Tubal factor infertility

Tubal Factor Infertility (TFI) refers to a type of infertility caused by damage to or obstruction of the fallopian tubes, which are the structures that eggs travel through from the ovaries to the uterus. This condition prevents sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization or the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus for implantation, leading to infertility.

Causes

The causes of Tubal Factor Infertility include:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), often due to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Previous surgery in the abdomen or pelvis, including surgeries for ectopic pregnancy or appendicitis, which can cause scarring
• Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, potentially affecting the fallopian tubes
• Pelvic Tuberculosis, a less common cause in developed countries but prevalent in some parts of the world

Symptoms

Often, women with Tubal Factor Infertility may not exhibit any symptoms other than difficulty becoming pregnant. In cases where the condition is caused by an infection or endometriosis, symptoms may include pelvic pain, painful menstruation, or pain during intercourse.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Tubal Factor Infertility typically involves:

• Hysterosalpingography (HSG), an X-ray test that examines the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and the surrounding area
• Laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that allows a doctor to see inside the pelvis
• Saline Sonohysterography (SSH) or Hysterosonography, an ultrasound procedure that can evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes

Treatment

Treatment options for Tubal Factor Infertility include:

• Surgery to repair the fallopian tubes if possible
• In vitro fertilization (IVF), a procedure that involves extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus.

Prevention

Preventing Tubal Factor Infertility involves:

• Regular screening and prompt treatment for STIs
• Safe sex practices to reduce the risk of pelvic infections
• Prompt treatment of pelvic infections to prevent the progression to PID

See Also

• Infertility
• In vitro fertilization
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Endometriosis