Infertility is one of the most psychologically exhausting problems that a couple can go through. When months go by and still no positive pregnancy test result, it can be stressful, anxiety-filled to not know why you are not getting pregnant. Although there can be many causes of infertility, a significant and generally unnoticed one exists in the uterus, where the birth of life occurs. Silent barriers may include conditions like fibroids, polyps, adhesions and a shaped-up uterus, which may prevent conception.
This is where hysteroscopic surgery offers an alternative to these issues, a new minimally invasive procedure that allows the physician to peer inside the uterus and then not only fix such an issue, but it does it without the giant incision and long downtimes. Experience has shown that hysteroscopy is one procedure that is commonly prescribed as fertility care at Ganga Laxmi IVF, Lucknow due to the effectiveness with which the test can diagnose and treat a variety of uterine disorders that can impair a woman’s ability to conceive.
In this blog, we will discuss what exactly hysteroscopic surgery is, the mechanics involved in hysteroscopic surgery and finally, how effective hysteroscopic surgery is in curing infertility.
What is hysteroscopic surgery?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure which involves an examination of the uterus via the vagina and cervix by means of a thin, lighted device known as a hysteroscope. There is no cutting or sewing of wounds on the outside surface as is done in other surgeries. The hysteroscope enables the doctor to see inside the uterus, diagnose the problem, and operate in the same setting using miniature surgical tools.
As an example, when there is a polyp or fibroid that might not allow the embryo to implant, then hysteroscopy can be used to remove it. In case there is scar tissue, the same can be excised so as to restore the regular uterus shape. This is the reason why the procedure of hysteroscopy may be called a see-and-treat procedure.
What is the Uterus’ Role in Fertility?
Talking about infertility, what comes to the mind of the vast majority of people is the egg, the sperm, and the hormonal issues. But the uterus is also significant. It is where the embryo attaches and the embryo forms into a child. In other instances, despite the healthy embryo produced, IVF is ineffective due to various problems associated with the uterus.
Problems with conception or even the impossibility of conception may be added to the conditions, including the endometrial polyp, fibroids, uterine septum, and scar tissue (Asherman syndrome). Hysteroscopy allows the doctor to get a direct view of possible corrections of the problems, so they can be corrected, and the uterus may be ready to support pregnancy.
How Efficient is Hysteroscopic Surgery to Treat Infertility?
Hysteroscopic surgery is the treatment that has proven to be effective in the medical research literature as well as in fertility care. So what is it:
- Uterine Polyps
Polyps may hinder the process of embryo implantation. Analyses have indicated that removal of polyps through hysteroscopy enhances natural pregnancy rate considerably and also the IVF success rates. Lots of women have testified about conceiving naturally after a few months of the procedure.
- For Fibroids
The fibroids that develop either within the uterus cavity or protrude into its cavity are closely associated with infertility and a series of miscarriages. Hysteroscopic removal of such fibroids has been demonstrated to restore fertility in a very good proportion of women.
- Uterine Septum
A uterine septum is considered to be one of the most typical causes of repetitive losses. Treatment using hysteroscopic surgery corrects it and significantly decreases the chances of a miscarriage, and a healthy pregnancy ensues.
- For Scar Tissue (Asherman Syndrome)
Scar tissue within the uterus may prevent the lining of the uterus from developing normally. Removal of adhesions using the hysteroscope allows the endometrium to recover and regrow, and a healthier environment to implant the embryos is available.
- In IVF Patients
Even within the context of IVF in women, hysteroscopic assessment and therapy have been found to augment implantation and pregnancy rates. It makes sure that there is nothing in the uterus hindering the embryo implantation.
Shortly stated, hysteroscopic surgery is not only effective, but it can be transformative to women whose fertility issues are rooted in their uterine issues.
Tips to know more: Before, During, and After Hysteroscopic Surgery
Some couples are afraid to undergo surgery due to the likelihood of pain, danger or just a prolonged recovery period. The positive fact is that hysteroscopy is one of the least complicated and secure gynaecological procedures.
- Before the surgery:
Your physician will tend to suggest some simple tests, including an ultrasound and blood tests. The process might be recommended to take place during the first half of your monthly period when the uterus is thinner to allow visibility.
- In the surgery
Usually, the procedure occurs under light anaesthesia or sedation, so you will not feel pain. A thin scope is inserted lightly into the uterus, and in case of any malfunction, it is rectified immediately. Seeing people wake up after surgery, the first reaction is to feel relief. It normally takes a range of 15 to an hour after the surgery.
- What happens after the Surgery
The majority of females will be discharged on the same day. Individuals may have slight cramping or feel painless, minor bleeding, which passes quickly. Compared to the conventional operation, there is no external incision, and no stitching is actually done, resulting in minimal downtime.
Advantages of Hysteroscopic Surgery as a Treatment of Infertility
- Not invasive: no incision is done, no sutures, minimal pain is involved.
- Quick fixes: Most of the women will be able to carry on with their lives normally a day or two later
- Proper diagnosis: It is highly precise, unlike scans alone, because direct visualisation is involved.
- Two-fold advantage: Diagnosis and treatment can be done in the same sitting.
- Optimises conception naturally: lots of women conceive naturally after the procedure
- Increases the chance of success of IVF, particularly in unexplained IVF failures.
Is Hysteroscopic Surgery the Right Choice?
Those who do not need hysteroscopic surgery are not all women with infertility challenges. However, to understand the structural integrity of your uterus better, or in case you’ve been diagnosed with recurrent miscarriages or unexplained infertility, failed IVF attempts, etc., having an HSG may prove immensely helpful.
You should meet a fertility doctor. Doctors at Ganga Laxmi IVF are very particular about how they treat each patient, and only when there is a necessity, hysteroscopy is advised.
Final Thoughts
Fertility has often appeared more like a puzzle with some missing parts. This is akin to a missing pin in a stream of women, as most patients find they have a myriad of ills that lie deep in their womb that even the scans and blood tests could not detect. It is non-invasive, minimally invasive, and my utmost effective in restoring fertility and improving the success of IVF.
Ganga Laxmi IVF is a firm believer that every couple should have the opportunity to experience parenthood. One of the numerous treatments that we are applying to make that dream come true is the Hysteroscopic surgery.
In case you have been having fertility issues and wonder whether hysteroscopic surgery can be helpful in your case, we will advise you to turn to our team. The answer can be much simpler than you can imagine- and only this step can bring you closer to having a child in your hands.