Tubal factor infertility is a common cause of female infertility, affecting millions of women worldwide. Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples globally, with tubal factor infertility being a leading cause. According to WHO, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes account for about 25-30% of female infertility cases. It occurs when the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged preventing sperm from meeting the egg for fertilization; but what causes this condition and how can it be treated? So, today we are here to help you uncover all facts around tubal infertility diagnosis. We will also share tubal factor infertility treatment options.
What is Tubal Factor Infertility?
Tubal factor infertility is a medical condition caused due to damaged or blocked fallopian tubes in a woman. What are these tubes? Fallopian tubes are those pathways through which the egg reaches the uterus from the ovary. Sperm and egg cannot mate due to blocked tubes. And this obstruction makes it hard for the lady to get pregnant.
Tubal factor infertility symptoms can be the results of some serious infections, any surgeries gone wrong or even other ovary-related conditions like endometriosis. It is also seen in some women, that they may be born with only one fallopian tube that is functional, but they too have naturally conceived the child. But when both tubes are damaged or non-functional, that is when fertility specialists suggest treatments like IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) after confirmed tubal infertility diagnosis.
4 Causes of Tubal Factor Infertility:
Here are the four main causes of tubal factor infertility that can impact fertility and conception.
1. Blocked Fallopian Tubes:
Approximately 20% of female infertility cases arise due to tubal factor infertility symptoms. And these blockages often come across due to scarring, inflammation or infections in the fallopian tubes. These often could be the results of medical conditions like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Scarring or infections cause obstructions/blockages which in turn prevent the eggs from mating the sperm or even prevent an embryo from implanting in the uterus.
2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
Sexually transmitted bacteria cause PID. And PID in turn leads to adhesions/inflammation that can also damage the fallopian tubes. This damage then leads to infertility. With every new PID episode a woman faces, the risk of infertility rises: 12% after one, 23% after two, and 53% after three episodes. That is why medical experts always stress that couples must practice regular hygiene.
3. Ectopic Pregnancy:
When a fertilised egg attaches itself to the fallopian tube, instead of the uterus, that’s what is called an ectopic pregnancy. Such pregnancies damage the fallopian tube by scarring or blocking it. They also increase the risk of future infertility. So, it is among the very critical tubal factor infertility symptoms and an early tubal infertility diagnosis is necessary to prevent further damage to the fallopian tube. Get this ruled out for a good tubal factor infertility treatment.
4. Congenital Abnormalities and Surgical Procedures:
Some women by birth have irregularly shaped fallopian tubes. This means the absence of a smooth, regular passage for the egg to travel to the uterus. And absence of such a path can hinder fertility.
In other cases, if the woman has undergone surgeries in the pelvic area which has created scar tissue formation, then this scar tissue would be potentially blocking the tubes. Women who have undergone fibroids or endometriosis surgery, could show tubal factor infertility symptoms.
Also Read: Frozen Embryo Transfer Process Step by Step
Tubal Factor Infertility Symptoms:
- Difficulty conceiving is the primary symptom, especially if the couple has completed one year of trying without success (or six months if the age is above 35 years).
- Unusual vaginal discharge should never be ignored by women. In many cases, it is a clear sign of an underlying infection like PID.
- Pelvic pain that may be chronic or intermittent. Such pain is usually associated with conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Pain during menstruation or intercourse should not be taken lightly. It could be indicative of endometriosis or infections affecting the fallopian tubes.
- Irregular menstrual cycles are a tubal factor infertility symptom that women often ignore, but ideally must not. Because it indicates hormonal imbalances or infections.
- History of ectopic pregnancy also needs to be taken into account when examining a woman for tubal infertility diagnosis.
Also Read: High Estrogen Symptoms in Women
Tubal Infertility Diagnosis Steps:
Doctors use several tests to find out if a woman has tubal factor infertility:
- Medical History and check-up where the experts will enquire about past infections, surgeries or ectopic pregnancies. Accordingly they will do further check-ups for any more physical problems.
