Inflammatory diseases in women often threaten with complications in the fallopian tubes, which leads to infertility. Doctors say: one episode of inflammation of the fallopian tubes develops the risk of infertility up to 12%, two clinical cases increase the risk of infertility by three times, and in more than three or four cases it reduces the possibility of conception to 25%. We decided to find out why this is happening.
Ovum and sperm: meeting point cannot be changed
The fallopian tubes on the right and left connect the uterus to the ovaries and are the path of life along which the egg makes its way. Dropped directly from the ovary, it is fertilized in the fallopian tubes by a spermatozoon, after which it falls into the womb, where the development of the embryo begins.
However, this process only occurs once a month, at the time of ovulation. During the rest of the time, the egg gradually dissolves. But if fertilization has occurred, and an obstacle has arisen in the way of the egg in the form of obstruction of the fallopian tubes, then it simply cannot reach the uterus. And a woman will not be able to get pregnant.
Adhesions are blamed for blocked fallopian tubes
Obstruction of the fallopian tubes is primarily due to adhesions, which are formed as a result of various factors. Among them are complications after abortions, surgeries on the pelvic organs, and inflammatory diseases of the genital area. Considering that the diameter of the fallopian tube is very narrow and ranges from 1 ml at the exit from the walls of the uterus and reaches up to 1 cm at its end, it becomes clear that even small adhesive processes can exclude the fertilization process and cause the development of an ectopic pregnancy. Unfortunately, often this becomes known only during an operation for an ectopic pregnancy, the development of which is deadly for a woman.
Obstruction of the fallopian tubes is both internal and external. In the first case, adhesions form inside the pipes. In the second, external pressure causes the pipes to be pulled together in spikes, like ropes.
Another danger lies in salpingitis or inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which occurs inside them, on the walls of a thin channel, which leads to internal gluing of the tubes and their further obstruction.
Adnexitis is another common gynecological disease, characterized by inflammation of the appendages, the pressure of which on the fallopian tubes deprives them of their natural mobility and causes adhesions.
In severe cases, the development of adnexitis leads to the surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes. In the latter case, the passage of the egg is completely disrupted.
Diseases that cause obstruction of the fallopian tubes:
• inflammatory processes, especially those caused by aggressive pathogenic flora (tuberculosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea). They cause an adhesive process around the pipe so that it is pulled from the outside several times, which leads to obstruction;
• adhesions in the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries after operations on the pelvic organs or the abdominal cavity;
• endometriosis, polyps, tumors and congenital malformations of the fallopian tubes;
• ectopic pregnancy.
Scheduled check, or How to find out about the patency of the fallopian tubes
Obstruction of the fallopian tubes has an insidious nature: it does not betray itself in any way, and even more so does not cause concern to its mistress. With a high dose of probability, a woman guesses about such a condition due to the impossibility of getting pregnant. Yes, and formidable diseases such as adnexitis suggest the presence of adhesive processes. However, we can talk about this only after a special diagnosis, which allows us to assess the condition of the fallopian tubes.
Popular Types of Tubal Examinations
Ultrasonic introscopy (ultrasound). A saline solution with special additives is injected into the cervix (sometimes it is supplemented with an inert gas). Filling the uterine cavity, and gradually moving into the tubes, and later into the abdominal cavity, it makes it possible to see the relief of the fallopian tubes, fragments of their constrictions and patency.
For ultrasound of the fallopian tubes, you must:
• do not eat anything before the procedure;
• to carry out after the end of the menstrual cycle;
• not be a carrier of sexual and infectious diseases.
Benefits: simplicity, painlessness, safety.
Disadvantages: in 20% of cases it shows false obstruction, so additional studies are needed. As a rule, an X-ray is prescribed.
X-ray examination is very similar to ultrasound. In addition to the above rules, a woman is required to do a cleansing enema in advance.
Also, from the end of the cycle to the examination procedure, it is necessary to protect: radiation can be harmful to the fetus.
Benefits: detection of mechanical damage in the fallopian tubes.
Weaknesses:
- pronounced side effects (bleeding, pain);
- impossibility to determine the condition of fimbriae and epithelium. Additional research needed.
Laparoscopic diagnosis is a surgical method. Small incisions are made on the abdominal wall through which the necessary instruments and optical equipment are inserted. This allows not only the doctor, but also the patient to see the entire examination process on the monitor screen.
Benefits: Gives a complete picture of the condition of the fallopian tubes.
Disadvantages: it is carried out only permanently. After discharge from the hospital, the patient is required to stay at home for a few more days of bed rest.
Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages. But, even if the diagnostic results are disappointing, do not despair. After all, at the moment there are many ways to disassemble blockages in the pipes. Even if they are royal.
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