Learn more about how pelvic adhesions affect fertility

The specialists at our Tennessee fertility clinic often diagnose and treat a common cause of pain, digestive issues and infertility called pelvic adhesions, or scar tissue. This problem can lead to infertility because adhesions can cause organs to stick together. This situation can then make it difficult for sperm to reach the egg or for an embryo to travel through the fallopian tube to the uterus.

Adhesions can develop after surgery to treat fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or blocked fallopian tubes. Pelvic infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can also lead to scar tissue.

How we diagnose pelvic adhesions

It often takes a skilled fertility specialist to diagnose pelvic adhesions. The expert doctors at our Tennessee fertility clinic thoroughly analyze the woman’s medical history and perform a pelvic exam to make a diagnosis.

If it seems likely that adhesions are causing the woman’s fertility issues, the doctor might recommend a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), hysteroscopy or laparoscopy to confirm the presence of scar tissue.

• Hysterosalpingogram is an x-ray procedure that involves sending dye through the cervix and into the uterus to see whether the fallopian tubes are open or closed.
• Hysteroscopy consists of a doctor passing a small telescope with a camera through the woman’s vagina so that they can view the cervix and uterus.
• Laparoscopy is another form of minimally invasive surgery that can diagnose and treat this condition.

If the doctor suspects scar tissue in the pelvis is a barrier to pregnancy, they might recommend surgery.

Effective treatment for adhesions

The most common and effective treatment for pelvic adhesions is laparoscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure that consists of a series of simple steps.

• The woman will first meet with a fertility specialist at our Tennessee fertility clinic to discuss the procedure and ask questions.
• On the day of the surgery, an anesthesiologist will sedate the woman with general anesthesia.
• The doctor will pass a thin tube through small incisions in the belly button. This tube will pump carbon dioxide into the abdomen, which inflates it to increase visibility.
• Next, the doctor will insert a small laparoscope into an This instrument transmits images of the reproductive organs to a video monitor.
• After identifying the scar tissue in the pelvic cavity, the doctor will remove it using long, thin surgical tools.
• Finally, the doctor will remove the laparoscope and tools and then close the incisions. The woman will then return home to rest for two to three days.

Laparoscopy is often successful, helping women bypass fertility barriers so that they can go on to fulfill their dream of parenthood.

Contact us to learn more about our fertility services.