How to Use Surgery to Treat Infertility

In the past, couples with difficulties conceiving had one option for becoming parents: adoption. While adoption remains a popular alternative for many modern families, technology has enabled a variety of surgeries which may help infertile couples conceive biologically.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Use Surgery to Treat Infertility

1. Explore the different types of surgery used to treat infertility and what each can correct. For example, a laproscopy or hysteroscopy may be able to diagnose and treat previously unknown problems, while tubal and vasectomy reversals are designed to correct prior intentional surgeries.
2. Pick up some literature on the subject. Books like "The Infertility Handbook: A Guide to Making Babies" by Jacqueline Tomlins (see Resource below) may help you decide whether a procedure is right for you and might help you understand what to expect before surgery.
3. Know the chances for success once you have fully recovered from the surgery. The most successful surgeries may give you the same chances of conception as a woman without infertility, or 20 to 30 percent in a given cycle.
4. Ask your doctor about recovery time for the procedure you decide to use and whether there are any known side effects. Some surgeries have a relatively short recovery period of less than one week. A more involved surgery to treat infertility may require a recovery time of one month or more.
5. Follow your post-operation instructions exactly. Some surgeries, such as a tubal litigation reversal, may require you to wait to try to conceive for up to six weeks. Getting pregnant during that time could put both you and your baby at high risk.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider getting a second opinion about whether a given surgery is appropriate for your condition. You may find more viable, attractive alternatives by consulting with another doctor, such as hormone therapy or even prescription medications.
• Be sure you fully understand why a treatment is being recommended to you. This may help you make a more informed decision about whether surgery is the right choice for you.
• Clear any surgery with your insurance company. Some insurance companies will not cover any medical treatment relating to fertility. Even if your surgery involves correction of a potentially serious health problem, such as endometriosis, your insurance may not cover it because it's intended use is to alleviate infertility.

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