Fertility After Ovarian Surgery: What to Expect and How to Prepare for Future Family Building

Fertility After Ovarian Surgery: What to Expect and How to Prepare for Future Family Building

Ovarian surgery is often necessary to treat conditions like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or other gynecologic issues. While these procedures can relieve symptoms and improve overall health, they can also raise concerns about future fertility. If you’re planning to start or grow your family, it’s important to understand how ovarian surgery may impact your ability to conceive and what steps you can take to prepare.

Why Ovarian Surgery May Affect Fertility

Ovarian surgery can vary in scope from cyst removal (cystectomy) to partial or full removal of an ovary (oophorectomy). Because the ovaries are responsible for producing eggs and hormones essential for reproduction, surgery can affect fertility in several ways:

• Reduced ovarian reserve: Removing ovarian tissue can decrease the number of eggs available. This effect may be more significant if both ovaries are affected or if you’ve had multiple surgeries.
• Hormonal changes: Surgery can sometimes affect hormone production, which influences ovulation and menstrual cycles.
• Scar tissue formation: Surgery may cause adhesions or scar tissue, which can impact the fallopian tubes or ovary function and hinder fertilization or implantation.

Assessing Your Fertility After Surgery

After ovarian surgery, it’s important to evaluate your current fertility status. This typically involves:

• Blood tests: Measuring hormone levels such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) can estimate your remaining ovarian reserve.
• Ultrasound: Antral follicle count (AFC) via ultrasound assesses how many follicles are present, indicating your egg supply.
• Cycle monitoring: Understanding how your menstrual cycle functions post-surgery can help identify ovulation patterns or irregularities.

How to Prepare for Future Family Building

• Discuss fertility preservation: Before surgery, talk with your doctor about options like egg or embryo freezing, especially if surgery may reduce your ovarian reserve.
• Early fertility evaluation: If surgery has already been performed, seek a fertility consultation early to assess your reproductive potential.
• Consider assisted reproductive technologies (ART): Depending on your situation, treatments like ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended to improve chances of conception.

When to See a Fertility Specialist

If you have a history of ovarian surgery and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer without success, it’s a good idea to consult a fertility specialist. Early evaluation and intervention can make a significant difference in your outcomes.

At University Reproductive Associates, we understand the concerns surrounding fertility after ovarian surgery. Our team offers personalized evaluations and treatment plans designed to help you achieve your family-building goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step in your fertility journey.