Hysteroscopy is an excellent instrument for evaluating the uterine characteristics in infertile women. It is the gold standard in the assessment of uterine anomalies today.
The aim
This review examines the two main applications of hysteroscopy in infertile patients who are candidates for assisted reproductive techniques: (1) In the evaluation the cervix, uterine cavity and rule out any pathology or lesions that could have been missed by hysterosalpingography or sonohysterography (2) Hysteroscopic surgery as treatment for uterine abnormalities in infertile patient going for assisted reproduction.
Methods
A literature search was conducted using Medline, Pubmed, Springer link and Highwire press. The following search terms were used: hysteroscopy, fertility, assisted reproduction, ART, IVF. Article were carefully selected and reviewed.
Results
There is a paucity of publications specifically on hysteroscopy use in ART, particularly from the third world. The Prevalence of uterine anomalies in women planned for ART is significant, necessitating a comprehensive assessment before ART treatment. Office hysteroscopy is a safe, effective and widely acceptable tool in the primary investigation of couple planned for ART. Hysteroscopic surgery is the mainstay of treatment of uterine anomalies in assisted reproduction and is a safe and effective alternative to laparoscopic salpingectomy in patients with hydrosalpinges.
Conclusion
The applications of hysteroscopy in assisted reproduction are still rapidly evolving. There are, however many areas of hysteroscopy in ART which require more research to enable the adoption of best practices in assisted reproduction.
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