TUBAL FERTILITY SURGERY NEW YORK, NY
Learn More About Tubal Fertility Surgery
Struggling to conceive is disheartening. At MRSC, we understand the sadness and disappointment that comes with an inability to get pregnant. Many women who struggle to conceive have tubal factor infertility—a condition that makes fertilizing an egg difficult or impossible. Thankfully, there’s plenty we can do to address this type of infertility at our Manhattan, NY surgery center. Learn more about tubal factor infertility and your surgical options for treatment.
What Is Tubal Factor Infertility?
Tubal factor infertility is a condition in which a female is unable to conceive because of a blockage in the fallopian tube. This blockage makes it impossible for sperm to reach the egg and conceive a child. Tubal factor infertility can result from two blocked fallopian tubes or just one. It’s difficult to know whether you’re affected by this type of infertility because most patients show no symptoms. They don’t realize there’s a blockage until they visit a doctor. In some cases, patients with tubal factor infertility report chronic pelvic pain.
What Causes Tubal Factor Infertility?
Patients with tubal factor infertility can attribute their blocked fallopian tubes to a number of different causes. Generally speaking, the blockage occurs because of scar tissue or growth in the fallopian tubes. The following conditions and procedures can lead to blockages and, therefore, tubal factor infertility:
- Endometriosis: This condition is common among women in the United States. Endometriosis causes a build-up of tissue in the fallopian tubes, which can result in a blockage. Endometrial tissue can also grow on the outside of the surrounding organs, also resulting in blocked fallopian tubes.
- History of Ectopic Pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancies are incredibly dangerous and can leave scar tissue in their wake. This condition can cause scarring on the fallopian tubes and lead to tubal factor infertility.
- STIs: Some sexually-transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can result in inflammation and scarring in the fallopian tubes.
- Fibroids: Fibroids are growths that may end up blocking the fallopian tubes. Fortunately, patients with fibroids have numerous treatment options.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: This condition can make its way from the cervix into the fallopian tubes, scarring the inner lining and causing a blockage.
- Tubal Ligation Surgery: Having your “tubes tied” is an intentional way of blocking the fallopian tubes. It is possible for patients to get their tubes untied through a procedure known as tubal ligation reversal.
How We Diagnose the Condition
Tubal factor infertility often has no discernable symptoms, so it’s important to consult with your doctor if you suspect fertility issues. At MRSC, we can conduct a few diagnostic tests to determine whether a blockage in the fallopian tubes is the cause of your infertility. We may perform one of the following procedures to make a diagnosis:
- Hysterosalpingogram: This test involved taking an x-ray of the abdominal area. We use a special dye that travels through the fallopian tubes and shows whether the tubes are open and easily passable. While a hysterosalpingogram can identify blockages, it can’t always pick up on scarring and other damage that may lead to infertility.
- Laparoscopy: This procedure is minimally invasive and only involves small incisions. Through these incisions, your doctor will insert a very small surgical instrument to get a better look at the fallopian tubes. Using this test, we can find blockages, scar tissue, and adhesions.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes are treatable. However, the most suitable treatment method for you will depend on whether you still plan on getting pregnant. If you want to conceive but aren’t interested in surgery, in vitro fertilization is likely your best bet. Nevertheless, we know that in vitro isn’t for everyone, and we offer a variety of surgical solutions to blocked fallopian tubes. Keep in mind that each surgery has its pros and cons. Some procedures will prevent pregnancy, while others can increase your chances of an ectopic pregnancy. Explore these surgical options with your doctor at MRSC, and we’ll help you make the best choice for your circumstances:
- Tubal cannulation
- Salpingectomy (fallopian tube removal)
- Fimbrioplasty
- Tubal ligation reversal
Schedule Your Appointment Today
The team at MRSC is here to help you better understand infertility and your reproductive health as a whole. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional treatment for female infertility issues, and our doctors would be glad to consult with you and discuss your condition. Contact us today to set up an appointment.