The fallopian tubes play a critical role in conception by serving as the pathway where sperm meets the egg for fertilization and where the fertilized egg travels to the uterus for implantation. Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes can disrupt these processes, leading to infertility. Tubal factor infertility accounts for approximately 25-35% of female infertility cases and can occur due to scarring, dilation, or structural abnormalities in the tubes.
Tubal Factor Infertility at a Glance
What is Tubal Factor Infertility? A condition where the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, preventing fertilization or the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Key Causes Includes pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, previous surgeries, ectopic pregnancies, and tubal ligation.
Symptoms Often asymptomatic, though some women may experience lower abdominal pain or unusual vaginal discharge.
Diagnostic Tools Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), ultrasound, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy.
Treatment Options Tubal cannulation, laparoscopic surgery, salpingectomy, or IVF.
Common types of tubal damage include:
Proximal Blockage
Located near the uterus, often caused by mucus plugs, scarring, or fibroids.
Mid-Segment Damage
Frequently due to surgical interventions or conditions like ectopic pregnancies.
Distal Blockage (Hydrosalpinx)
The end of the tube near the ovary becomes swollen and fluid-filled, affecting fertility and IVF success rates.
Causes of Tubal Factor Infertility
Tubal factor infertility may result from several underlying conditions, including:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, leading to scarring and blockage.
Endometriosis The growth of uterine lining tissue outside the uterus can affect the tubes and surrounding structures.
Previous Surgeries Abdominal or pelvic surgeries, including those for fibroids or appendicitis, may cause scarring.
Ectopic Pregnancy Damage caused by a fertilized egg implanting outside the uterus.
Tubal Ligation A sterilization procedure that can sometimes be reversed.
Diagnosing Tubal Factor Infertility
At Sakallı IVF, we use advanced diagnostic methods to identify tubal blockages and damage:
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) An X-ray procedure using a contrast dye to evaluate the openness of the fallopian tubes.
Ultrasound with FemVue Uses saline or air bubbles to assess the reproductive tract.
Laparoscopy A minimally invasive surgical procedure to visually inspect and possibly treat tubal abnormalities.
Hysteroscopy Allows detailed examination of the uterine cavity and tubal openings. These diagnostics provide detailed insights into the condition of the fallopian tubes, enabling us to develop personalized treatment plans.
Treating Tubal Factor Infertility at Sakallı IVF
Our approach to treatment is tailored to the specific type and severity of tubal damage:
Non-Surgical Interventions
Tubal Cannulation A nonsurgical procedure to clear proximal blockages using a catheter.
Surgical Solutions
Laparoscopic Surgery Repairs minor blockages and adhesions.
Salpingectomy Removes severely damaged tubes, especially in cases of hydrosalpinx, to improve IVF outcomes.
Salpingostomy Creates a new opening in the tube near the ovary to restore functionality.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
For women with irreparable tubal damage, IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely, offering a highly effective path to pregnancy. IVF involves fertilizing an egg outside the body and implanting the resulting embryo into the uterus.
Contact Sakallı IVF
If you are facing challenges related to tubal factor infertility, the experts at Sakallı IVF are here to help. Contact us today to begin your journey to parenthood.
