnormal growth, or disorders in the uterus, may cause infertility. So, upon diagnosis, the doctor may perform a surgery to treat the underlying condition, such as removal of fibroids (Myomectomy), removal of abnormal uterine growth (Polypectomy), etc. During these surgeries, hysteroscopy may be used.
Pain, Recovery, and What to Expect
Hysteroscopy is a quick procedure and is usually done under anaesthesia. So, many people do not even feel the procedure. The device is thin and is only inserted up to the required limit.
Recovery is also quick, although you may feel cramps and mild pain for a few days after the treatment. In some cases, the patient may feel dizzy and nauseated for a while due to anaesthesia. Do not worry, we will guide you on the after-care as well.
Hysteroscopy in Bangalore: Why Choose Revive Hospital?
At Revive Hospital, we follow all the safety measures during hysteroscopy. The procedure begins with the doctor’s consultation. Our doctor asks a few questions to understand your health history and current health conditions. Depending on the verbal diagnosis, the doctor may also recommend a few tests to rule out underlying concerns. Depending on the physical examination and tests, the doctor will recommend the treatment procedure ahead.
In case hysteroscopy is required, our doctor will recommend a date for the procedure and the pre-care that has to be followed. Revive Hospital, a leading destination for hysteroscopy in Bangalore! Contact us today!