Sometimes a structural problem – such as scarring in the uterus or a blockage in the sperm ducts – could be preventing successful pregnancy. Our experienced surgeons can perform minimally invasive surgical procedures to correct the issue and help restore fertility in women and men.
Fertility Surgery: Why Choose Us?
When you come to the Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center for surgery, you will find:
- Skilled gynecologic surgeons: Our physicians have expertise in all surgical procedures to correct structural issues that may be impairing your ability to get pregnant.
- Dedicated urology specialists: Our urology expert is dedicated to treating men with infertility, which is an area of specialization that few other fertility clinics offer. We also partner with other Washington University physicians who are fellowship trained and board certified in urology.
- Experience with tough cases: We treat women with rare uterine abnormalities – many of whom travel across the country to access our skilled surgeons. We also have the expertise to treat challenging cases of intrauterine (inside the uterus) scarring that may be preventing a successful pregnancy.
- Personalized care: Fertility treatments are not one-size-fits-all procedures. Our specialists take the time to carefully diagnose your fertility issues and provide the most effective treatments to help restore your fertility.
Fertility Surgery for Women: Procedures We Offer
If you have endometriosis, fibroids or other physical conditions affecting your reproductive organs, a surgical procedure may help solve your fertility issues. At the Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center, we perform:
- Hysteroscopy: This simple, outpatient procedure requires no surgical incisions. Your doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube called a hysteroscope directly into the uterus via the vagina and cervix. Your doctor then removes uterine polyps, fibroids or scar tissue and corrects abnormalities like uterine septums (extra tissue within the uterus, caused by a birth defect).
- Laparoscopic surgery: In this minimally invasive surgical technique, your doctor makes a tiny incision near your navel and inserts a laparoscope (thin, lighted tube). We perform laparoscopic surgery to diagnose and treat conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts or damaged fallopian tubes.
Fertility Surgery for Men: Procedures We Offer
At the Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center, we work with a team of experienced urologists who perform:
- Varicocele repair: Our surgeons can often improve low sperm count with this minimally invasive surgery. A varicocele is a tangled mass of veins that can block normal blood flow to the testes (testicles). Your doctor ties off the varicocele through a small incision in the lower abdomen. We’ve found that within six months after surgery, sperm counts improve in 67 percent of men.
- Sperm duct microsurgery: If you have blockages in the ductal system that carries sperm to the penis, we can perform surgery to remove those obstructions. Within two years of surgery, most men regain normal sperm motility.
- Microsurgical sperm retrieval: If you have no sperm in your ejaculate or have severe erectile dysfunction or other medical problems that prevent ejaculation, your doctor can surgically extract sperm directly from the sperm ducts in the testicles. We can use the retrieved sperm in conjunction with an in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment.
- Vasectomy reversal: If you’ve had a vasectomy but now wish to father a child, you can undergo surgery to reverse your vasectomy. Most men will see at least some increase in their sperm counts following this procedure, which is usually more successful if only a short time has passed since your vasectomy.
Contact Us
To make an appointment with a Washington University fertility and reproductive medicine specialist at the Women and Infants Center, call 855.925.0631.