Fallopian Tube Issues
Salpingitis
Fallopian tube damage usually results from inflammation of the fallopian tube called salpingitis. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, is the most frequent cause. Tubal inflammation may go unnoticed or cause pain and fever. Tubal damage is the major risk factor of a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg is unable to make its way through the fallopian tube to implant in the uterus resulting in an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tube). One episode of tubal infection may cause fertility difficulties. The risk of ectopic pregnancy increases with each occurrence of tubal infection. Previous episodes of appendicitis and occasionally gall bladder infections can also damage the fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the uterine tissue implants and grows outside the uterus: often affecting the function of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. These implants respond to the hormonal cycle and grow, shed and bleed in sync with the lining of the uterus each month leading to pain, scarring and inflammation. Pelvic pain, painful menses, painful intercourse, and infertility are common in women with endometriosis. Learn More
Hydrosalpinx
A swollen and fluid filled fallopian tube is called a hydrosalpinx. The fluid is usually the result of damage or a blockage caused by an infection, adhessions, or endometriosis in the tube. Fertility issues may be the only symptom, or some women experience pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen. The most common way to diagnosis a hydrosalpinx is by doing a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). A HSG is an x-ray of the uterine cavity including the fallopian tubes after dye is injected into the cavity. If the dye is seen spilling out of the tubes, the tubes are open. Transvaginal Ultrasound or laparoscopic surgery are also used to diagnose a hydrosalpinx. Surgery is sometimes a treatment option; however, in cases where surgery is unsuccessful or not possible, treatment that bypasses the tubes such as IVF is the only option.
Resources:
Hydrosa
EctopicPregnancy
HSG-Dye Test
Hydrosalpinx
Fallopian tube damage usually results from inflammation of the fallopian tube called salpingitis. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, is the most frequent cause. Tubal inflammation may go unnoticed or cause pain and fever. Tubal damage is the major risk factor of a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg is unable to make its way through the fallopian tube to implant in the uterus resulting in an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tube). One episode of tubal infection may cause fertility difficulties. The risk of ectopic pregnancy increases with each occurrence of tubal infection. Previous episodes of appendicitis and occasionally gall bladder infections can also damage the fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the uterine tissue implants and grows outside the uterus: often affecting the function of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. These implants respond to the hormonal cycle and grow, shed and bleed in sync with the lining of the uterus each month leading to pain, scarring and inflammation. Pelvic pain, painful menses, painful intercourse, and infertility are common in women with endometriosis. Learn More
Hydrosalpinx
A swollen and fluid filled fallopian tube is called a hydrosalpinx. The fluid is usually the result of damage or a blockage caused by an infection, adhessions, or endometriosis in the tube. Fertility issues may be the only symptom, or some women experience pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen. The most common way to diagnosis a hydrosalpinx is by doing a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). A HSG is an x-ray of the uterine cavity including the fallopian tubes after dye is injected into the cavity. If the dye is seen spilling out of the tubes, the tubes are open. Transvaginal Ultrasound or laparoscopic surgery are also used to diagnose a hydrosalpinx. Surgery is sometimes a treatment option; however, in cases where surgery is unsuccessful or not possible, treatment that bypasses the tubes such as IVF is the only option.
Resources:
Hydrosa
EctopicPregnancy
HSG-Dye Test
Hydrosalpinx