Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure in which doctors use a thin tube with a light and camera, called a hysteroscope, to look inside your uterus. It helps diagnose and treat problems related to the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, and scarring. It's a minimally invasive technique that doesn't require large cuts or incisions.

Hysteroscopy can be done either in a doctor's office or a hospital. The patient might receive local, general, or no anesthesia at all. The doctor inserts a hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, expanding the uterus with fluid or gas to get a clear view.

People might need a hysteroscopy for several reasons, including abnormal bleeding, infertility issues, or repeated miscarriages. It helps in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the uterus, ensuring the health of the uterus for procedures like embryo implantation in IVF.

Before starting IVF, doctors use hysteroscopy to make sure the uterus is healthy and ready for embryo implantation. It identifies and corrects pregnancy issues, improving the chances of successful IVF.

After a hysteroscopy, you might experience mild cramping and light bleeding. It's generally recommended to avoid sex, using tampons, or swimming for about two weeks to allow for healing. Recovery is usually quick; many return to normal activities in a day or two.

Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are both minimally invasive procedures, but they are used for different reasons. Hysteroscopy is done through the vagina and doesn't require any incisions, making it less risky and with a quicker recovery time. Laparoscopy involves small incisions in the abdomen and is used for conditions that hysteroscopy cannot address.

While hysteroscopy is generally safe, like any medical procedure, it has potential risks. These can include infection, injury to the uterus or surrounding organs, bleeding, or complications from anesthesia. However, such complications are rare.