Fallopian tubes and fertility in women
May 07, 2025The fallopian tubes are the pathway that connects the uterus to the ovaries. In normal pregnancy, sperm travel this route to reach the egg, which is ovulated near the ovary at the end of the fallopian tube. After the sperm meets the egg, a single sperm enters and fertilizes the egg. An embryo forms at the end of the fallopian tube. The embryo then travels along the fallopian tube to reach the ovary, where it implants.
How are the fallopian tubes examined to determine if they are blocked or inflamed?
To examine the fallopian tubes, a hysterosalpingogram is performed. The resulting images tell us whether the fallopian tubes are normal and open, and whether they are blocked. This scan is performed after the menstrual cycle to rule out pregnancy.
When the fallopian tubes are blocked, sperm cannot reach the egg. In this case, the most appropriate solution is IVF.
If the woman is young, a laparoscopic procedure can be performed to try to open the tubes.
However, the chances of success are very slim, as the tubes can be reopened, but they never return to normal function. We say that they become patent but not potent.
When is it recommended to have your fallopian tubes removed before IVF?
When the fallopian tubes contain inflammation or fluid (hydrosalpinx), it is recommended to remove or ligate them before IVF, as these infections or fluids can descend into the uterus and prevent the embryo from implanting, even if it is transferred directly into the uterus during an IVF procedure.
So, hydrosalpinx is a condition in which the last part of a woman's fallopian tube becomes filled with fluid and swollen. If these infections are present, pregnancy becomes extremely difficult, even with IVF. Therefore, tubal removal or ligation is generally required before IVF.
