Reproductive surgery

We understand the challenges of infertility and the impact it can have on individuals and couples. Our nationally recognized fertility specialists are here to provide compassionate, expert care and support when reproductive surgery is needed.

Thoughtful female patient sitting on hospital bed

Breaking barriers with minimally invasive surgery for infertility

At Penn Medicine, board-certified specialists in reproductive endocrinology, urology, and fertility offer integrated care and renowned expertise in reproductive surgery. They provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition.

We offer the latest procedures to treat a range of conditions that cause infertility, including laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, and hysteroscopic techniques. Minimally invasive procedures use small incisions and enable a faster recovery with less pain.

Conditions we treat

Reproductive surgery for female infertility

Female infertility can have many causes. In some cases, we can treat infertility with medications or assisted reproduction services. Sometimes, surgery may be the best treatment option. When conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts interfere with your ability to conceive, our experts offer advanced reproductive surgical techniques.

Many procedures are performed with minimally invasive surgery. Techniques may include laparoscopy. Both involve the surgeon guiding a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (laparoscope or hysteroscope) to the affected reproductive organ. But one requires incisions (cuts) and the other doesn’t.

  • Laparoscopy: Your surgeon makes small incisions in your belly. They insert the scope in one incision and surgical tools in the others. Or, our surgeons may instead use robotic instruments they control from a nearby console. Robotic-assisted surgery enables the surgeon to operate with greater precision.
  • Hysteroscopy: This technique doesn’t require any incisions. Your surgeon guides the scope through your vagina into your uterus. They insert small surgical instruments through the scope to treat problems in the uterus.

Surgical care for female infertility includes:

Uterus transplant recipient, Jen Gobrecht, looks lovingly at husband, Drew, as he touches her pregnant belly

Uterus transplant at Penn Medicine

People with uterine factor infertility (UFI) may be able to carry and deliver a child through a uterus transplant. The Uterine Transplantation for Uterine Factor Infertility (UNTIL) trial at Penn Medicine was the first of its kind in the Northeast.

Reproductive surgery for male infertility

Causes of male infertility include conditions that reduce sperm production or interfere with the release of sperm. When this happens, our urologic surgeons can recommend an appropriate procedure, including:

  • Surgical sperm extraction: For cases of azoospermia (lack of sperm in semen), your provider can extract sperm directly from your testicles. We can freeze and bank the sperm for future fertility treatments.
  • Varicocelectomy: Varicoceles can cause infertility in men. A varicocelectomy repairs varicoceles by sealing off the swollen veins and directing blood flow to other veins.
  • Vasectomy reversal: If you had a previous vasectomy to prevent pregnancy, our specialists can perform a vasectomy reversal. Your surgeon creates an opening or connection in the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to enable the release of sperm.
Diverse team of doctors having a discussion

Our doctors

Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.

Panoramic shot of Penn Medicine's downtown campus

Locations

Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.

Related articles

Patient stories

Finding triple-negative breast cancer at 33, she chose ‘Team Penn’

Shocked to learn she had stage III breast cancer, Kate Korson knew just where to go. She flew home to Penn Medicine, where a clinical trial saved her life.

Welcoming the first babies from Penn Fertility in Lancaster

Penn Fertility in Lancaster celebrated its first patients to have babies through the new practice.

Epilepsy surgery gives patient a new lease on life

Minimally invasive laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) surgery reduced the epilepsy symptoms a patient had experienced for more than 30 years.

The road to recovery begins at home

Penn Medicine’s SNF at Home pilot program offers a seamless transition from the hospital to home with extra support to recover in familiar surroundings.

Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey

Kathleen Tierney talks about her journey having robotic mitral valve surgery performed at Penn Medicine.

From bariatric surgery candidate to personal trainer

After bariatric surgery, a high school teacher reinvented himself as a trainer and coach, guiding others to their own health victories.

The physical therapist behind Philly’s marathon mom

Claire Todd has a passion to help pregnant and post-partum patients who are runners, including Philadelphia Marathon winner Katie Florio.

New lungs, a new liver, and a new lease on life

Decades after a childhood diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, Donald traveled across the world to find transplant care he could trust at Penn Medicine.

A personal perspective on gender-affirming care

A lifelong performer shares how she began enjoying life even more after facial feminization surgery, as part of her gender-affirming care.

CNN anchor Kasie Hunt had brain surgery at Penn

Before starting her own daily news show, journalist Kasie Hunt came to Penn Medicine for a growing brain tumor that was causing painful headaches.

Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.