Fertility surgery can provide essential information on your journey to parenthood

As patients undergo infertility evaluations at our South Austin fertility clinic, we may determine that fertility surgery is required to diagnose or treat certain fertility challenges. We may recommend surgery if an ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram (HSG) present atypical results.

Circumstances that could require fertility surgery

Various gynecological issues might require fertility surgery for proper diagnosis.

Endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. Common symptoms of this condition, such as heavy and painful periods, may not be present. As a result, surgery might be required for diagnosis.

Uterine and pelvic problems. Surgery might be required to discover ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, adhesions or congenital anomalies of the pelvic organs, such as a uterine septum.

Fallopian tube damage or disease. Disease or an obstruction in the fallopian tubes may require surgery. These types of fallopian tube issues could prevent the sperm from reaching the egg, or the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.

The doctors at our South Austin fertility clinic work closely with patients to determine whether surgery is right for their unique circumstances.

Types of surgical procedures

Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are the two most common forms of fertility surgery. Both options are minimally invasive outpatient procedures that consist of a small telescope being inserted into the patient. This telescope includes a camera that allows the fertility specialist to view the pelvic structure on a monitor.

Laparoscopy. A laparoscopy can evaluate endometriosis, scar tissue or fibroids. During this procedure, the doctor places the telescope through a small incision in the patient’s belly button. We perform this surgery while the patient is under general anesthesia. It typically requires two to three days of recovery.

Hysteroscopy. A hysteroscopy is a surgery to evaluate a uterine septum, polyps or fibroids. It does not involve an incision. Instead, the doctor inserts the telescope through the cervix. This procedure requires IV sedation and only 24 hours of recovery.

Beyond facilitating the diagnosis of various fertility issues, surgical procedures can also allow specialists to treat these problems during the initial procedure.

If nonsurgical fertility evaluations indicate the need for fertility surgery, our South Austin fertility clinic surgery coordinators will begin the process of scheduling your procedure. You can rest assured that we will support you through every step of this process. Contact us to learn more.