Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a fertility specialist to directly examine the inside of the uterus (uterine cavity) using a thin, lighted camera called a hysteroscope. It is one of the most valuable tools in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine conditions that contribute to infertility, abnormal bleeding, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Conditions like uterine polyps, submucosal fibroids, intrauterine adhesions (Asherman’s syndrome), and uterine septum can all be identified and treated during hysteroscopy. This comprehensive guide covers the cost, types, procedure, recovery, and outcomes of hysteroscopy for infertility in India in 2026.
What Is Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy involves inserting a thin telescope (hysteroscope, 3–5mm diameter) through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity. The cavity is gently expanded with saline fluid or CO2 gas, allowing the doctor to see the endometrial lining, the openings of the fallopian tubes, and any abnormalities on a high-definition monitor. Unlike laparoscopy, hysteroscopy requires no abdominal incisions — it is performed entirely through the natural vaginal route.
If abnormalities are found, they can often be treated in the same sitting using miniature instruments passed through the hysteroscope (operative hysteroscopy). This makes it both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, often completed in under 30 minutes.
Hysteroscopy Cost in India (2026)
| Type / Component | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Consultation & Pre-Procedure Assessment | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Diagnostic Hysteroscopy (Office/OPD) | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Diagnostic Hysteroscopy (Under Anaesthesia) | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Operative Hysteroscopy – Polyp Removal | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Operative Hysteroscopy – Submucosal Fibroid Removal | ₹20,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Operative Hysteroscopy – Septum Resection | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Operative Hysteroscopy – Adhesion Removal (Asherman’s) | ₹20,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Hysteroscopy + Laparoscopy (Combined) | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Anaesthesia (if required) | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Typical Range (Standalone) | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 |
Types of Hysteroscopy
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
A visual examination of the uterine cavity to identify abnormalities. It can be performed in the doctor’s office (office hysteroscopy) without anaesthesia, or in an operating theatre under light sedation. The procedure takes 5–15 minutes. It is often recommended before IVF to ensure the cavity is normal.
Operative Hysteroscopy
When a condition is identified, it is treated during the same procedure using specialized miniature instruments (scissors, graspers, electrosurgical devices, or resectoscopes). Common operative procedures include polypectomy (polyp removal), myomectomy (fibroid removal), septoplasty (septum resection), and adhesiolysis (adhesion removal). Operative hysteroscopy is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia and takes 15–60 minutes.
City-Wise Hysteroscopy Cost
| City | Diagnostic (₹) | Operative (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi / NCR | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹55,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Chennai | ₹10,000 – ₹22,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Pune | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹8,000 – ₹18,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹35,000 |
Conditions Diagnosed & Treated by Hysteroscopy
Uterine Polyps
Polyps are soft tissue growths on the endometrial lining that can interfere with embryo implantation. They are found in up to 30% of women with infertility and are easily removed during hysteroscopy with immediate improvement in fertility.
Submucosal Fibroids
Fibroids that grow into the uterine cavity (submucosal type) can distort the cavity shape and prevent embryo implantation. Hysteroscopic myomectomy removes these fibroids without any abdominal incision, preserving uterine integrity.
Uterine Septum
A congenital condition where a tissue wall (septum) partially or completely divides the uterine cavity. A septum is associated with a 60–70% miscarriage rate. Hysteroscopic septoplasty removes the septum, dramatically reducing miscarriage risk and improving pregnancy rates.
Intrauterine Adhesions (Asherman’s Syndrome)
Scar tissue bands inside the uterus — often from previous D&C, C-section, or uterine surgery — can reduce the uterine cavity space and impair implantation. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis breaks down these adhesions to restore normal cavity anatomy.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Hysteroscopy can identify the cause of heavy, irregular, or intermenstrual bleeding, including polyps, fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, or hormonal imbalances.
Retained Products / Foreign Bodies
Retained pregnancy tissue, displaced IUDs, or other foreign bodies can be safely located and removed under direct hysteroscopic visualization.
Hysteroscopy Procedure – Step by Step
Step 1: Pre-Procedure Preparation
For office hysteroscopy, no special preparation is needed — you may be advised to take a mild painkiller 30 minutes before. For operative hysteroscopy under anaesthesia, standard pre-op tests (blood work, ECG) are done, and fasting for 6–8 hours is required. The procedure is ideally scheduled in the first half of the menstrual cycle (Days 6–12) when the endometrium is thinnest for optimal visualization.
Step 2: Insertion of Hysteroscope
You lie in the lithotomy position (as for a Pap smear). The hysteroscope is gently passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity. Saline is infused to expand the cavity and provide a clear view.
