Inability to conceive even after regular, unprotected sexual contact for around a year or more is a state of infertility. Women and men with infertility can suffer from ovulation disorders, endometriosis, cervical or uterine infections, tubal infections, or male-factor infertility. Such conditions remain unidentified until people experience painful intercourse or trouble conceiving naturally. 

A fertility specialist may go ahead with a laparoscopy to look for abnormalities that could prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that helps examine the pelvis from a panoramic and magnified perspective. Usually, laparoscopy is recommended when other reasons for infertility cannot be identified through regular imaging.

What is laparoscopy for infertility?

Laparoscopy is one of the most efficient methods for determining the underlying cause of infertility. Laparoscopy examines internal abdominal abnormalities and treats troublesome growths or cysts through biopsy. The use of tiny surgical tools passed through the laparoscope to correct abnormalities discovered during a diagnostic laparoscopy treatment is referred to as “operative laparoscopy.”

Some conditions diagnosed and treated using laparoscopy include:

• Abnormal Bleeding
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome  ( PCOS )
• Ovarian cysts ( Removal of the cyst )
• Hysterectomy (Removal of the uterus)
• Fibroids (Myomectomy)
• Ectopic Pregnancies 
• Prolapse & pelvic floor problems
• Exploratory surgery for possible infertility causes

 

Benefits of Laparoscopic Treatment for Infertility 

• As diagnostic, detecting scarring or blockage in the fallopian tubes is best. Further, it helps open the blockage of the tubes to enable conception. 
• It can also examine scarring in the uterus, endometriosis, and other abnormalities in the reproductive organs. 
• By using laparoscopy, doctors can identify pelvic pathology that other methods usually cannot, which results in recurrent IVF failures.
• Laparoscopy is carried out to remove the pelvic adhesions and endometrial tissues to increase the chances of conceiving.

Laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive and safer option compared to older surgeries. It’s less painful and has minimal blood loss. You can return to your routine within two or three days of rest.  

Recovery 

Depending on the procedure, you are either discharged on the same day or after 2 to 3 days of observation. A couple of weeks are needed to recover from laparoscopic surgery. Take the medications and precautions the specialist prescribes for a speedy and healthy recovery. 

In case of complications like pain at the incision site, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or discomfort, seek immediate medical help. These are rare risks but must be addressed as soon as possible. 

Fertility After Laparoscopy 

Following a laparoscopy, the detected cause of infertility defines all the possible ways to conceive. A specialist will guide you to the best treatment after reviewing the results. 

A woman with endometriosis can have the scar tissue removed via laparoscopy, making it possible for her to have a natural conception. Additionally, infections such as PID can be treated.

 

If fibroids are detected or blocked fallopian tubes, the surgeon safely removes them and unblocks the passage. Trying to get pregnant becomes a lot easier afterward. 

In conditions like PCOS, you may require additional hormonal treatment. We recommend IVF (in vitro fertilization) if the fallopian tubes are completely damaged. After any treatment, it is advisable to wait 3 to 4 months before trying for conception. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

 

• Why go for diagnostic laparoscopy? 

Ans. In certain conditions, diagnostic laparoscopy is recommended to rule out the reason for pelvic pain or abdominal discomfort or detect endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory diseases, or blockage in a fallopian tube. At times, other diagnostic tests like X-rays or ultrasounds fail to identify the reason for infertility, but laparoscopy helps lead to accurate detection. 

• What is the difference between laparoscopy and hysteroscopy? 

Ans. Both procedures are conducted to examine the problems in female reproductive organs, indicating infertility or difficulty in conception, infections, etc. 

By performing a laparoscopy, specialists can view and examine the outside of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other structures within the pelvis. In hysteroscopy, the internal cavity of the uterus is examined to identify abnormalities and perform specific corrective procedures.

 

• Can laparoscopic surgery affect pregnancy chances?

Ans. Women have inhibitions if laparoscopic surgery affects their chances of pregnancy. It’s rare to see someone having difficulty conceiving after a laparoscopic procedure. There is no hindrance to getting pregnant. It may only increase the woman’s chances of conception.