Endometriosis is a condition where the normal lining tissue inside the uterus (endometrium) is also present outside the uterus, implanted on other pelvic organs. Symptoms of endometriosis can vary greatly, but the inflammation most often produces pain, especially severe menstrual cramping, pain deep inside during intercourse, painful ovulation and more.

Tubal Ligation Reversal is ideal for woman who wish to reverse a tubal ligation. Dr. Stoelk performs the technique on an outpatient basis to lower patient costs.

In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) begins with fertility medications followed by egg removal and fertilization. Then we transfer two or three developing embryos into the uterus. This completely bypasses the fallopian tubes and is the only possible way for many couples to conceive.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a very common, simple treatment for many sperm problems. When sperm counts are low, swim poorly or antibodies exist, the sperm are concentrated and then placed directly into the uterus. A greater number of sperm arrive in fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg. 

Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is the genetic analysis of embryos, possible during in-vitro fertilization. It allows hopeful parents and doctors to screen for genetic problems that may affect the baby's health or be the cause of a miscarriage. 

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a new, high-tech procedure in which a single sperm cell is picked up in a tiny glass needle and injected directly into the egg. This procedure has revolutionized our ability to deal with the most severe sperm problems.

Comprehensive Fertility Testing helps speed things up and lower patient costs. These tests can include on-site andrology lab, hormone assay lab, ultrasound and more.

Ovulation Testing helps pinpoint one of the frequent causes of infertility and miscarriages – ovulation problems. Ultrasound and hormone testing are critical to understanding how to use the best medications to correct these problems, maximizing your chances of success each month.  

Ovulation Therapy is used when more aggressive treatment is necessary. Natural hormones (FSH), which stimulate the ovaries are given in exaggerated amounts, producing several eggs plus an ideal implantation site. 

Sperm Testing is best done at true infertility centers such as our on-site andrology lab. Accurate testing will then lead to the best available treatment.  

Donor Insemination is one of the final basic options. It is the use of screened and selected donor sperm, also available through the Northwest Fertility Center. 

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) allows sperm cells to be obtained by a minor surgical technique, then used to fertilize the wife’s eggs by IVF and ICSI. This is a highly effective alternative to vasectomy reversal for some men, especially advisable in men with long-term vasectomy when sperm antibodies are usually present. 

Donor Oocyte In-Vitro Fertilization is employed if the woman is unable too produce viable eggs. In that case, another woman might be chosen as an egg donor. Eggs are harvested, fertilized using the husband’s sperm and transferred into the wife’s uterus.

Gestational Surrogacy In-Vitro Fertilization is employed when health conditions, such as a badly damaged uterus prevent a woman from carrying a child. In those cases, we can mix your egg and sperm to make an embryo. We then find a surrogate mother to carry to term. 

Laser Laparoscopy is useful for a number of conditions that affect the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. Laser laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique we use to treat, on an outpatient basis, debilitating conditions and conditions that cause infertility. 

Outpatient Tubal Ligation Reversals are ideal for woman who wish to reverse a tubal ligation. Dr. Stoelk performs the technique on an outpatient basis to lower patient costs.

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive technique to treat endometrial conditions that lead to heavy, often painful periods or infertility. Endometrial polyps, uterine septum, adhesions and some fibroids can be removed through hysteroscopy.

Removal of Fibroids may be necessary when benign tumors cause pregnancy loss, heavy vaginal bleeding and a host of uncomfortable symptoms (depending on the size and position of the tumors or fibroids). As many as 40% of woman 35 and older have uterine fibroids. Thanks to medical advances, hysterectomy is not the only answer. Other techniques allow us to remove the fibroids and leave the uterus intact.  

Tubal Reanastomosis is the reconnection of the healthy portions of the fallopian tube following a tubal sterilization.

Endometrial Polyps are often non-cancerous growths in the lining of the uterus that can cause cramps, and in some cases, infertility.

Uterine Septums, when too large, can cause fertility issues. This problem can be corrected with a hysteroscopy.

Adhesions are scar tissue inside the pelvic region that can interrupt the movement of the egg and implantation of the embryo in the uterus.

Fibroids, while non-malignant, are tumors that can affect fertility when left untreated. 

Reproductive Endocrinology (RE) is the medical specialty addressing infertility as it pertains to reproduction. Dr. Stoelk is a renowned medical director, reproductive endocrinologist and fertility surgeon with a MD from the University of Iowa College of Medicine; residency at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in Grand Rapids Michigan; and a fellowship at the University of Louisville. Dr. Stoelk is also an active member of the American Society of Assisted Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).

Fertility Surgery can help bring hope to couples faced with a wide-range of fertility issues.