Facts on Fallopian Tubes

Understanding reproductive anatomy is important to understanding fertility. This week we will discuss the important function of the fallopian tubes in the female reproductive system. Obstructions in the fallopian tubes can aid in infertility by denying the egg access to the uterus and therefore prevent fertilization and implantation. If your fallopian tubes are affecting your fertility, it is important to have your Viera, Florida fertility doctor examine this problem to explore potential solutions.

What are Fallopian Tubes?

The female reproductive system is made up of four distinct organs. The ovaries house and develop the eggs, the fallopian tubes provide safe passage from the ovaries to the uterus. The uterus provides a space where an embryo can implant and develop into a child, and the vagina acts as a passageway from the uterus to the outside world. The fallopian tubes play a crucial role in the development of a child. It is in the fallopian tube where the sperm and ovum meet and become fertilized. The tubes then allow safe passage of the newly formed embryo into the uterus which is lined with a thick layer of endometrial tissue that nourish the fetus while it is in utero. If the fallopian tubes are not in proper functioning order, they can decrease fertility and cause some difficult issues.

Common Fallopian Issues

One of the most common issues fallopian tubes experience is blockage. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease can all cause obstacles within the uterus that blocks the opening of the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are blocked this can stop sperm from reaching mature eggs and prevent fertilization. Further, if sperm is able to reach the egg, but the egg is unable to travel into the uterus an ectopic pregnancy can result. This is where an embryo implants in the fallopian tube and begins to develop into a fetus. This can cause serious problems for the mother, and often ends in a miscarriage. Scars on the fallopian tubes can also cause obstacles as can trauma stemming from appendix rupture or removall, abdominal surgeries, and bacterial infections such as chlamydia. Issues with fallopian tubes can be rectified or worked around if you are able to meet with a fertility doctor to better understand them. A small procedure, a cycle of hormones, or IVF may be all you need to begin a family despite any issues you fallopian tubes may have.  

Diagnosing Fallopian Issues

When a couple has had difficulties becoming pregnant after one year of trying, it is important for them to schedule an appointment with their Viera, Florida fertility specialist. After Dr. Chamoun has learned your concerns, he will begin to run a battery of tests to help him determine a problem. If a semen analysis and female hormone levels come back normal, the next step is to examine the reproductive organs. With Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and pelvic ultrasounds we may be able to determine if the fallopian tubes are blocked and what obstacles stand in their way. An HSG is a radiologic procedure where a dye that can be seen via x-ray is injected into the uterus with a catheter. The dye is then tracked and the results can determine the shape of the uterus, if there are any fibroids, cysts, or scars, and if the fallopian tubes are open. A laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or sonohysterography are all suitable replacements for and HSG, it will be up to you and your fertility specialist to decide which is best for you. If the ultrasound, or HSG determines that there is scarring, fibroids, or cysts and polyps, your fertility specialist may be able to remove them and facilitate a healthy fertilization. However in some cases removing these obstructions is not advisable. For women who have blocked fallopian tubes and wish to become mothers, IVF is a wonderful procedure that can bypass the need for fallopian tubes by implanting an embryo directly into the uterus.

Every woman is different as is every case of infertility. If you are wishing to become pregnant but have been unable to so far, make an appointment with us at Viera Fertility Center. We are compassionate professionals who understand that fertility is a personal and emotional subject to talk about. We will do all we can to discover the cause of your infertility and create solutions that are in your best interest ato provide you with the best odds of becoming parents. Blocked fallopian tubes do not mean a life without children. There are many procedures and treatments that can enable you to begin your journey to parenthood.