Hysteroscopy and IVF

There are two main types of hysteroscopy that a patient may encounter: diagnostic hysteroscopy and operative hysteroscopy. Both use a hysteroscope (a fibre optic mini telescope) used for observing the interior of the uterus.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is a simple procedure used to inspect the inside of the uterus and detect abnormalities such as: polyp, adhesions, fibroids and uterine septum (a piece of tissue dividing the cavity of the uterus). The diagnostic hysteroscopy procedure can be performed as an outpatient procedure. No anesthetic is usually required but some times a local anesthetic is injected into the neck of the womb.

A speculum is inserted into the vagina to visualize the cervix, which is then cleaned from any discharge. A fine fibre-optic telescope about the same thickness as a pencil is then inserted through the cervix into the uterus. Either carbon dioxide gas or fluid is used to distend the cavity of the womb in order to get a clear view of the cavity.

home