women s health issues
Infertility Problems With the Fallopian Tubes and Abnormalities in the Pelvis
Introduction
If a fallopian tube is blocked or damaged, women may have fertility problems. A blocked or damaged fallopian tube can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or prevent the egg or fertilized egg (zygote) from moving from the ovary to the uterus to be implanted. Abnormalities in the uterus or pelvis can prevent the egg from attaching to (implanting in) the lining of the uterus and can block the fallopian tubes. To identify the problem, doctors may take x-rays as a radiopaque contrast agent is injected through the cervix (hysterosalpingography), do ultrasonography after a salt solution is injected inside the uterus (sonohysterography), or view the organs through a viewing tube (laparoscope) inserted through an incision just below the navel. Treatment depends on the type and location of the abnormality (fallopian tubes or uterus) and the age of the woman, but in vitro fertilization or, in younger women, surgery may be recommended. (See also Overview of Infertility .) 