What Is a Fertility-Preserving Hysteroscopy?
A fertility-preserving hysteroscopy is a procedure used to evaluate your uterine cavity when you’re having uterine problems like abnormal bleeding, but want to maintain the possibility of future pregnancy. The procedure uses a hysteroscope, a small camera on a thin tube, that a qualified gynecologist passes through your cervix to examine your uterine cavity without abdominal incisions.
At Hysteroscopy Center of New York, Felix Cohen, MD, FACOG and his talented team of fertility experts review your ultrasound findings, fertility history and treatment goals before making recommendations. Through a fertility-preserving hysteroscopy, your doctor identifies any condition that need to be addressed before your fertility care continues, such as:
- Endometrial polyps
- FibroidsSmall fibroids
- Intrauterine adhesions
“When you’re planning a fertility treatment, confirm the condition of your uterus to increase the odds of a successful pregnancy,” says Dr. Cohen. “If an ultrasound doesn’t provide a clear answer, we can discuss a hysteroscopy vs. ultrasound because the next step may involve a hysteroscopy for IVF and fertility.”
Am I a Good Candidate for Hysteroscopy Fertility Evaluation?
You may be a good candidate for a fertility-preserving hysteroscopy if you’ve had trouble getting pregnant through IVF. Another reason may be imaging findings that require a closer look inside your uterus. Other reasons to consider a hysteroscopy fertility evaluation include:
- Light periods after a procedure
- A history of pregnancy losses
- A hysteroscopy fertility evaluation before an embryo transfer
- A hysteroscopy vs. sonohysterogram comparison after imaging
- Possible uterine abnormalities affecting fertility that may change your treatment timing
- A second opinion for uterine surgery when another procedure could affect your future pregnancy plans
The choice of hysteroscopy technology and equipment depends on your condition. Your age, overall health, comfort level and medical history with diabetes or clotting disorders influence how your doctor performs the procedure. These factors support your safety, while planning your next step in fertility care.
How Does a Hysteroscopy Support Fertility Treatment Planning?
Fertility planning with a hysteroscopy starts with the patient information you provide. Before deciding whether he needs direct uterine cavity assessment, Dr. Cohen reviews your ultrasound reports, fertility notes from referring physicians and prior procedure records. You also get an estimate of the hysteroscopy cost during this discussion.
Following this review, your hysteroscopy can be scheduled around your fertility timeline. During a fertility-focused hysteroscopy appointment at Hysteroscopy Center of New York, your procedure may include:
- Reviewing the anesthesia and pain management before the exam begins, addressing comfort, cervical access and possible treatment needs
- Positioning you for a pelvic-style exam so Dr. Cohen can reach your cervix safely
- Advancing the hysteroscope through your cervix into the uterine cavity
- Using sterile saline to gently expand the cavity, helping separate the lining surface from blood, mucus or folds so your gynecologist can inspect its lining and cavity shape directly
- Checking whether fibroids, scar tissue or a uterine septum are affecting the cavity before any targeted treatment
Afterward, Dr. Cohen reviews the results of the examination and explains whether your fertility plan should change. Depending on comfort, procedure length or treatment needs, he may proceed to treat the targeted findings, protecting healthy uterine tissue for future fertility. This is part of the see-and-treat approach.
How Can I Schedule a Fertility-Preserving Hysteroscopy in Manhattan?
A fertility-preserving hysteroscopy resolves uterine cavity concerns that have interfered or may interfere with getting pregnant. The procedure protects healthy uterine tissue, while identifying the safest next step for embryo transfer, implantation or pregnancy planning.
Dr. Cohen’s see-and-treat approach streamlines fertility-focused uterine care. Contact Hysteroscopy Center of New York at one of their three locations: Midtown Manhattan, Columbus Circle or Queens for a consultaton.