Hysteroscopy is the surgical procedure, which allows your medical specialist to examine the uterine cavity for diagnosis of problems like heavy periods, abnormal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, infertility, repeated miscarriages, and other conditions like PCOS and fibroids. The procedure is usually not painful, except for some cramping and can be done as an Outpatient Procedure for most of the women.
Hysteroscopy is often suggested by your medical specialist during the first week after a woman’s menstrual period. Hysteroscopy is of two types-
- Operative Hysteroscopy
- Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
Diagnostic hysteroscopy helps the doctor to identify any problems in the uterus and to confirm the conclusions of other tests. Operative hysteroscopy is done to fix any abnormality detected via diagnostic hysteroscopy, which often helps to avoid getting a second surgery.
What is IVF?
In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is one of the most common forms of treatments for infertility. The procedure involves taking fertility medications that help in maturing a woman’s eggs, called the ovulation induction. Once enough mature eggs are produced, your doctor retrieves them via a minor surgical procedure and mixes them with the sperm cells of your partner or donor in a special container. After 3-5 days when fertilization occurs, embryos are formed, these embryos are then transferred directly into the uterus. If the embryos attach to the lining of the uterus, pregnancy happens.
Is Hysteroscopy important for IVF?
Hysteroscopy, as we explained earlier can help detect infertility issues. Hence, most fertility clinics adopt this method of evaluation prior to an IVF so that they can detect and remove any type of scar tissues or polyps for a better chance to conceive. However, doing hysteroscopy on a routine basis is not advisable even in the case of IVF.
Conclusion
Unsuccessful IVF attempts are usually dependent on various factors like uterine problems, Ovarian Cysts, Endometriosis, Genetic or Chromosomal Disorder, PCOD, Low Oocyte Reserve, Advanced Age etc. So, getting routine hysteroscopy done as the sole reason to increase the rate of pregnancy is completely out of the question. Furthermore, today with the advancement in science, there are more non-invasive procedures that can determine any problems related to fertility. Yet, if you have never done it, it is best to ask for it before an IVF procedure just to ensure that your womb is healthy enough to carry a baby.
