- Two fallopian tubes connect each of the two ovaries to the uterus. The egg released from the ovary moves through these tubes toward the uterus, and any present sperm also travels though the tubes, which is where fertilization of the egg normally occurs.
- Tubal factor infertility occurs when the fallopian tubes are blocked due to diseases, damage, scarring or obstructions that prevent sperm from reaching an egg for fertilization or prevent an embryo from reaching the uterus for pregnancy.
- Tubal factor infertility is most commonly caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections or other conditions such as endometriosis.
- The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) says that 25% to 35% of female infertility is due to tubal factors.
- Tubal factor infertility can sometimes be treated surgically to repair the tubes, depending on the degree of damage.
- Women with tubal problems that cannot be surgically corrected or who do not want the surgery can undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF). This may include removing severely damaged tubes prior to IVF.
What are Fallopian tubes?
Fallopian tubes are the delicate hollow tissue that connects each ovary to the uterus. Once an ovary releases an egg, it travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus. If sperm are present in the uterus, they will swim up the tube toward the egg.
Fertilization normally takes place in the fallopian tubes. Tiny hair-like tissue inside the tubes, called cilia, then sweep the embryo toward the uterus. Once there, it should implant into the uterine lining and grow for nine months.
What is tubal factor infertility?
Tubal factor infertility occurs when the fallopian tube(s) prevents sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization or prevents a fertilized egg (an embryo) from reaching the uterus for pregnancy.
In the event that the fallopian tube is damaged, misshapen or blocked in some way, a sperm and an egg cannot meet, resulting in infertility. Alternatively, the tube’s damage may still allow fertilization of the egg and sperm but the embryo is unable to travel to the uterus and remains in the tube (ectopic, or tubal pregnancy).
