Fallopian Tubes

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which is an imaging test done using a type of x-ray imager called a fluoroscope, helps to determine obstruction or damage to the fallopian tubes.

Causes of fallopian tubes due to damage or blockage can include: 

• Pelvic inflammatory disease, 
• Infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes ue to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc.
• Ectopic pregnancy can also pose a risk

When the fallopian tubes are blocked, the eggs get stuck in the tubes. Thus fertilization cannot occur and the woman is rendered infertile.

A pregnancy in which the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus that is the pregnancy is caused by a fertilized ovum implanting either within the uterine tube or anywhere other than the endometrial cavity.

A tubal pregnancy — the most common type of ectopic pregnancy — happens when a fertilized egg gets stuck on its way to the uterus, often because the fallopian tube is damaged by inflammation or is misshapened. Hormonal imbalances or abnormal development of the fertilized egg also play a role.

Initial signs are bleeding from the vagina which might not be that heavy. The other sign is abdominal or pelvic pain after 6-8 weeks of a missed period.

Since the tissues outside the uterus, it cannot provide the necessary blood supply and support and hence ultimately the fetus does not survive. The structure containing the fetus typically ruptures after about 6 to 16 weeks.

Medication like methotrexate injection can be used if the patient have low levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone that the body makes when a female is pregnant with a normal fallopian tube. Methotrexate doesn’t allow the cells to grow and the body absorbs the pregnancy. The usual side effects of this drug include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ulcers in the mucous membranes like the lips and mouth and abdominal pain. If methotrexate doesn’t work and if the patient has high levels of hCG, severe symptoms and damaged fallopian tubes, then surgery is the only option. If the fallopian tubes is severely damaged, then the doctor may also remove the tube along with the pregnancy. 

It is the inflammation of the upper genital tract of women due to an infection. The disease usually affects the female reproductive organs that include uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries. It usually ascends from the lower genital tract.

• Pain in your lower abdomen.
• Fever.
• An unusual discharge with a bad odour from the vagina;
• Pain and/or bleeding while intercourse
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Bleeding between periods.

Hydrosalpinx is a blockage in a fallopian tube due to a watery fluid. Symptoms of hydrosalpinx may include the following:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Abdominal and pelvic pain

Salpingectomy which involves the removal of the damaged tube is usually the surgery of choice. Surgery can also be an option to remove scar tissue or other adhesions that could negatively affect fertility.

Tubal ligation is highly effective with a failure rate of only 0.5%