Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — August 2025.
What are laparoscopy and hysteroscopy?
Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are two types of minimally invasive surgery. They use a small camera to look inside the body to find and treat issues that may affect fertility.
In a laparoscopy, a surgeon makes a few small incisions in the belly — often near the belly button — and inserts a camera. This allows them to see the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Sometimes the surgeon may use a robotic system to assist.
In a hysteroscopy, a camera is placed through the vagina and cervix to look inside the uterus. This procedure doesn’t require any cuts.
Both are done in an operating room while you’re under anesthesia. Your type of anesthesia will depend on the procedure. You may need to stop eating and drinking before surgery. These are outpatient procedures, which means you can usually go home the same day. Most people recover quickly and return to normal activities within a day or two.
These procedures usually have low risks. A member of your fertility care team will explain the risks and potential benefits before scheduling one.
Why are these procedures done?
Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are not usually the first step in fertility treatment. Many people will not need surgery to get pregnant. But in certain cases, these procedures can help diagnose or treat conditions that may affect your chances of conceiving.
These surgeries may be used to treat or look for:
· Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
· Uterine fibroids
· Uterine polyps
· Uterine abnormalities, such as a septum
· Endometriosis
· Ovarian cysts
· Scar tissue inside or outside the uterus
Even if you don’t have one of these conditions, your reproductive endocrinologist (REI) may recommend surgery to get a better view of your anatomy, especially if other treatments haven’t worked.
When can surgery help fertility?
Surgery may improve your chances of getting pregnant in some situations. Your REI will consider your specific case and help you decide if surgery makes sense.
There are some conditions where surgery has shown to help with pregnancy or lower the risk of miscarriage:
Hydrosalpinx
This is when a fallopian tube fills with fluid and becomes swollen. The fluid can leak into the uterus and prevent pregnancy. Removing or blocking the tube can improve success rates, even if only one tube is affected. This is usually diagnosed through a special type of X-ray called a hysterosalpingogram or an ultrasound.
Fibroids inside or near the uterine cavity
Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus. If they grow where a pregnancy would implant, they can reduce your chances of getting pregnant. They are found using ultrasound or a saline sonogram. Surgery to remove these fibroids may help.
Polyps
These are noncancerous growths in the lining of the uterus. They take up space where an embryo would implant, so removing them may improve fertility. The need for surgery depends on their size and location. Polyps can be seen on ultrasound or saline sonogram.
Uterine septum
A septum is a band of tissue inside the uterus that you’re born with that can sometimes lead to pregnancy loss. Removing the septum may reduce that risk. It can be diagnosed with imaging or a pelvic exam if it extends through the cervix into the vagina.
Endometriosis
This condition happens when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, and it can cause pain and may affect fertility. Surgery is often done to reduce pain, but in some cases, it may also improve pregnancy rates. Whether to operate depends on your symptoms and goals.
Most people don’t need surgery
Most people going through fertility treatment will not need surgery. Many go on to have a healthy pregnancy without it. If your REI thinks laparoscopy or hysteroscopy may help, they’ll share the details and help you decide what’s right for you.
If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.