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IVF and reproductive medicine · Fertility

Tubal factor infertility

Understand how damaged or blocked fallopian tubes can prevent egg and sperm meeting.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Tubal factor infertility occurs when one or both fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, preventing or reducing transport of the egg, sperm or embryo.

Possible symptoms

It is often silent. Pelvic pain or a history of infection, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis or surgery can suggest risk but cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Causes and associated factors

Pelvic infection, endometriosis, surgery, adhesions or previous sterilisation can damage the tubes. A hydrosalpinx is a dilated, fluid-filled tube.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis combines history with a tubal-patency test. An apparent blockage can sometimes reflect spasm or need confirmation.

Tests

Hysterosalpingography or contrast ultrasound commonly assesses the tubes. Laparoscopy is reserved for selected situations and is not a routine test for everyone.

Course of the condition

Impact depends on which side, extent of damage and other factors. A damaged tube increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Care options

Depending on damage, age and other factors, tubal surgery or IVF may be discussed. A hydrosalpinx may need treatment before IVF; benefits and risks must be individualised.

When to consult

Seek earlier fertility advice after pelvic infection, ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery, endometriosis or previous sterilisation.

Urgent help

With a possible pregnancy, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, bleeding, dizziness or collapse can signal ectopic pregnancy and needs urgent help.

Questions for your doctor

  • Which cause or combination of factors explains our fertility difficulty?
  • Which tests are genuinely useful before deciding?
  • Which options exist before or instead of IVF?
  • Which benefits, limits, risks and costs should we compare?
  • What support and reassessment timeline should we plan?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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