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You’re ready to start a family. You want to get pregnant. You’ve tried to get pregnant—but have had no success.
The difficulty of conceiving a child is far from an isolated event. Women everywhere—and of all ages— experience this frustration and devastation. For women, not getting pregnant when they’ve been trying to sadly leads to many negative emotions, from the sadness of wondering if a baby will be in their future, and, even worse, the wonder of “why their body can’t do it.” These damaging emotions are far too common—and far from necessary.
Fertility procedures can work, and for many couples, these treatments can make their dream family a reality.
Some women who experience difficulty becoming pregnant may want to consider a fertility evaluation, ranging from non-invasive to minimally invasive, depending on their individual needs. A fertility evaluation may reveal problems such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polyps, or other conditions that affect fertility.
Dr. Saadat may advise patients to undergo fertility surgery as a means to correct specific issues.
What Fertility Tests Are Available?
Dr. Saadat offers a series of tests to diagnose fertility concerns for his patients prior to pregnancy. These tests may include any of the following:
- Blood tests
- Ultrasounds
- Hormone evaluations for the following:
- Follicle-stimulating hormones
- Thyroid-stimulating hormones
- Prolactin levels
- Tubal patency evaluation
- Hydrosonograms (water ultrasound)
- Hysterosalpingograms (X-ray that uses dye)
Following successful fertilization and implantation, Dr. Saadat also offers a series of prenatal tests to ensure the embryo’s health and viability.
Based on some or all of these tests, Dr. Saadat will recommend a course of treatment. Some of the more common treatments are defined below.
What Fertility Surgeries Does Dr. Saadat Perform?
There are three minimally invasive microsurgery procedures that Dr. Saadat can use to treat infertility concerns.
Laparoscopic fertility surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using a small laparoscope camera. This surgery can also directly treat fertility problems, such as:
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic adhesions
- Hydrosalpinx (blocked fallopian tubes)
- Endometriosis
The procedure is performed via small incisions created in the patient’s abdomen. The laparoscope is inserted to view the internal organs on a large monitor, and the surgeon can observe, repair, or remove damaged tissues.
Hysteroscopy fertility surgery is a procedure that requires no incisions and instead involves inserting a thin tube called a hysteroscope into a woman’s vulva. This procedure allows the doctor to check the cervix and uterus for any signs of:
- Polyps
- Uterine malformations
- Adhesions
- Fibroids
Laparotomy surgery, or open abdominal surgery, is an extensive operation that involves creating an incision in the abdomen to allow access to the abdominal cavity. This procedure examines the abdominal organs to diagnose and treat women with:
- Large fibroid tumors
- Tubal reanastomosis
- Other fertility issues that can affect their pregnancy
A mini-laparotomy can treat patients with minor to moderate fertility issues, such as
- Fibroid tumors
- Dermoid cysts
In some cases, mini-laparotomy surgery can be performed to address severe pelvic adhesions caused by endometriosis.
Are Fertility Procedures Safe?
The minimally invasive procedures detailed above use minor incisions (if any) to access the treatment area. This means that the risk of complications is reduced, both during the operation and the recovery period. Moreover, because of the minimally invasive nature of the procedures, the recovery period is usually short. These procedures are designed so the impact on the patient’s life is minimized, and the operation’s effect is maximized.
Do You Have Questions About Fertility Tests and Procedures?
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Saadat’s fertility tests, minimally invasive fertility treatments, or other available fertility treatments, please call our office at (310) 881-8846. You may also fill out our online consultation form, and we will schedule your appointment at one of our Southern California offices.