At this stage, there may be an obvious clue as to the cause of the problem and this can be specifically investigated. For example, patients with pelvic pain or who are known to have endometriosis may be offered a laparoscopy to treat the condition and improve the chances of pregnancy, as well as improving pain symptoms. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome may need special advice, concerning medical treatment to improve ovulation, and sometimes laparoscopic surgery to treat the ovaries directly. Patients who are not ovulating clearly need help in that regard and this is usually in the form of tablets initially, although sometimes treatments with injections need to be arranged. It may be necessary to check that the fallopian tubes are patent (open) and this can sometimes be done via an x-ray test with an internal examination and sometimes via a laparoscopy.
Some patients will need special treatment to try and achieve pregnancy and we have close links with specialist IVF clinics, both nearby and further afield, if on-going referral is found to be necessary.
Fertility problems can be one of the most rewarding areas of gynaecological treatment and nothing gives us more pleasure than to have been able to assist a couple to achieve their desired pregnancy with the best possible treatment.
