What is Hysteroscopy, and How is it Used in Infertility Evaluation and Treatment?
At Caperton Fertility Institute, we know that every step of your fertility journey matters. Whether you're in the early stages of evaluation or exploring advanced treatments, understanding the tools and techniques we use can help you feel empowered and informed. One of the essential procedures we use in both diagnosing and treating infertility is called hysteroscopy.
Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows us to see directly inside the uterus to identify and, in many cases, treat issues that could be impacting your fertility. If you've been recommended for a hysteroscopy, or if you're curious about how it supports fertility care, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy involves inserting a thin, lighted camera (called a hysteroscope) through the cervix and into the uterus. This allows us to directly visualize the uterine cavity in real-time, providing detailed insights into its health and structure.
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and may be diagnostic(to examine the uterus for abnormalities) or operative(to treat issues identified during the evaluation). Read more about the role of hysteroscopy in fertility therapy.
How is Hysteroscopy Used in Infertility Evaluation?
The uterine cavity plays a critical role in conception and pregnancy. An irregularly shaped uterus or certain abnormalities within the uterine cavity can interfere with embryo implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage. Hysteroscopy allows us to investigate and address these issues. Learn how hysteroscopy improves reproductive outcomes in infertile couples.
1. Diagnosing Uterine Abnormalities
Hysteroscopy provides a clear view of the uterine cavity, helping detect structural abnormalities or conditions such as:
- Polyps: Overgrowths of the endometrial lining that may interfere with implantation.
- Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can distort the uterine cavity or block the fallopian tubes.
- Adhesions (Asherman’s Syndrome): Scar tissue in the uterus that prevents the uterine lining from developing properly, impacting implantation.
- Septum or Congenital Uterine Abnormalities: A division in the uterus caused by incomplete development during embryogenesis, increasing the risk of miscarriage or infertility.
- Chronic Endometritis: Inflammation of the uterine lining, often caused by infection, which may prevent a healthy pregnancy.
Explore the role of hysteroscopy in diagnosing uterine abnormalities.
2. Investigating Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
If you’ve experienced recurrent miscarriages, hysteroscopy can uncover uterine factors contributing to pregnancy loss. By addressing these issues, we optimize the uterine environment for future pregnancies.
3. Enhancing Fertility Treatment Success
Before undergoing treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), ensuring a healthy uterine cavity is crucial. Hysteroscopy allows us to identify and treat issues that could negatively affect embryo implantation during IVF. Understand the evidence supporting hysteroscopic surgery in fertility care.
What to Expect During a Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a safe and straightforward procedure. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Before the Procedure
You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand, especially if sedation or anesthesia is required.
During the Procedure
A hysteroscopy can be performed in the office. You can choose to remain awake or receive moderate sedation. The hysteroscope is gently inserted through the cervix into the uterus, and saline is used to expand the uterine cavity for better visualization.
After the Procedure
Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within 24-48 hours. Mild cramping or spotting is common for a day or two. Review a study on reproductive outcomes after hysteroscopy.
Why Hysteroscopy is Important in Fertility Care
At Caperton Fertility Institute, we use the latest technologies to give our patients the best possible outcomes. Hysteroscopy is a cornerstone of modern fertility care because it allows us to precisely identify and correct issues impacting your ability to conceive.
For many patients, addressing uterine abnormalities through hysteroscopy improves their chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy—whether naturally or with assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.