- Blood Tests to diagnose infections or hormone problems affecting the tubes.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a special X-ray with a coloured dye to show if the fallopian tubes are blocked.
- Sonohysterography is another test before tubal factor infertility treatment is started. In this test a doctor uses an ultrasound to check the uterus and fallopian tubes. They gently put saline (salt water) into the uterus. The images of the flowing water are then seen on the ultrasound screen to detect any blockages, growths or any such problems.
- Laparoscopy is a small non-invasive procedure. It allows the doctor to examine the fallopian tubes directly. In less critical cases, it also helps remove any scars or blockages, without an open surgery.
Also Read: How to Read a Sperm Analysis Report
Tubal Factor Infertility Treatment Options:
Non-Surgical Options:
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common and effective treatment. Here surgically eggs are collected from the ovaries, then fertilized with sperm in a lab and placed directly into the uterus. It means the doctor will bypass the damaged fallopian tubes completely.
- Fertility medications are used when one tube is functional and ovaries are stimulated by these medicines to push up the chances of getting pregnant.
Surgical Options:
- Tubal surgery to remove blockages or scarred tissue in the fallopian tubes. This improves the chances of natural conception.
- In cases where the blockage is minimal, tubal recanalisation is done wherein a catheter is used to open blocked tubes using a catheter.
- Salpingectomy is undertaken where in total the damaged or fluid-filled tubes (hydrosalpinx) are removed. This is done to boost the IVF success rates.
- Tubal reattachment is done when a woman who has undergone a tubectomy/sterilization procedure wants to get pregnant. It is a reversal procedure.
Other Treatments:
- Medical experts often put women on a course of antibiotics to treat infections like pelvic inflammatory disease that can cause tubal damage. It is called nipping the problem in the bud at an early stage.
- Experts will also suggest lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and de-stressing the body and mind. All these together boost fertility.
Understanding Tubal Factor Infertility with Dr. Shefali Jain:
Can Tubal Factor Infertility Be Treated?
If you’ve been having trouble getting pregnant, then it’s important to see a doctor. Getting help early for tubal factor infertility treatment means higher chances of pregnancy. At Asian Hospital, our doctors specialize in fertility care. We offer a wide range of treatments like IVF and surgery. Our team will guide you through every step to achieve your dream of becoming a parent.
Image Source: Wikipedia
FAQs:
Tubal factor infertility occurs when blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperm from reaching the egg or hinder embryo transport to the uterus.
It is mainly caused by infections (like PID), endometriosis, previous surgeries, or ectopic pregnancies that lead to tubal damage or blockage.
Most women experience no symptoms, but some may have pelvic pain, irregular periods, or a history of infections or ectopic pregnancy.
It is diagnosed through tests like HSG (hysterosalpingography), sonohysterography, or laparoscopy to check for blockages or damage in the fallopian tubes.
Natural pregnancy is unlikely with completely blocked tubes, but options like IVF or surgical repair may help improve fertility.
It depends on the severity of the damage; minor blockages can sometimes be treated surgically, but severe damage may require IVF.
Yes, infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can lead to scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis can cause inflammation, scarring, and adhesions around the tubes, leading to partial or complete blockage.
Preventative measures include practicing safe sex, treating infections early, avoiding multiple pelvic surgeries, and maintaining overall reproductive health.
The risk increases with age, especially after 35, as past infections, surgeries, or conditions like endometriosis may accumulate over time.
Yes, if one tube is open and functioning, natural conception is possible, but chances may be lower depending on other fertility factors.
Non-surgical options are limited, but fertility drugs, tubal flushing, or IVF can help women with tubal-related fertility issues conceive.
Women with tubal infertility often require IVF for conception, as treatments like ovulation induction and IUI rely on open fallopian tubes.
It depends on the cause and severity. Some cases can be treated with surgery, while others may require alternative fertility treatments like IVF.
