The Fallopian tubes capture and transport the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization occurs in the distal (toward the ovary) end. Damage to the tubes caused by scarring from previous surgery, infection, or other conditions interferes with capture and transport, of eggs.Fallopian Tubal Disease and Infertility
The relationship between Fallopian Tubal Disease and Fertility
Women with significant tubal damage are usually candidates for IVF. IVF bypasses the tubes since the eggs are retrieved directly from the ovaries. Surgery can sometimes successfully reverse tubal sterilization depending on many factors including age and where/how the tubes were cut. However, tubal sterilization should always be considered permanent.
The success rates for IVF in tubal disease are usually high, sometimes double the per cycle monthly success rate of normally fertile couples. This is why IVF is often a first line treatment, especially for women in their thirties. Younger women, who fit many patient specific criteria, may be candidates for tubal resection and anastomosis (reconnecting the tubes). The advantage of tubal reversal in these patients is that they have time to attempt many “natural” cycles