Step 3: Visualization & Assessment
The entire uterine cavity is systematically examined on a monitor — the endometrial lining, the cornual regions (where tubes open), and any abnormalities are documented. Photos or video may be recorded.
Step 4: Operative Treatment (if needed)
If polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or septum are identified, they are treated immediately using miniature instruments passed through the hysteroscope — electrosurgical resection, mechanical cutting, or laser ablation.
Step 5: Completion & Recovery
The fluid is drained, hysteroscope is removed, and you rest for 30–60 minutes before being discharged (for office procedures) or a few hours (under anaesthesia). No stitches are needed — there are no external incisions.
Recovery & Aftercare
After diagnostic hysteroscopy: Resume normal activities immediately or within 24 hours. Mild cramping and light spotting for 1–2 days is normal.
After operative hysteroscopy: Rest for 1–2 days. Mild cramping and spotting for 3–5 days. Avoid intercourse, tampons, and swimming for 1–2 weeks. Most women return to work within 2–3 days.
Follow-up: A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after operative hysteroscopy to ensure proper healing. For complex adhesion removal, a repeat hysteroscopy may be performed after 4–6 weeks to check for adhesion recurrence.
Benefits & Risks
Benefits
No incisions: Entirely through the vaginal route — no abdominal cuts, scars, or stitches.
Outpatient procedure: Most hysteroscopies are day-care procedures. You go home the same day.
Quick recovery: Return to normal activities within 24–48 hours (diagnostic) or 2–5 days (operative).
Diagnostic + therapeutic: Can identify and treat uterine problems in one sitting.
Improves fertility outcomes: Correcting uterine abnormalities significantly improves natural conception and IVF success rates.
Direct visualization: Unlike ultrasound or HSG, hysteroscopy provides a direct, high-definition view of the uterine cavity.
Risks
Complications are rare (occurring in less than 1% of cases) and include mild bleeding, infection, uterine perforation (extremely rare, usually heals on its own), fluid overload (with prolonged procedures), and incomplete removal of fibroids/adhesions requiring a repeat procedure.
Hysteroscopy Before IVF – Is It Necessary?
Many fertility specialists recommend a diagnostic hysteroscopy before starting IVF, particularly for women with previously failed IVF cycles, abnormal findings on ultrasound, or a history of uterine surgery. Research shows that up to 25–50% of women with recurrent IVF failure have uterine abnormalities detectable only by hysteroscopy. Treating these conditions before IVF can improve implantation rates by 30–50%.
Some studies also suggest that the physical act of hysteroscopy itself (even without finding pathology) may have a mild “endometrial scratch” effect that improves implantation in the subsequent cycle, though this remains debated in the medical literature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cost of hysteroscopy in India?
Diagnostic hysteroscopy costs ₹10,000–₹25,000 while operative hysteroscopy with polyp, fibroid, or septum removal costs ₹20,000–₹50,000. Combined laparoscopy + hysteroscopy ranges from ₹40,000–₹1,50,000.
Is hysteroscopy painful?
Diagnostic hysteroscopy can be done with minimal or no anaesthesia and takes 10–15 minutes — most women feel only mild cramping. Operative hysteroscopy is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia and is painless during the procedure.
How long is recovery after hysteroscopy?
Most women resume normal activities within 24–48 hours after diagnostic hysteroscopy. Operative hysteroscopy recovery takes 2–5 days. Mild spotting for 1–2 days is normal.
Is hysteroscopy needed before IVF?
Many fertility specialists recommend a diagnostic hysteroscopy before IVF to ensure the uterine cavity is free of polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or septum that could interfere with embryo implantation. Treating these conditions before IVF can significantly improve success rates.
Can hysteroscopy improve fertility?
Yes. By removing polyps, fibroids, septum, or adhesions from the uterine cavity, hysteroscopy creates an optimal environment for embryo implantation. Studies show pregnancy rates improve by 30–70% within 12 months after corrective hysteroscopy.
What is the difference between hysteroscopy and laparoscopy?
Hysteroscopy examines the inside of the uterus through the vagina and cervix (no abdominal incisions). Laparoscopy examines the outside of the uterus, tubes, and ovaries through small abdominal incisions. They are complementary and often done together.
How soon after hysteroscopy can I try to conceive?
After diagnostic hysteroscopy, you can try conceiving in the next cycle. After operative procedures (polyp removal, septum resection), most doctors recommend waiting 1–2 menstrual cycles for the uterine lining to heal before attempting pregnancy or IVF.
Can hysteroscopy detect cancer?
Hysteroscopy can identify suspicious endometrial tissue, and biopsies taken during the procedure can be sent for pathological analysis. However, hysteroscopy alone is not a definitive cancer diagnostic test.
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