Fallopian Tubes and Fertility

Key Takeaways

• Blocked fallopian tubes are a common cause of infertility. These blockages can result from infections, surgeries, or conditions like endometriosis. 
• While blockages can feel daunting, effective fertility procedures like surgery or in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help you achieve your dream of parenthood.

Understanding Fallopian Tubes

Fallopian tubes play a crucial role in the reproductive system, serving as the pathways through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus. So, how do they function? During ovulation, an egg is released from an ovary and is captured by the fallopian tubes, which measure approximately 10-12 cm in length. The tubes are lined with tiny hair-like structures known as cilia, which assist in moving the egg toward the uterus, much like a conveyor belt. Problems with these tubes can greatly affect fertility. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can stop the egg and sperm from meeting, resulting in tubal factor infertility. Even in the absence of a blockage, damage to the cilia can impede the egg's movement. Tubal factor infertility is quite prevalent, representing about 25% to 35% of female infertility cases, as reported by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Causes of Damaged or Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes can occur due to various reasons, including:

• Infections: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can scar and block the fallopian tubes.
• Endometriosis: This condition, which impacts 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to inflammation and scarring in the fallopian tubes.
• Surgery: Pelvic surgeries, particularly those related to ovarian cysts or endometriosis, may result in the formation of scar tissue that can obstruct the fallopian tubes.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube, it can cause the tube to dilate or burst, leading to damage and potential blockage. Ectopic pregnancies are medical emergencies requiring urgent surgical intervention. 

What Are My Treatment Options?

At Virginia Fertility & IVF, we understand how overwhelming infertility can be. We are here to assist you in exploring your options and identifying the best way to move forward:

• Surgical Repair:  Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can help eliminate scar tissue or adhesions, which may unblock fallopian tubes. However, even with surgery, getting pregnant can still be difficult, and there is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. While surgery can enhance the structure of the tubes, it cannot completely restore the function of the cilia.
• Selective Tubal Cannulation: This procedure involves using a thin tube (cannula) that is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus, extending along the fallopian tube to remove any blockages. It can be performed in either an office or surgical environment and is frequently suggested as a primary treatment for blocked fallopian tubes. However, similar to surgical repairs, it cannot return the tubes to their original functionality.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):  IVF works around any blockages by collecting eggs, fertilizing them in a laboratory, and then placing them directly into the uterus. This method provides a straightforward route to pregnancy when natural conception isn't feasible. Even if a woman has undergone a tubal ligation, IVF remains a possible solution.

When choosing between surgery and IVF, it's important to take into account factors such as your age, the quality of your eggs, any previous pregnancies, how many children you hope to have, and any problems with your fallopian tubes. Additionally, a semen analysis plays a key role in determining the most suitable treatment option.

Contact a Fertility Care Expert

If you've been trying to conceive for more than a year without success, it's crucial to consult a fertility specialist. Women between the ages of 35 and 39 should seek professional advice after six months of trying, while those aged 40 and above should see a specialist right away.

At Virginia Fertility & IVF, we strive to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make informed choices about your fertility journey. Our dedicated team is here to offer compassionate support and guidance throughout the entire process. Reach out to us for a personalized consultation with one of our board-certified reproductive medicine specialists, and allow us to assist you in realizing your dream of becoming a parent.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with our fertility specialists for personalized recommendations tailored to your unique situation.