Problems with Fallopian Tubes
and Female Infertility

Firstly, we need to understand how the fallopian tubes function. They are the passage ways for the sperm to reach an egg, and for a fertilized egg or embryo to reach the uterus. Female infertility can be caused by fallopian tube blockages, missing or malformed tubes, inflammations and infections of the tubes. Some medical authorities suggest that infections of the tubes represent about some 25% of the cases of female infertility.

Diagnosis is usually by Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which involves injecting a dye through your uterus and using X-rays to identify blockages.

• Blocked Fallopian Tubes:

  It is when the tubes are blocked due to an infection or inflammation (Salpingitis), adhesions; thin layers of scar tissue, or fluid (Hydrosalpinx).

  Besides leading to female infertility, another danger of such blockage is the risk of an ectopic pregnancy; that is a prepgnancy developing inside the fallopian tube because the fertilized egg has no way to get to the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can be fatal for the mother.

  Treatment is by antibiotics or surgery depending on the nature of the blockage and whether one or two tubes are affected. Where such treatments are inappropriate, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the only other option to conceive a baby.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):

  PID which is caused by an inflammation or infection that travels up the vagina through the uterus to the fallopian tubes that result in the scarring of tissues.

  The most common culprit that damages them and sometimes the ovaries is bacteria from sexually transmitted diseases, such as Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia.

  However, adhesions or scarring of the tubes can sometimes happen with previous pelvic surgery for ovarian cysts or uterine surgery for fibroids. Sometimes the use of Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUD) can also cause PID.

  Symptoms from this condition are abdominal pain, pain when urinating, abnormal bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge. It is sometimes accompained by a fever or chill.

  Treatment of PID is by anti-biotics in its early stages, and treatment should be sought early to preserve your fertility. Other options are surgery and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

• Tubal Ligation:

  Tubal ligation refers to the surgery where the tubes are tied up. It is usually done for sterilization. As this method of birth control is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, it can create a problem if subsequent pregnancy is desired.

  The good news about tubal ligation however, is that the tubes are merely tied up and your menstrual cycles and ovaries are not affected. Because of this, a surgical reversal can be done, but its success is dependant on the orginal procedure used and how much time has passed since your ligation surgery.

  Alternatively, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) could be employed to bypass the tubes.

• Endometriosis:

  Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue or endometrial cells of the uterus start to grow in other parts of the abdominal or pelvic cavity. These cells can be found growing in the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, the bowels, or other abdominal organs.

  Problem arises when these tissues start to bleed at the end of a menstrual cycle. If you have Endometriosis, you will experience pain and swelling in the areas when the tissues grow because the blood has no place to go to.

  Such abnormal tissue growth can cause scarring. When they grow in the fallopian tubes and ovaries, blockages will result and ovulation affected. This is the suspected cause of about 15% of all cases of female infertility.

  Resulting symptoms of Endometriosis are menstrual pain, pelvic pain or pain during bowel movements. Sometimes, there is also pain during intercourse, leading to less frequent sex and therefore less chances for conception. However, some women with Endometriosis manifest no symptoms at all.

  Read more about Endometriosis to get comprehensive self-help information in healing it.

  Endometriosis can be detected as small red or brown spots or blisters on other organs in your abdomen during a laparoscopy.

  It is a condition that will get worse with age. As such, if you have Endometriosis, do not delay pregnancy.

  Treatment is by surgical removal of the tissues at an early stage accompanied by hormone treatment.

Further information on the various factors and causes of female infertility:

Menstrual Cycle Disorder

Hormonal Imbalance

Ovary Problems

Issues with the Uterus

The Cervix and Cervical Mucus

Problems with Sex

Miscellaneous Female Infertility Factors

Return to Female Infertility

Return from Fallopian Tubes to Getting Pregnant Tips