Surgical treatments for infertility

In some cases endometriosis, fibroids (myomas), blocked fallopian tubes or abnormalities of the uterine cavity lead to infertility. Surgical treatment can improve the chances of getting pregnant. Usually minimal invasive laparoscopic tecniques like pelviscopy but also hysteroscopy are used. The decision for surgical treatment as a fertility treatment option is usually taken during the initial consultation. 

Endometriosis surgery

Endometriosis is a disease in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity (for example inside the peritoneum, the ovaries, on the fallopian tubes, the bladder or the istestine). These extrauterine endometrial growths are subject to the same cyclical changes than inside the uterus. They first grow and then, during menstruation, try to find their way out. This is what causes heavy menstrual pain, pain during urination or defecation or during sexual intercourse. If the disease has been present for many years, it can lead to scarring of the tissue which can be a cause of infertility.

A first suspected diagnosis of endometriosis is done by ginecological examination (ultrasound and palpation) and is then verified surgically. Endometriosis surgery can improve chances of natural conception and drastically reduce heavy menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). Medical expertise is the key to avoid numerous surgical procedures which can destroy the ovarian reserve and therefore lower the chances of pregnancy. Our doctors are specifically trained for fertility-preserving surgery and work in excellently equipped operating rooms.

Fibroid (myoma) surgery

Fibroids are benigne muscle tumors of the uterus wall. According to their location (subserosal, intramural or various intermedial forms) and size they can cause symptoms such as menstrual disorders, menstrual pain, increased urination, constipation, infertility but also miscarriage. 

It is not always necessary to remove fibroids, only when their size is superior to 2-3 cm and in case of infertility problems laparoscopic or outpatient surgery (hysteroscopy) is considered.

Abnormalities of the uterine cavity

Transvaginal ultrsound often reveals the presence of small benigne mucosal nodules. Polyps, hyperplasias and septums are tipical malformations of the uterine cavity. Patients have a higher risk of suffering miscarriage, which can be reduced by the surgical removal of these abnormalities. 

Blocked fallopian tubes

Peritoneal infections that remain unnoticed, as well as endometriosis, can damage the functionality of the fallopian tubes (transport of oocytes and sperm cells). Therefore the risk of ectopic pregnany increases, whereas the chances for natural conception decrease because fertilization in the fallopian tubes is not possible.

The golden standard for tubal examination is hysterosalpingography. Since nowadays ultrasound tecniques have very much improved it is also possible to flush the tubes with a contrast media with high ultrasonic density (HYCOSY), a procedure that is done at our clinic and is usually painless. In addition to the examination by ultrasound we often do a blood test for chlamydia infection, one of the most harmful germs for the fallopian tubes. 

Surgical procedures in our fertility clinics

Our doctors at the TFP fertility clinics carry out a detailed examination to determine the infertility factors in your individual case. This enables us to determine whether fibroids or blocked fallopian tubes could be the reason for your infertility, for example. Based on the diagnosis, we develop your personal treatment plan and explain to you which surgical options you have for your fertility treatment.