Closed tubes and pregnancy
Getting pregnant is always a miracle-tasting event and isn't always easy, but in some circumstances it can be a real challenge (it is estimated that a tubal sterility represents 16-40% of all female causes of infertility). What if the Are the fallopian tubes closed? What you need to know about closed fallopian tubes and pregnancy? Is it possible to get pregnant?
In this article
- What are the fallopian tubes
- Causes of closed fallopian tubes
- Closed tubes: symptoms
- How is diagnosis made for closed tubas?
- Can you get pregnant?
- Can you get pregnant after tubal ligation?
What are the fallopian tubes
Le fallopian tubes are two structures present in thefemale reproductive system which each month transport the eggs from the ovary to the uterus. It is precisely in the tubes that the encounter between the spermatozoon and the egg that has been expelled from the ovary takes place. In case of fertilization, the egg then slowly moves towards the uterus where it will nest and develop into a baby. If, on the other hand, fertilization does not take place, then the egg will end its journey in the uterus from which it will be expelled, together with other tissues, on the occasion of menstruation.
To function properly, therefore, the fallopian tubes must be open, they must not be swollen and must be free of scar tissue.
With at least one fallopian tube in good condition, it is certainly possible to have a natural pregnancy or assisted by intrauterine insemination, while if both of yours are closed, completely or partially, the problem should be addressed with the different medically assisted procreation techniques.
Does ovulation occur with the tubes closed?
Ovulation occurs in the ovaries, therefore, a closure of the tubes does not prevent ovulation.
Causes of closed fallopian tubes
The most frequent cause is the pelvic inflammatory disease, often consequence of a sexually transmitted disease, which manifests itself with a bacterial infection of the reproductive organs, from the uterus to the fallopian tubes (in this case we speak of salpingite ).
Other possible causes of closed fallopian tubes are:
- uterine infections;
- spontaneous abortions;
- abdominal or pelvic surgery;
- congenital malformations;
- endometriosis.
Closed tubes: symptoms
In many cases, no symptoms occur, but if the problem is caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, symptoms could include:
- pelvic pain,
- abscesses,
- adhesion scars,
- ectopic pregnancy.
The first "symptom" of fallopian tube closure is often infertility: if you don't get pregnant after a year of trying (or after six months, if you're 35 or older), your doctor will order a series of examinations and tests to fertility, including a tubal analysis.
Hydrosalpinx
L'hydrosalpinx occurs when an obstacle or blockage causes the tube to dilate and consequently increase its diameter, with consequent filling of liquid. In this case, the liquid blocks both the egg and the sperm, effectively preventing fertilization.
In the case of a hydrosalpinx, pain in the lower abdomen and unusual vaginal discharge may occur.
How is diagnosis made for closed tubas?
Doctors have several procedures available:
- hysterosonography: a radiographic examination which is the most used technique for the evaluation of infertility. A radiopaque contrast agent is injected through the cervix and then X-rays are acquired;
- sonoisterography: it is an ultrasound that involves the use of a saline solution;
- laparoscopy with chromosalpingoscopy: a hospital procedure performed under general anesthesia.
Is it possible to get pregnant with a closed fallopian tube?
To make an assessment of the probabilities of natural pregnancy we must first investigate what the state of the tubes is. If one of the two is open and functioning, we will try to promote pregnancy only by taking fertility drugs. But if both tubes are closed it will be necessary to have surgery to try to open them.
Laparoscopic surgery to open the tubes
In some cases, laparoscopic surgery can open the fallopian tubes and remove scar tissue.Unfortunately, this treatment doesn't always work - the chance of success depends on the woman's age and the location of the type of blockage. It also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
For this reason, the surgical solution is not always the best and the doctor may advise you to rely on in vitro fertilization. The use of in vitro fertilization makes conception possible.
How does in vitro fertilization work?
Treatment first involves taking fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries. Then, using an ultrasound-guided needle through the vaginal wall, the doctor retrieves the eggs directly from the ovaries.
In the laboratory, the eggs are made to "meet" with the sperm of the and, in the event of fertilization, the embryo will be transferred to the maternal uterus.
Read also: In Vitro Fertilization - IVFCan you get pregnant after tubal ligation?
Tubal ligation surgery is one permanent form of birth control. The goal is to intentionally block the fallopian tubes so that sperm cannot reach the egg.
This method is 98% effective, so it is almost impossible to get pregnant after tubal ligation, although there is a small percentage of the chance that you will have an ectopic pregnancy, so that it occurs outside the uterus.
References
- MSD Manuals
- Female subfertility. Lancet 2002;
TAG:
- tube falloppio
- sterility
- assisted fertilization
