Hysteroscopy

I have one scheduled for Friday - what should I expect? What exactly is this for? And what other procedures will I have to schedule before the IVF?

My consult isn't until Tuesday, so inquiring minds want to know!

Thanks

Re: Hysteroscopy

You are having a Hysteroscopy or an HSG?

You will be put under for a Hysteroscopy - they go into your uterus with a camera and check all around to make sure there are no major problems, endo, etc.
Usually also involves a D&C since they have to get the camera in.

An HSG is when they inject dye into your uterus and use a scope to see how everything looks. Not quite as involved as the Hysteroscopy, but much less invasive. You don't get anesthesia for this.

As far as any other procedures, I assume you've had a full panel workup...so the HSG is usually the last thing.

Re: Hysteroscopy

No, I've already had the HSG, in November, and it was all clear. This is the "office hysteroscopy", as the nurse put it. I asked if there is anything I need to do in advance and she said just take a few ibuprofen that morning before the procedure.

Is it general or local anesthesia for the hysteroscopy? Is this something they usually do for all patients as part of the IVF workup?

Re: Hysteroscopy

It can't be a Hysteroscopy if they are telling you to take Motrin...
maybe it's a Hysterosonogram (water sono), which is just like an IUI, but they inject water into your uterus while looking at it on a screen...also to make sure there isn't anything out of the ordinary.

Re: Hysteroscopy

I did not have a hysteroscopy in preparation for IVF. I had HSG and saline sonogram. Are they recommending this because they suspect fibroids or polyps?

Re: Hysteroscopy

This is apparently a classic case of "I should have googled before posting" It is an "office hysteroscopy" which is apparently not all that involved. Looks like they'll probably use local anesthesia. I'm assuming they will do the endometrial biopsy at the same time.

I'm still curious - has any else had this done as part of the IVF workup?

"Office Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a test that lets your doctor examine the inside walls of your uterus.
Having an abnormality in your uterus can reduce your chances for pregnancy. If your uterus has an abnormality, the chances of pregnancy may be decreased. A hysteroscopy is a test that uses sterile salt water and a tiny telescope to visualize the inside of your uterus. The test is able to detect scar tissue, polyps, fibroids, and any uterine abnormality such as a septate uterus, that may prevent an embryo from implanting properly.

What to expect during the hysteroscopy
The hysteroscopy is usually done in our office and takes about 30 minutes. A speculum is inserted into your vagina (like when you have a Pap smear). A local anesthetic is then given, and then a tiny telescope with a camera is placed through your cervix into the uterine cavity. The sterile salt water is instilled into the uterus so that you can see the walls. There is a TV monitor allowing you and your doctor to visualize the inside of the cavity. We had the latest in office hysteroscopy equipment, including a 3.9 mm hysteroscope which results in significantly less patient discomfort compared to the older 5 mm hysteroscopes, and usually allowing no need to dilate the cervix.

Questions and Answers
Q: A friend of mine had a hysteroscopy and she said it was uncomfortable. Is that true?

A: Many women feel some cramping, especially when the sterile salt water is instilled. Women with blocked fallopian tubes may feel more uncomfortable. Even though we are using the smallest hysteroscope available, We do recommend that one hour before the procedure you take 2-3 pills of regular ibuprofen (Motrin, Alleve) to help prevent or reduce cramps during the procedure.

Q: Is it OK to drive home by myself after the test?

A: Many women have no pain after the hysteroscopy, but you may feel a little cramping. You should be able to drive yourself, and return to work after the procedure.

Q: What are the risks of a hysteroscopy?

A: The risks of the hysteroscopy include pain or discomfort, infection, and vaginal spotting or bleeding. Contact your doctor if you develop a fever, continue bleeding, or continue to feel pain.

Q: When is the best time during my cycle to schedule the hysteroscopy?

A: You should call the office with the first day of full flow so that we can schedule the test. The hysteroscopy is usually scheduled after your period ends, but before you expect to ovulate, usually between days 6-12 of your menstrual cycle. You need to use protection during intercourse prior to the test. You may resume intercourse without protection 24 hours after the procedure"

Re: Hysteroscopy