Tubal Disorders
The fallopian tubes are essential to natural conception. They serve as the pathway for the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus and are also the site where fertilization typically occurs. When these tubes are damaged or blocked, it can significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy and increase the risk of complications such as ectopic pregnancy.
Understanding Tubal Disorders
Tubal disorders refer to any condition that impairs the normal function or structure of the fallopian tubes. These disorders can be caused by infections, inflammation, surgeries, or past trauma, and they often go undetected until a woman has difficulty getting pregnant.
Fallopian tube issues are responsible for approximately 25–30% of female infertility cases. While some cases may be corrected with surgery, others may require fertility treatments like IVF to bypass the damaged tubes.
Common Types of Tubal Disorders
Blockages & Adhesions
Blocked fallopian tubes prevent the egg and sperm from meeting, thus stopping fertilization from occurring. Blockages can be partial or complete and may appear in one or both tubes.
Causes of tubal blockage and adhesions:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Often caused by sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, PID can lead to scarring and blockages in the tubes.
- Endometriosis: Tissue growth outside the uterus can create scar tissue (adhesions) that distort or trap the tubes.
- Previous surgeries: Pelvic or abdominal surgeries, including C-sections or appendectomies, can result in adhesions that impair tubal function.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A history of ectopic pregnancy may damage the tube where it occurred.
- Tubal ligation: A surgical procedure done for permanent contraception that can later be reversed in some cases.
Symptoms:
- Often no symptoms
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving
- Pelvic pain in some cases
Diagnosis:
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An X-ray procedure that uses dye to examine the openness of the fallopian tubes
- Sonohysterography: A specialized ultrasound using saline solution
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgery to directly visualize and treat adhesions or blockages
Treatment Options:
- Tubal surgery to remove adhesions or reopen blocked sections
- Tubal ligation reversal if the tubes were previously tied and now need reconnection
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) may be recommended when damage is severe or bilateral
Hydrosalpinx
A hydrosalpinx is a condition where a fallopian tube becomes filled with fluid due to a blockage, causing the tube to swell. The trapped fluid can be toxic to embryos and interfere with implantation, making this a serious concern for those trying to conceive, especially with IVF.
Causes:
- Usually results from long-standing infections, such as PID
- It can also develop after pelvic surgery, endometriosis, or a previous ectopic pregnancy
Symptoms:
- Often asymptomatic
- May cause chronic pelvic pain or unusual vaginal discharge
- In many cases, it is only discovered during an infertility evaluation
Impact on Fertility:
- Fluid inside the hydrosalpinx can flow back into the uterus and prevent embryo implantation from IVF or the other tube
- Significantly lowers the success rates of IVF if not treated first
Diagnosis:
- Ultrasound may detect enlarged tubes
- Confirmed through HSG or laparoscopy
Treatment Options:
- Tubal cauterization is often recommended before IVF to improve success rates
- Salpingostomy (creating a new opening in the tube) may be considered in some instances
- IVF is typically the best route for achieving pregnancy after hydrosalpinx treatment
Diagnosing Tubal Issues at NCCRM
We use advanced diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive procedures to assess tubal function, including:
- HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
- Sonohysterography
- Laparoscopy
- Ultrasound Evaluation
These tests help us determine whether the tubes are open, whether fluid is present, and how the surrounding structures are functioning.
Treatment & Next Steps
Our experienced team at NCCRM works closely with each patient to determine whether tubal repair, reversal, or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF are the best path forward.
We are one of the few centers in the country offering Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery, led by expert surgeons with high success rates. We also provide:
- Custom surgical options based on age, medical history, and fertility goals
- IVF programs with access to shared-risk and refund options
- Pre-surgical counseling to discuss risks, expectations, and alternatives
Take the Next Step
If you’ve had trouble conceiving or know you have a history of tubal issues, let’s uncover what’s going on and build a plan together. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
