Efficacy and acceptability of office hysteroscopy before assisted reproductive technology

Abstract

Introduction: Hysteroscopic technique of diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathology without anesthesia has gained popularity over the last few years. Intrauterine pathologies are found to be present in a significant number of infertile patients. Structural abnormalities of the endometrial cavity may affect the reproductive outcome adversely, by interfering with implantation or causing spontaneous abortion. Therefore, exclusion of any intrauterine pathology becomes an important step in infertility work-up prior to IVF. Objectives: This study was aimed to estimate the safety, efficacy, and patients’ acceptability of office hysteroscopy (OH) for evaluating the uterine cavity in patients of infertility planned for in vitro fertilization. Materials and methods: This is a prospective observational study enrolling 147 women. All women who were planned for IVF and underwent hysteroscopy were included in the study, and their data were analyzed. Office hysteroscopy was done without anesthesia, and their pain was rated on a Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Results: Pain was evaluated using a 10-cm visual analog scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Mean age of total patients is 33.51 ± 1.89 years. The mean pain score immediately after the procedure was 2.84 ± 1.26, and after 15 minutes, it was 0.95 ± 1.20. Majority of the patients tolerated the procedure well. Conclusion: The possibility of doing office hysteroscopy on outpatient basis without anesthesia and accuracy in diagnosing intrauterine abnormalities makes it a gold standard procedure.