Fertility Surgery

Gender-Inclusive Language Disclaimer: This page uses terms like "male" and "female" to describe reproductive anatomy and biological processes. We recognize that these terms do not fully encompass the diversity of gender identities and experiences. Our intention is to provide inclusive, accurate information that respects all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

Fertility Surgery

At the Regional Fertility Program, fertility surgery is not a first-line treatment but may be recommended in specific cases where structural issues or abnormalities are identified during a patient’s diagnostic workup. These procedures are performed by our experienced surgical team and are tailored to each individual's clinical needs.

Female Fertility Surgery

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows the physician to examine the inside of the uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes without making an abdominal incision. The procedure may be indicated for the following:

  • Tissue sampling
  • Fibroid or polyp removal
  • Repair of adhesions/scarring in the uterus
  • Correction of certain congenital (born with) abnormalities

Pelvic Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure done with small incisions in the abdomen and a telescopic camera to view and possibly treat any abnormalities without making a large abdominal incision. A pelvic laparoscopy is done to specifically view the organs of the pelvis (the ovaries, fallopian tubes and outside of the uterus). Some procedures that may be done during a pelvic laparoscopy, that your MD would discuss with you are:

  • Tissue sampling (biopsy)
  • Fallopian tube removal or ligation
  • Lysis or separation of adhesions (abdominal tissues that are “stuck together” as a result of scar tissue)
  • Treatment of endometriosis (a condition in which tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, is found outside the uterus)
  • Removal or repair of pelvic organs (for example, removal of an ovarian cyst or even an ovary)
  • Opening blocked fallopian tubes to help achieve pregnancy
  • Removal of an ectopic pregnancy

Male Fertility Surgery

PESA

PESA stands for Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration and is an effective and minimally invasive way to retrieve sperm in individuals with low/no sperm in the ejaculate with a presumed blockage of the passage of sperm. It is a simple procedure performed by our experienced Urologist under local anesthetic (freezing like you would get at the dentist) to retrieve sperm typically from individuals that have a blockage of the passage of sperm. Common causes of blockage include:

  • Vasectomy
  • Previous infection of the epididymis
  • Prior inguinal hernia repair
  • Vas deferens not present

TESE

TESE stands for Testicular Sperm Extraction and is a procedure where sperm is collected directly from the testes. This procedure may be indicated when:

  • The testes aren’t making enough sperm
  • A blockage is preventing the sperm from being ejaculated

MicroTESE

MicroTESE stands for Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction and is a procedure where a few tiny incisions are made to the testicle to remove testicular tissue which is then placed under a microscope. The tissue will then be analyzed, and sperm will be retrieved directly from the testicular tissue. This procedure may be indicated for the following reason:

  • Severe Male Factor Infertility
  • Absence of sperm in the semen (azoospermia)
  • Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA)
  • Failed PESA or TESE

Learn More About Fertility Surgery in Calgary, AB

The reproductive specialists of Regional Fertility Program are proud to offer a wide range of fertility care services in Alberta to meet every patient’s need, including fertility surgeries. To book an appointment with our fertility specialists, please have your Canadian physician send us a referral.

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