Fertility Surgery

Fertility surgery refers to surgical procedures performed to improve fertility in individuals who have underlying conditions that may be impacting their ability to conceive.

The type of surgery used depends on the underlying condition and may include laparoscopic surgery, hysteroscopic surgery, or open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery involves the use of a small camera and instruments inserted through small incisions, while hysteroscopic surgery involves the insertion of a small camera and instruments through the vagina and cervix.

In addition to surgery, other treatments may be used to improve fertility, including medications such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

It is important for individuals to discuss their options with a medical professional and weigh the risks and benefits of surgery before proceeding. Recovery time and success rates vary depending on the type of surgery and underlying condition.

There are several causes of infertility that may require fertility surgery, including:

Blocked fallopian tubes: Blockages in the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus and sperm from reaching the egg. Surgery can be used to restore normal anatomy.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing pain and infertility. Surgery can be used to remove the tissue and improve fertility.
Division of pelvic adhesions: Pelvic adhesions occur when fibrous tissue bands or scarring binds adjacent organs together. Pelvic adhesions are caused by previous surgeries, endometriosis or pelvic infections. Adhesions can interfere with pregnancy and can be removed using laparoscopic surgery.
Division of uterine adhesions: Intrauterine adhesions are bands of fibrous tissue that form in the endometrial cavity, often in response to uterine surgery or infection. They often lead to menstrual abnormalities and infertility and are treated with hysteroscopic resection.

Fibroids: Fibroids or myomas are non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus. Certain types of fibroids can interfere with implantation or cause miscarriage. Surgery can be used to remove the fibroids and improve fertility.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, abnormal ovulation and infertility. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a keyhole surgery used to improve ovarian function and increase the chances of ovulation, especially in those women who do not respond to medical treatments.
Male infertility: Surgical Sperm Retrieval includes a number of techniques to obtain sperm directly from the epididymis or testicles sufficient for IVF treatment. Additional surgical procedures performed by a Urologist can be used to improve fertility, such as varicoceles correction, vasectomy reversal or removal of blockages in the sperm ducts.

Dr Victoria Nisenblat

MD, PhD, FRANZCOG, CREI

Fertility Specialist, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Reproductive Surgeon

Dr Victoria Nisenblat is an experienced Gynaecologist with 20+ years of experience managing gynaecological conditions medically and surgically where indicated. She is also a certified Fertility Sub-Specialist, having completed the Certificate of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI).

Fertility Surgery