Getting an accurate infertility diagnosis may involve a surgical evaluation of infertility
Though you probably wish that having a baby didn’t involve fertility testing and treatment, David T. Vandermolen MD, MS, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor, wants you to know that you are in good hands. We are committed to providing extraordinary medical care, which consists of an accurate infertility diagnosis as well as a comprehensive treatment plan. One additional step may include a surgical evaluation of infertility.
Why consider a surgical evaluation of infertility?
Before Dr. Vandermolen can arrive at a correct infertility diagnosis, he must perform a full fertility evaluation. For female patients, this process entails a complete blood test panel, physical exam, ultrasound imaging study, and a review of your medical history. Male partners will provide a sample for a semen analysis. The results of these assessments will help determine if you need a surgical evaluation of infertility.
Often, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor chooses surgery because it gives him the best view of the female reproductive organs. These procedures also enable him to make an infertility diagnosis and treat the issue at the same time. Typically, Dr. Vandermolen can use minimally invasive surgery techniques, allowing for less pain and faster recovery time.
Types of surgical procedures for infertility diagnosis
For a surgical evaluation of infertility, Dr. Vandermolen generally performs one of two common procedures: laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. These outpatient surgeries allow our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor to identify common roadblocks to conception. Uterine abnormalities, as well as conditions such as endometriosis and fallopian tube damage, are easier to identify in a surgical setting.
- Laparoscopy – During a laparoscopy, Dr. Vandermolen makes a small incision in the belly button and inserts a tiny camera-like device into the pelvic cavity. He can then view the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and nearby tissue.
- Hysteroscopy – With a hysteroscopy, our fertility expert places the small camera into the uterus. No incisions are made during a hysteroscopy. In this case, fluid is added, so that Dr. Vandermolen can visualize the uterine cavity.
Dr. Vandermolen and the team at ArkLaTex Fertility work daily to assist couples and individuals with creating or expanding their families. Our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor uses the latest diagnostic tools to reach an accurate infertility diagnosis and then develop the best path forward, which may include a surgical evaluation of infertility. Contact our fertility clinic office to make an appointment.