Hysteroscopy can help patients take the next step toward parenthood
Hysteroscopy allows the doctors at our Indianapolis fertility clinic to evaluate the inside of a patient’s uterus. During this simple procedure, a doctor can diagnose and often treat the abnormalities that are causing fertility challenges. Before receiving hysteroscopic surgery, a patient typically undergoes bloodwork and imaging, such as a pelvic ultrasound, a saline infusion sonogram, and/or a hysterosalpingogram. If the results indicate the need for a surgical evaluation of infertility, the doctor might recommend this type of surgery.
Who is a candidate for hysteroscopy?
Certain symptoms or anatomical issues could indicate a need for hysteroscopic surgery. This surgical evaluation of infertility can be an effective way for women to move past uncomfortable symptoms and welcome a baby.
Irregular menstrual cycles. Patients with abnormally long periods, heavy menstrual flow or bleeding between periods might require a surgical evaluation of infertility to rule out problems, such as endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia and uterine fibroids.
Congenital abnormalities. Hysteroscopic surgery can reveal anatomical issues that a patient has had since birth. One example includes a uterine septum, which consists of the uterus being divided by a band of tissue.
Recurrent pregnancy loss. A patient who has had two or more miscarriages could benefit from hysteroscopy, as it can reveal fertility issues not found through ultrasound or bloodwork.
In addition to using this as a diagnostic procedure for infertility, a doctor can utilize this procedure to for treatment to remove polyps, fibroids or scar tissue or to repair a congenital anomaly.
How a doctor performs this outpatient procedure
A patient will call our clinic on Day 1 of their menstrual cycle to schedule hysteroscopic surgery. Typically, the doctor will perform the procedure between Day 5 and Day 10 of the patient’s cycle.
Hysteroscopy is typically done in the outpatient surgical setting and involves dilating the cervix and placing a very small (5-6 mm) fiber optic camera into the uterine cavity. Fluid is infused through the hysteroscope to distend the uterine cavity and allows us to evaluate for abnormalities that could prevent implantation or cause pregnancy problems, such as miscarriage.
If abnormalities are found, microsurgical instruments can be introduced through the camera to repair the uterine cavity. Endometrial polyps, fibroids and scar tissue can be addressed with special instruments.
After the procedure, a postoperative appointment can review findings and best next steps. Patients typically have a recovery with minimal or no cramping and light spotting/vaginal bleeding for a few days.
The fertility specialists at our Indianapolis fertility clinic work closely with patients to help them determine if hysteroscopic surgery is the best option for their fertility needs. Contact us to learn more about our fertility services.
