The fallopian tubes or fallopian tubes play an important role in early pregnancy, as it is there that fertilization of the egg occurs. In addition, it is through them that the fertilized egg is carried to the uterus.
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What are fallopian tubes?
The fallopian tubes or fallopian tubes are two channels connected to the uterus that make up the female reproductive system. They have important functions in the reproductive process, such as:
- Capture the egg that was released from the ovary during ovulation;
- Transport the sperm to the egg, so that fertilization takes place inside one of the uterine tubes;
- It is the place where the egg and sperm form the zygote;
- Transport the embryo to the uterus, so that implantation occurs in the inner wall of the uterus.
They are about 10 cm each in length and are covered with small lashes. It consists of 4 parts: intramural, isthmus, ampoule (where natural fertilization occurs) and infundibulum.
Why fallopian tubes?
This organ was named after the Italian anatomist Gabriele Falloppio, who in 1561 named the fallopian tubes as “tubes of the uterus”, but they became known as “fallopian tubes”, because Falloppio was the first to describe them.
In 1997, after the international medical council, the organ’s nomenclature was changed to uterine tubes, because according to experts, the term tuba better describes its shape.
Who has a problem with ovula tubes?
Yes, even with problems in the fallopian tubes it is possible to ovulate. But there are likely to be problems with egg fertilization, as fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes
Problems in the tubes are the cause of 25% of female infertility and can happen for several reasons. Injuries or obstructions in the tubes may prevent the passage of the sperm or egg, and not allow the gametes to meet.
The main causes of problems are infections and sexual diseases, such as chlamydia, which create a mass that internally fills the tubes and causes obstruction.
The leakage of blood from the uterus to the tubes, called endometriosis , can also be a cause of clogging, as the blood lodges in the walls of the tube causing obstruction.
And, finally, tube adherence, internal scarring in the tubes that occurred after surgery, childbirth or withdrawal of tubal pregnancy (implantation of the embryo in the uterine tube), may be the reason for the difficulty in becoming pregnant and the cause of the obstruction.
What are the symptoms of fallopian tube problems?
When there is a problem with the fallopian tube, some symptoms can be reported after the menstrual period:
- Abdominal pain or when urinating;
- Changes in the color or odor of the vaginal discharge;
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period;
- Fever above 38º C;
- Pain in the bottom of the back;
- Need to frequent urination;
- Nausea and vomiting.
It is important to seek medical help so that tests and the correct diagnosis are made. These symptoms can be caused by infections or pelvic abnormalities, inflammation, ectopic pregnancy and rupture of the appendix. appendix rupture .
Is it possible to get pregnant with an obstructed tube?
Yes, it is possible. In the case of diagnosis of obstructed tube, the surgical procedure of unblocking may be recommended by the doctor.
However, when the obstruction cannot be resolved through surgery, there are other alternatives such as in vitro fertilization, fertilization of the sperm in the egg made in the laboratory and transfer to the uterus for pregnancy.
Or waiting for the ovulation period of the healthy tube, since each month only one egg is released from the ovary, the months corresponding to the dysfunctioning tube is not possible to get pregnant, and the months that ovulation occurs in the healthy tube is possible fertilization.
How to unclog the tubes to get pregnant?
The clearance of the tubes can happen surgically, through laparoscopy. Small incisions are made in the abdominal region, and the unblocking procedure is done with tweezers and a microcamera that guides the doctor.
The procedure is less invasive and recommended for small obstructions in the tube. But still, pregnancy rates are low and can vary widely, due to the amount of scarring on the tube and the success of unblocking.
In case of large obstructions in the tubes , in vitro fertilization will be recommended , so that the chances of pregnancy are greater.