Tubal disease
One of the many causes of infertility is tubal disease, in which one or both of the Fallopian tubes becomes blocked or damaged. Usually caused by a history of infection, surgery, or endometriosis, people with tubal disease can achieve a healthy pregnancy with the help of fertility treatment.
Indicators of tubal disease
Scar tissue resulting from endometriosis or abdominal or gynecologic surgery (bowel surgery, cesarean section, ruptured appendix, etc.) can block the egg from entering or traveling down your Fallopian tube to meet the sperm.
Infections, such as chlamydia, can damage the cilia (tiny hairs lining the Fallopian tubes) that help to transport the egg. Without normal cilia, the egg may not meet the sperm, or if an egg becomes fertilized, it may not be able to travel to the uterus. This can result in an ectopic pregnancy, which can further damage your Fallopian tube.
In addition, tubal ligation (having your “tubes tied” to prevent pregnancy) can also leave your Fallopian tubes damaged.
Diagnostic tests for tubal disease
Your medical history and a pelvic exam are necessary for diagnosing tubal disease. However, your physician may need other tests to confirm the diagnosis such as:
Treatment for tubal disease
If scar tissue in or around your Fallopian tubes is causing the problem, your doctor can often remove it surgically. If your Fallopian tubes are damaged, your doctor may be able to repair them using surgery, depending on the type and extent of the damage.
If your tubal disease is severe, you may want to consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) — a procedure in which a physician removes eggs from your ovaries, mixes them with your partner’s sperm, and then places one or more embryos into your uterus — thereby bypassing your Fallopian tubes.
FAQs
Success stories from patients with tubal disease
Patient Story
Heather & Brandon
Patient Story
Andreia & Thomas
Patient Story
Brianne & Josh
Patient Story
