The Meaning Of Tubal Infertility
A woman’s egg is normally fertilized by the sperm in the fallopian tubes. Tubal infertility is when the egg and sperm cannot meet due to some obstruction in the fallopian tubes. The reasons for tubal infertility may include infections, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and abdominal surgery. About 25-30% of infertility is due to tubal factors.
Symptoms of tubal infertility
One common sign is having difficulty in conceiving due to damaged fallopian tubes. When experiencing infertility, one discovers about failed fallopian tubes only after getting examined by the doctor. This is usually diagnosed by hysterosalpingogram and laparoscopy. Some feel pain on the side of the abdomen due to hydrosalpinx which is a blocked tube filled with fluid. Sometimes conditions like endometriosis may cause symptoms that lead to blocked tubes.
The treatment choices for tubal infertility
There are two options for treating tubal infertility and these include surgical and non-surgical procedures. The surgical options include tubal ligation reversal surgery, fimbrioplasty, salpingectomy, and salpingostomy. The non-surgical option is fallopian tube recanalization (FTR). However, when these options do not work, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is attempted in some cases.
Can I conceive via in vitro fertilization?
When all attempted treatment options fail, women may succeed in conceiving via IVF. Over the past years, IVF has been a success for women but there are other factors to consider. In cases like hydrosalpinx, surgery is needed to remove or block the fallopian tube as IVF alone will not help. Generally, the IVF procedure is considered an effective treatment option for tubal infertility.
Factors to consider
The chance to conceive via IVF is different for each woman as many other factors come into play. Some factors include age, ovarian reserve, the condition of the fallopian tube, and male infertility reasons. Other factors also include previous tubal infertility and the presence of hydrosalpinx.
Benefits and downside of in vitro fertilization
The good side of IVF is that this process is less invasive and suitable for those 35 years and older. The procedure is also good for women with severely damaged tubes. The cost can be a disadvantage for couples as the procedure is quite expensive. The other risks include pregnancies with multiples and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Consider the benefits and risks and talk with a doctor to make the right decision.
