Role of diagnostic hysteroscopy in establishing the diagnosis of female infertility

Abstract

Background: Infertility has always been one of the most elusive symptom complexes that perplex the best gynecologists and affects about 10-15% of reproductive age couples. Aim: To highlight the role of diagnostic hysteroscopy in establishing the diagnosis of female infertility. Materials and Methods: This Descriptive study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Government Medical College, Jammu for one year in which 100 infertile females attending OPD for infertility workup were subjected to detailed relevant history taking followed by physical examination. Diagnostic hysteroscopy carried out after written informed consent including minimal therapeutic interventions if required. Results: Out of 100 patients included in the study, 67 (67%) presented with primary infertility and 33 (33%) presented with secondary infertility. Abnormal hysteroscopic findings were noted in 47% patients. Most common abnormality observed was submucous myoma (8%) and unilateral ostial block (8%) followed by endometrial polyp (7%), hyperplastic endometrium (6%) and cervical stenosis (6%). In the patients of primary infertility, most common abnormality observed on hysteroscopy was submucous myoma (11.9%) followed by endometrial hyperplasia (9%), unilateral ostial block (9%), endometrial polyp (7.5%) and cervical stenosis (6%). In the patients of secondary infertility, most common abnormality noted was intrauterine adhesions in about 12.1% patients. Conclusion:Hysteroscopy is a quintessential tool that provides cost-effective, comprehensive and a diagnostic aid in infertile patients.