WHAT INFERTILITY CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH LAPAROSCOPY?

Laparoscopy is a reproductive surgery that provides successful results for women who have trouble getting pregnant due to a variety of problems. Laparoscopy is generally performed on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope that is inserted into the naval and through other small incisions on the abdomen.  A surgeon is able to use an endoscope to see inside the abdomen and check for conditions that may be causing infertility.

When problems are found, such as endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, cysts, fibroids or other problems, surgical instruments can be inserted thru the small incisions and the condition can often be corrected or treated with the small surgical instruments, cautery or the LASER.

• Endometriosis, cysts, scar tissue and fibroids

Endometriosis is a medical condition that can affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries  and surrounding areas leading to pain and infertility. Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the uterine lining develops outside the uterus, in the pelvic region as well as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel,  rectum or vagina. When the fallopian tubes, ovaries  and other areas are affected by the abnormal growth of tissue, fertility can be impacted. The endometriosis tissue can cause internal bleeding, resulting in the development of cysts, adhesions (scar tissue) and pelvic pain.

Endometriosis affects a large percent of women every year. Research shows that approximately 30%, of infertility cases are the result of endometriosis. While not every woman who has endometriosis will experience problems with fertility, there is a strong connection between the two that is not fully understood. A fertility clinic doctor can often diagnose and treat the endometriosis.

Researchers have shown that endometrial growths, scar tissues and cysts that develop around the ovaries can prevent an egg from entering the fallopian tubes. When there is endometrial tissue that grows in the ovary, ovulation may be prevented. Endometrial tissue can also grow inside the fallopian tubes resulting in the prevention of the egg and sperm meeting.

What are the Outcomes?

Laparoscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.  Most women who undergo surgery for pain relief, experience favorable success following surgery.  The success of surgery for endometriosis will depend upon how severe the disease is. If your Colorado fertility doctor suspects endometriosis, and the primary concern is fertility, a laparoscopy can help identify the cause.  In cases of endometriosis, surgery can increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

Age may be a factor in the overall outcome if over the age of 35. Egg quality declines as a woman ages.  our Denver fertility specialist may recommend laparoscopy surgery in combination with other types of fertility treatment to increase the success rate. Other forms of treatment may include fertility drugs, artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. A woman who is younger may only require surgical correction to improve reproduction and not require additional treatment forms.

Your fertility specialist can offer you success rates and outcomes that can be expected from your treatment. Treatment options can also be determined based on your condition and age.