Role of general gynaecologists in the prevention of infertility

Publication date: Available online 6 February 2019Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & GynaecologyAuthor(s): Ertan SaridoganAbstractGynaecologists are frequently involved in the management of conditions which may result in reduced fertility or treatments they administer can lead to infertility. Sexually transmitted infections and pelvic inflammatory disease are the most common cause of tubal damage, gynaecologists can play an important role in the identification and early treatment. Pelvic surgery for conditions such as leiomyoma, ovarian cysts and endometriosis can lead to pelvic adhesions and iatrogenic infertility. Avoiding unnecessary operations by careful assessment of women with these conditions, and identification of those who can be managed without surgery may avoid future risk of infertility. When surgery is clinically indicated, primary prevention of pelvic adhesions would be of paramount importance. Good surgical technique and use of anti-adhesion agents may reduce development of pelvic adhesions. Ovarian surgery for endometriomas and other benign cysts should be performed in the hands of experienced surgeons or in ‘centres of clinical expertise’, and maximum efforts should be made to preserve normal ovarian tissue as much as possible.

Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology - February 7, 2019 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research