Let’s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is a hysteroscopy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A hysteroscopy is a gynecologic procedure used to examine the inside of your uterus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The procedure involves inserting a thin telescope\/camera (the hysteroscope) through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus. The hysteroscope allows the doctor to identify and potentially treat<\/strong> any problems that could interfere with embryo implantation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hysteroscopy is done before IVF to ensure that you have a normal-appearing uterine cavity before embryo implantation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common reasons why your doctor might recommend a hysteroscopy before you start an IVF cycle include:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A routine hysteroscopy isn’t always necessary for IVF. Other less expensive methods such as a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and saline infusion sonography (SIS) can be used to evaluate the inside of your uterus before doing an embryo transfer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, hysteroscopy is the best way <\/strong>to identify and potentially treat any issues present in the cavity.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n An HSG and SIS are screening tests. If we suspect an abnormality on these two tests, we will recommend a confirmatory hysteroscopy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hysteroscopy should be done before IVF if you plan on having a fresh embryo transfer and there is a concern about an abnormality inside your uterus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you are having a frozen embryo transfer<\/a> (FET), a hysteroscopy does not need to happen before undergoing IVF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can undergo ovarian stimulation, trigger, egg retrieval<\/a>, IVF, and freeze your embryos before a hysteroscopy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A uterine cavity evaluation should be done before the embryo transfer, not necessarily before IVF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are planning a fresh embryo transfer, the best time to have a hysteroscopy is just before your IVF cycle. Doing so will ensure that any potential problems are identified and treated before undergoing ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you are freezing your embryos, the best time to have a hysteroscopy is within 2-6 months of the anticipated transfer date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A diagnostic hysteroscopy by itself does not improve fertility or IVF success rates<\/a>. However, if an intrauterine abnormality is identified and treated (polyp<\/a>, scar tissue,<\/a> uterine fibroids), hysteroscopy may improve IVF live birth rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few studies demonstrate that you should perform an embryo transfer within 180 days following a hysteroscopy (study 1<\/a>) (study 2<\/a>) (study 3<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies indicate that you can do an embryo transfer in the same cycle or as early as the next menstrual cycle <\/a>following a hysteroscopy without impacting pregnancy rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of an IVF cycle, it is possible to do hysteroscopy and IVF in the same cycle if you are using birth control pills to regulate your hormones and your uterine lining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now let’s discuss what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your doctor will instruct you to stop eating or drinking after midnight on the day before your procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may take your regular medications with a small sip of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, you will need to make sure that you have someone who can escort you home after the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the office setting or at an ambulatory center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will be under anesthesia during the procedure so that you won’t feel any pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you are asleep, the doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina and dilate your cervix just enough to allow the hysteroscope to enter the uterus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hysteroscope distends the uterus by introducing water into the uterine cavity. If a polyp or scar tissue is present, we can remove it during the same procedure. More extensive abnormalities such as large submucous fibroids may require a second procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The procedure can take as little as 15 minutes if the hysteroscopy goes smoothly, but bigger abnormalities can take an hour or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, you will be able to go home the same day as your office hysteroscopy. Recovery is usually is relatively quick, with most women feeling back to normal within a day or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you may experience cramping and bloating for a day or two after the procedure. It is also not uncommon to have light bleeding for a few days following the hysteroscopy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heavy bleeding is unusual and might require an evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The optimal timing for hysteroscopy is on days 5-9 of your menstrual cycle as you are likely to have stopped bleeding, and the lining of the uterus is thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not ideal to have a hysteroscopy when you are on your period, as the blood can obscure the view of the uterine cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have had a failed IVF\/ embryo transfer cycle, your doctor may recommend a hysteroscopy to evaluate the uterine cavity for a potential cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, a hysteroscopy does not always reveal the underlying cause of a failed implantation or a spontaneous miscarriage. However, if an abnormality is found and treated, it may improve the chances of success with future IVF cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can do the hysteroscopy after egg retrieval<\/a> if you plan on doing a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) in the future. Freezing the embryos provides flexibility in the timing of events.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy is hysteroscopy done before IVF?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is hysteroscopy needed or required for IVF?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When should a hysteroscopy be done before IVF?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When is the best time to have a hysteroscopy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does having a hysteroscopy increase fertility or IVF success?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How long after a hysteroscopy can you do an embryo transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can you do a hysteroscopy and IVF in the same cycle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to expect during a hysteroscopy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The day before the procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
During the procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Recovery from a hysteroscopy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other Related Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What day of my cycle is hysteroscopy done?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can a hysteroscopy be done while on your period?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you typically do a hysteroscopy after failed IVF?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When do you do a hysteroscopy after egg retrieval?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can hysteroscopy be done during egg retrieval?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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