Tubal Disease
Tubal disease describes any damage to the Fallopian tubes, affecting the ability of an egg to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
About Tubal Disease
In the female reproductive system, structures called Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries, where eggs are produced, to the uterus (womb). If one or both of the Fallopian tubes are damaged, eggs cannot properly enter the uterus to be fertilized by sperm. Damage to fallopian tubes accounts for around 25% of all cases of infertility. People with tubal disease who can still get pregnant are at greater risk for an ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants in the Fallopian tubes or some other location besides the uterus.
Symptoms of Tubal Disease
Tubal disease symptoms vary based on the extent of the damage to your Fallopian tubes.
Symptoms of tubal disease may include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Infertility
Risk Factors for Tubal Disease
Any circumstance by which your Fallopian tubes become damaged can increase your risk for tubal disease.
Risk factors for tubal disease may include:
- Health history: The Fallopian tubes can be damaged by a previous surgery, infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, or other gynecological conditions including pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
Treating Tubal Disease at UT Medicine
Tubal disease is usually treated surgically, though the exact procedure may vary based on the severity of your condition as well as the location of the tubal blockage. Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery can reduce the pain and recovery time associated with your procedure. In some cases, patients with tubal disease choose to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) to become pregnant without the egg traversing the Fallopian tube into the uterus. Your care team will work with you to determine the best course of treatment.
