Fertility Problems: Surgery
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Surgery
In some cases of infertility, a structural problem can be treated surgically, increasing the chances of natural conception.
For men, surgery can be used to try to reverse a vasectomy, correct blockage of the reproductive tract, or correct a varicocele (an enlarged vein in the scrotum).
For women, surgery can be used to try to correct a fallopian tube blockage, reverse a tubal ligation, or remove growths from the reproductive tract. Often a structural problem or endometriosis growths (implants) found during a diagnostic laparoscopy are surgically repaired during the same procedure.
Surgery Choices
To reverse a vasectomy or repair a varicocele
- Vasectomy reversal, reconnecting of the tubes (vas deferens) that were cut during a vasectomy
- Varicocele repair, cutting or bypassing of a vein that has expanded into a varicocele
To correct problems with the fallopian tubes
- Fallopian tube procedures, including sterilization reversal
To correct problems with endometriosis
To correct problems with uterine fibroids
To stimulate ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- Laparoscopic ovarian drilling, when weight loss and medicine have not stimulated ovulation
What To Think About
When considering a surgical infertility treatment, ask your doctor questions about the surgical procedure, including how many times the surgeon has performed the procedure, what your chances of treatment success are, and how long your recovery time will be.
| Last updated: | March 21, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN |
| Reviewed By: | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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