What is a hysteroscopy?

A procedure where a thin, flexible telescope is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity, allowing direct real-time viewing of the uterine lining and interior with a tiny camera.

Does hysteroscopy require general anaesthesia?

Diagnostic hysteroscopy usually doesn't require general anaesthesia and takes 10–15 minutes. Operative hysteroscopy, where treatment is performed, is done under light sedation or anaesthesia.

What conditions can hysteroscopy detect and treat?

Hysteroscopy can detect and treat uterine polyps, submucous fibroids, uterine adhesions (Asherman's Syndrome), and uterine septum.

How does removing uterine polyps help fertility?

Uterine polyps can significantly impair implantation even without symptoms. Hysteroscopic removal is simple and quick, and has been shown to improve IVF success rates.

What is Asherman's Syndrome and how is it treated?

Asherman's Syndrome is scar tissue inside the uterus, usually from a D&C or infection, that can obliterate the cavity. It's treated with hysteroscopic adhesiolysis to restore a functional cavity.

Are incisions or stitches needed for hysteroscopy?

No. The hysteroscope is passed gently through the cervix with no cuts or stitches required. The uterus is slightly distended with saline for a clear view.

Gynecology

Hysteroscopy: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What to Expect

The Inside View That Changes the Diagnosis

The uterus is where an embryo has to implant and grow. And yet, for a long time in fertility medicine, we were essentially guessing about what was going on in there — relying on ultrasound images that sometimes miss things entirely.

Hysteroscopy changed that. It lets us look directly inside the uterine cavity with a tiny camera, in real time, with far more detail than any scan.

I use it regularly at Punit Fertility — and it changes the management plan for a significant number of patients.

What the Procedure Involves

A thin, flexible telescope (hysteroscope) is passed gently through the cervix into the uterine cavity. No cuts. No stitches. The uterus is distended slightly with saline to get a clear view, and we can see the entire inner surface of the uterus — the lining, the corners where the tubes enter, any abnormalities.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy (just looking) can be done without general anaesthesia in most cases — it takes about 10–15 minutes. Operative hysteroscopy (treating what we find) is done under light sedation or anaesthesia.

What We Find and Fix

Uterine Polyps

Small, finger-like outgrowths of the uterine lining. They’re extremely common and often symptomless — yet they significantly impair implantation. Removal via hysteroscopy is simple, quick, and has been shown to improve IVF success rates.

Submucous Fibroids

Fibroids that protrude into the cavity distort the uterine shape and make implantation difficult. Hysteroscopic removal restores the normal cavity.

Uterine Adhesions (Asherman’s Syndrome)

Scar tissue inside the uterus — usually following a D&C or infection — that can partially or completely obliterate the cavity. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis (cutting the adhesions) can restore a functional cavity. This is delicate surgery requiring experience.

Uterine Septum

A partition dividing the uterine cavity — a developmental abnormality. Associated with recurrent miscarriage. Easily removed hysteroscopically with excellent outcomes.

When I Recommend Hysteroscopy

Before IVF — especially if previous cycles have failed
Recurrent miscarriage (2 or more losses)
Abnormal uterine finding on ultrasound
Heavy or irregular bleeding suggesting a structural cause
Unexplained implantation failure

Recovery and What to Expect After

Diagnostic hysteroscopy: most women return to normal activity the same day or next. Some mild cramping and spotting for 1–2 days.

Operative hysteroscopy: typically 1–3 days rest, minimal discomfort. Fertility treatment can usually resume the following cycle.

Let’s Make Sure Your Uterus Is Ready

At Punit Fertility, Kandivali Mumbai, we believe in checking the uterine cavity before any fertility treatment—because even the best embryo won’t implant in a hostile environment.

👉 Book a hysteroscopy consultation at Punit Fertility