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Fallopian Tube Issues

What are the Fallopian Tube Issues?

Fallopian tubes are a pair of slender tubes in the female reproductive system that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Any damage to the tubes can affect the fertilization of the egg by the sperm. Pelvic surgeries and infections can cause the formation of scar tissue that can damage your fallopian tubes. Factors that can cause scar tissue or pelvic adhesions include:

  • Endometriosis
  • Past ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
  • Fibroids
  • Past abdominal surgery
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea

Symptoms of Fallopian Tube Issues

Symptoms do not often appear and you might not even know that you have a problem with your fallopian tubes until you try to get pregnant. Symptoms can appear as a mild, regular pain on one side of the abdomen. In some cases, fallopian tube issues can be caused by other conditions such as endometriosis, which also cause heavy and painful periods and pain in the pelvic region.

Diagnosis of Fallopian Tube Issues

Your doctor diagnoses fallopian tube issues with the help of a test known as a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). During the HSG test, liquid dye is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix, and X-rays can determine whether the dye flows freely into the abdomen or if there is a blockage in the tubes. If the HSG test is inconclusive your doctor might use laparoscopy for further evaluation.

Treatment of Fallopian Tube Issues

Treatment involves surgery to unblock the fallopian tubes or to correct any damage. Assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF) may also be recommended by your doctor if you are ovulating normally.

Complications of Fallopian Tube Issues

Complications can include ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists American College of Surgeons American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology