When you’re having trouble conceiving, you may need to undergo fertility surgery (such as hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or myomectomy) in order to increase chances of conception and remove impediments to implantation. In this guide, we explore how these procedures can help and what to expect from a visit to Illume Fertility’s surgical suite.  

In this article:

As Manager of Surgical Services here at Illume Fertility, my job is to ensure that everything runs smoothly each day in our surgical suite. I work closely with our Surgical Director, Dr. Spencer Richlin, and an exceptional team of anesthesiologists, nurses, medical assistants and other staff to provide each patient the best care possible.

We are proud to have a fully-equipped surgical suite at our Norwalk, CT location, allowing us to care for patients on-site without the hassle of visiting an outside hospital or surgery center.

We have multiple embryo transfer rooms, a surgical procedure room and a quiet recovery area where patients can receive calming laser acupuncture treatment before and after embryo transfers and recuperate after their procedures. 

Our surgical suite has been accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAHC) since 2003. We are inspected by the AAHC every three years, and this voluntary inspection we choose to undergo demonstrates our dedication to maintaining an exceptionally high standard of surgical care.

As a fertility clinic, we routinely perform the following minimally-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures at our Norwalk location. With each procedure, our eight experienced surgeons are able to help patients get closer to their fertility or family-building goals. 

Hysteroscopy

Laparoscopy 

On the day of your procedure, you will arrive one hour prior to your scheduled surgery time at our Norwalk, CT location. As soon as you arrive, you will check in with our front desk team.

Shortly after, one of our team members will escort you from the waiting room back to our surgical suite to be prepped by one of our OR nurses. You will then have the chance to meet and speak with your assigned surgeon and anesthesiologist. 

Our primary goal is to create a supportive and comfortable experience for you. You will be handed a warm gown and blanket from our heated linen closet. After getting tucked into one of our recovery suites, you will be greeted by me or one of our other recovery nurses.

Before we dive into your paperwork, we will always ask how you are feeling to set expectations and ease any potential anxiety. We will also take your vital signs in order to set a baseline.

Next comes the intake process, where we will ask you simple questions such as, “Are you on any non-fertility medications?” or “Do you have any allergies?” This check-in allows us to honor any medical accommodations you may need.

During Your Procedure

Depending on which procedure you are scheduled for (hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, D&C, embryo transfer, or egg retrieval) and various individual factors, the length of your procedure will vary. However, most procedures take around 30 minutes to complete.

If you are having an embryo transfer, you will be awake during the procedure. Your physician will explain everything that’s happening and show you exactly when and where your tiny embryo is transferred to your uterus. Embryo transfers are not painful for the vast majority of patients as there is only a thin, flexible catheter inserted into the vagina (aside from the speculum). Some very mild cramping or a slight twinge may be felt by some patients.

For all other surgical procedures, you will be comfortably asleep throughout.

After Your Procedure

As soon as your procedure is finished, you will be moved to your recovery suite, where you will slowly wake up from the anesthesia and remain for around 30 minutes. Your nurse will monitor your vital signs and offer you a snack and a drink.

We will assess any discomfort (if necessary), review your discharge instructions and next steps with you, and answer any questions you may have. Recovery usually goes very smoothly. Finally, we will escort you back to your partner or support person.

Can my partner/support person stay with me? Our current policies allow for one partner/support person to accompany you for your embryo transfer. For all other surgical procedures (including egg retrievals, hysteroscopy, D&C, etc.) your partner/support person is welcome to wait for you in the waiting room. 

• You will be instructed to take the entire day of your egg retrieval off to rest.
• No heavy lifting – your ovaries are enlarged from being stimulated, so we want to limit twisting activities (such as Cross Fit) for a couple of days until your ovaries shrink back down to their normal size.
• No driving or drinking alcohol due to the anesthesia in your system.
• We suggest drinking electrolyte water to reduce bloating and stay hydrated.
• The day after your procedure, you can go back to work.
• Tylenol is acceptable right after your procedure.
• Heating pads are encouraged to reduce cramping after.
• Most patients wake up pretty comfortable from their retrieval, with only mild cramping.
• You will take an oral antibiotic called doxycycline to prevent infection. This will be a 5-day course of pills that you take twice a day. 

For Fertility Surgeries (i.e. Hysteroscopy)

• You will be instructed to take the entire day off to rest.
• No driving or drinking alcohol due to the anesthesia in your system.
• The day after your procedure you can go back to work.
• Tylenol is acceptable right after your procedure.
• Heating pads are encouraged to reduce cramping after.
• Typically, no discharge medications are needed. 

For D&C Procedures

• You will be instructed to take the entire day off to rest.
• No driving or drinking alcohol due to the anesthesia in your system.
• The day after your procedure you should be (physically) able to go back to work. However, we encourage you to take additional time off if you feel it is needed. 
• Tylenol is acceptable right after your procedure. Tell your Care Team if you have any severe pain or other concerns after your D&C.
• Heating pads are encouraged to reduce cramping after.
• You will take an oral antibiotic called doxycycline to prevent infection. This is a one-time dose of two pills taken with a meal within two hours of your procedure.

For Embryo Transfers

Understandably, many patients have questions about what to do (or not do) following their embryo transfer. Our team has put together a series of guides to help address any concerns you may have about this big milestone in your family-building journey!

There’s always another fertility patient in the next recovery suite going through a similar experience, and our surgical suite is filled with people who care about you. Remember that your entire team is here to support you and we’re all working together to help you achieve your goals and dreams.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, voice your concerns, or tell us if you’re feeling anxious before your procedure. We are all here to help, and want you to feel as comfortable as possible!