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Surgery for Conditions Related to Infertility in Women

Our fertility specialists sometimes recommend surgery to manage conditions that can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. These conditions can lead to infertility or other symptoms such as pain or bleeding.

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Our experts, including those at NYU Langone’s Fertility Center and NYU Langone Reproductive Specialists of New York, offer surgery to manage conditions including endometriosis, which can lead to ovarian cysts; blocked fallopian tubes; scar tissue, also known as pelvic adhesions; fibroids, which are noncancerous growths that can interfere with implantation of an embryo or cause excessive bleeding and anemia; uterine polyps; and hydrosalpinges, or damaged, swollen fallopian tubes.

Congenital anomalies of the reproductive system—in which a woman is born with an abnormally shaped uterus, vagina, or both—can have an impact on a woman’s ability to successfully conceive. Some congenital anomalies can be addressed through surgery.

Surgical correction of some pelvic conditions can enhance the effectiveness of fertility medication treatments or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Sometimes, surgery eliminates the need for IVF treatments altogether. For this reason, doctors may recommend surgery prior to exploring other infertility treatments, such as IVF.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy can be used to identify and surgically remove fibroids, polyps, and scar tissue from the uterine cavity, all of which can impede pregnancy. It can also help the doctor to identify congenital problems, such as an abnormally shaped uterus.

During hysteroscopy, which, at NYU Langone, is most often performed in the hospital and requires sedation, the doctor inserts a small, lighted scope through the vagina and into the uterus. The scope is attached to a high-definition camera that provides the doctor with a clear view inside the uterus. Other instruments can then be inserted through the sheath of the hysteroscope to treat what is found.

A woman most often goes home the same day as the procedure and can return to usual activities within a few days.

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy can help doctors to identify and surgically correct conditions that cause infertility, bleeding, or pain, including endometriosis, fibroids, damaged fallopian tubes, and scar tissue.

During laparoscopy, which requires general anesthesia, the doctor makes small incisions in the abdominal wall. He or she then inserts a thin, lighted scope and other surgical instruments into the abdominal cavity to remove lesions, fibroids, damaged fallopian tubes, or pelvic adhesions.

Laparoscopy is performed in the hospital. Typically, you can go home the same day as the procedure is completed and you can return to your usual activities within two to four weeks.

Abdominal Myomectomy

Abdominal myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids, noncancerous growths that develop within muscle layers of the uterus that can cause infertility, pain, or vaginal bleeding.

During this procedure, a surgeon removes the fibroids using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques or conventional open surgery, depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Recovery time varies depending on the type and complexity of the procedure but rarely exceeds four to six weeks.

Our Research and Education in Infertility in Women

Learn more about our research and professional education opportunities.