Advanced Female Fertility Tests – Laparoscopy

When diagnosing female fertility problems, a laparoscopy can help to evaluate factors contributing to infertility as well as to assess female infertility treatment options. In this situation, laparoscopy is referred to as diagnostic laparoscopy; however, a procedure known as surgical laparoscopy can also help to treat abnormalities regarding the ovaries, fallopian tubes and surrounding areas, making this advanced female fertility test an often effective procedure.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy and Female Fertility Testing

A diagnostic laparoscopy helps to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes as well as the ovaries, so as to ensure proper reproductive health.

This female fertility test is usually conducted when your health care provider believes that endometriosis – a condition in which the uterine lining becomes inflamed – is present, thereby leading to fertility problems.

In addition, a diagnostic laparoscopy can help to detect the presence of adhesions (scar tissue), which can also accompany endometriosis.

Laparoscopic Surgery Procedure

Laparoscopic surgery is conducted on an outpatient basis. You should not have any food or drink for eight hours prior to the test.

Patients are usually given a general anaesthetic prior to surgery, however, the recent use of microinstruments in diagnostic laparoscopy means that this procedure can also be performed using local anaesthesia.

During a diagnostic laparoscopy, a thin telescope-like instrument known as a laparoscope is inserted into the naval in order to test for infertility problems and/or disease. The use of the laparoscope enables your health care provider to have a comprehensive view of the abdominal and pelvic organs.

Next, a minor incision is made just above the pubic hairline so that a surgical instrument may be used to pump a small amount of carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen. This will help to separate the organs so that your health care provider can have a clear view of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.

In some cases, health care providers will either photograph or videotape the surgical procedure for later review.

Following a diagnostic laparoscopy, small bandages (steri-strips) will be used in order to cover the incisions so that they may heal. Stitches are usually removed a few days after surgery. After surgery, you will be given time to recover in hospital for an hour or two. A maximum of a few days of home recovery is generally required.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy and Side Effects and Complications

Common side effects associated with diagnostic laparoscopy surgery:

• light bleeding
• sore shoulders
• fatigue
• watery pink-tinged drainage from incisions

These symptoms last generally only a few days. Complications of diagnostic laparoscopy include abnormal drainage and swelling pain, both of which can indicate infection. Contact your health care provider should you experience any of these complications or if symptoms persist or worsen.

Surgical Laparoscopy

In addition to diagnosing female fertility problems, a laparoscopy can also be used to treat fertility problems, including adhesions.

This procedure, known as a surgical laparoscopy, uses lasers in order to treat endometriosis during the laparoscopy procedure, thereby making it an efficient and convenient form of infertility treatment.