Fertility Surgery: How It Supports Natural Conception and Assisted Reproductive Treatments

Fertility surgery plays a role in improving reproductive health by treating conditions that interfere with conception. It is used to address fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, blocked Fallopian tubes, and other abnormalities. Depending on the condition, surgery may restore natural fertility or enhance the success of assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF and IUI.

How Does Fertility Surgery Help?

The primary objective of fertility surgery is to repair and preserve reproductive organs rather than remove them. This is distinct from other gynaecological surgeries, where the main goal is often the removal of affected tissue or organs.

Surgical intervention is sometimes the main treatment, such as repairing damaged Fallopian tubes to restore natural conception. In other cases, it serves as an adjunct to assisted reproductive treatments. For example, removing endometriosis before an IVF cycle may improve implantation rates. During surgery for ovarian cysts, removing only the cyst while preserving as much ovarian tissue as possible is crucial to minimise the damage to eggs’ reservoir.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Fertility Treatment

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique performed through small incisions in the abdomen, instead of a large open surgical cut. This method is commonly used in fertility-related procedures, as it offers advantages such as reduced pain, shorter recovery time, and minimal scarring.
Common fertility surgeries performed via laparoscopy include:

• Myomectomy (fibroid removal) – Fibroids can impact fertility by distorting the uterine cavity or blocking Fallopian tubes.
• Cystectomy (ovarian cyst removal) – Cyst removal is carefully performed to preserve ovarian function.
• Salpingostomy or salpingectomy – These procedures address blocked Fallopian tubes to improve the chances of natural conception or IVF success.

Laparoscopic surgery is particularly beneficial for fertility patients, as it minimises tissue damage and promotes faster healing, which is essential for reproductive function.

Hysteroscopy and Uterine Health

Hysteroscopy is another minimally invasive surgical technique where a small camera is inserted into the womb to examine the uterine cavity. This method is used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting implantation, including:

• Uterine polyps and fibroids – These growths can interfere with embryo implantation and cause irregular bleeding.
• Scar tissue (Asherman’s syndrome) – Scar tissue inside the uterus can prevent pregnancy or lead to miscarriage.
• Uterine septum – A congenital condition where the uterus is divided by a fibrous wall, reducing implantation chances.

Since the uterine lining is where an embryo implants, treating these abnormalities through hysteroscopy can improve pregnancy outcomes for both natural conception and IVF.

Is Fertility Surgery the Right Option?

The decision to undergo fertility surgery depends on individual factors such as reproductive history, the severity of the condition, and future family planning goals. A thorough assessment by a fertility specialist will help determine whether surgery is necessary or if alternative treatments should be considered.

At Alpha IVF Fertility Centre Singapore, experienced specialists provide personalised evaluations to determine the best approach for improving fertility outcomes. To learn more about fertility surgery and its role in reproductive health, schedule a consultation today.