What Is the Purpose of Gynecological Laparoscopy for Difficulty Conceiving?

Dear Puja Biswas Sarkar ji,

Since you have been trying to conceive and the pregnancy has not happened, your doctor may recommend a gynecological laparoscopy to look for a possible problem that may not be visible clearly on routine tests.

A laparoscopy is a type of keyhole procedure. It is done under general anaesthesia, so you will be asleep and should not feel the procedure. The doctor makes a small cut near the belly button and puts a thin camera inside to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding pelvic area.

During the procedure, your doctor may also perform a dye test to check whether the fallopian tubes are open. Blocked tubes can make it difficult for the egg and sperm to meet. Laparoscopy can also help identify problems such as endometriosis or scar tissue around the tubes and ovaries.

In some cases, if the doctor finds a treatable problem during the laparoscopy, such as certain adhesions, endometriosis or an ovarian cyst, treatment may also be done during the same procedure, depending on what was discussed and consented to beforehand.

Before the procedure, your doctor will check your general health and may advise blood tests or other investigations. It is important to tell the doctor about all medicines you take and any previous surgeries or medical problems. You should also inform the doctor immediately if there is any possibility that you could already be pregnant.

Most fertility-related diagnostic laparoscopies are done as day procedures, although some patients may need to stay overnight. After the procedure, you may have some abdominal discomfort, tiredness or shoulder-tip pain from the gas used during the procedure. Recovery is generally quicker than with open surgery, but your doctor will tell you when you can return to normal activities.

Please also remember that difficulty conceiving can have causes related to either partner, so fertility evaluation commonly includes tests for both the woman and the man, including checking ovulation and semen analysis where appropriate.

A laparoscopy is therefore mainly being suggested to understand what may be affecting your fertility and to guide the next treatment. Before giving consent, you can ask your doctor what they are specifically looking for, whether a dye test will be done, and whether any treatment could be performed during the same procedure if a problem is found.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth