Female Infertility Due to Fallopian Tube Damage

A common cause of female infertility is due to blockage and scarring of the fallopian tube. This condition prevents the egg from travelling to the fallopian tube and onward to be implanted in the uterus. Blockage of the tube increases the chance of ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg settles in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus.

Fallopian tube block can be caused by untreated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis and sexually transmitted diseases. Sometimes it can be caused by scar tissue that forms after pelvic surgery. Other potential causes of blocked fallopian tubes include a previous history of uterine infection caused by an abortion or miscarriage, a history of abdominal surgery or a ruptured appendix.

The common tests to diagnose infertility due to fallopian tube damage include

• A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) which is a medical procedure where radio opaque dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. A special X-ray machine then scans the pelvic region to diagnose fibroid tumors, scar tissue, an unusually shaped uterus or blockages in the fallopian tubes.
• Laparoscopic surgery is sometimes performed in order to diagnose tubal factor infertility. This involves making a small incision in the abdomen. A tiny camera is then inserted into this incision, allowing the surgeon to view the fallopian tubes.

Treating Tubal Factor Infertility

Tubal factor infertility can be treated through IVF or fallopian tube surgery.

Invitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is recommended for women suffering from tubal factor infertility. IVF involves fertilizing an egg outside the fallopian tubes and then implanting the embryo inside the uterus. Chances of pregnancy through this process are quite high.

Fallopian Tube Surgery

Surgery to remove scar tissue, adhesions and fallopian tube blockage is another option although subsequent pregnancy rates do vary.

A reproductive endocrinologist (fertility specialist) is best suited to take the decision about which of these therapies are to be opted based on several factors, the most significant factor being the degree of tubal damage, the age of the female, and whether other infertility factors (male or female) are present.

For women with significant damage to the ends (fimbria) of their tubes, one IVF attempt offers a better chance of a viable pregnancy than surgery ever will and at a lower overall cost.

East Bay fertility Center Dublin California, (www.ebfertility.com) specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of infertility providing a complete mind-body experience for fertility couples. East Bay’s experienced medical staff is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician. Dr Snowden is Board Certified in Obstetric, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology with advanced Fellowship training in the treatment of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and hormonal disorders in women. East Bay Fertility Center performs tests to check the extent of fallopian tube blockage or damage and recommends tubal surgery if necessary.  Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.

Secondary Infertility – Causes and Remedies

Secondary infertility is a term used to describe a condition where a woman who was able to conceive naturally in the past has difficulty conceiving another child. This is a fairly common problem that can be attributed to a number of factors such as low sperm count, endometriosis, damaged fallopian tubes, ovulation problems, fibroids or change in partner.

In some cases, medical tests indicate that the cause of secondary infertility is a combination of factors shared by both partners.

Age as a Cause of Secondary Infertility

The most common cause of secondary infertility may be age. There is a marked decrease in fertility by 35 years of age. By age 45 the chances of natural conception are extremely low. Thus the possibility of becoming pregnant decreases with rising age. Moreover, a woman’s eggs suffer chromosomal damage as they age; the older the eggs, the less likely they are to become fertilized or go to term. Some women also go through menopause at an early age; this may also be a cause of secondary infertility.

Some experts in the field of human reproduction have suggested that male fertility is also affected by age and that male fertility starts declining after the age of 35.

Stress and Secondary Infertility

Stress may also be a factor affecting fertility. Studies show that if a man already has a low sperm count, stress worsens this condition. While stress itself does not cause infertility, the process of “trying” to become pregnant can be stressful, especially on your relationship. The stress levels are often the result of infertility, not the cause of it.

Diet and Lifestyle

Being either underweight or overweight can affect fertility. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol has also been found to affect fertility.

Chronic Illness

Chronic illness can also lead to secondary infertility. High blood pressure, diabetes and asthma can affect fertility. Sometimes chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer can reduce a person’s fertility.

Remedies for Secondary Infertility

There are a number of steps that can be taken when confronted with secondary infertility to improve chances of conception. The first obvious step is for both the partners to get a complete medical check up done.

Things may change after the birth of the first child. For instance one of the partners could now have a low sperm count; hormones could be out of sync etc. Taking control of the situation and opting for the right line of treatment will help in surmounting the condition.

If faced with fibroids, endometriosis, vaginal infections and pelvic adhesions – all potential causes of secondary infertility – get treatment for these issues which can sometimes successfully cure infertility.

Fertility treatments may be the next line of treatment for curing secondary infertility. A referral to a reproductive endocrinologist for appropriate treatment may be necessary. Initially the fertility specialist will prescribe medications to help conceive another child. If this proves ineffective, more advanced treatments may be necessary.

On a Positive Note

The good news is that secondary infertility is more likely to be treatable than primary infertility. Consult with a specialist, and faithfully follow the prescribed treatment plan, and you can be sure that you’ll have another baby soon.

East Bay Fertility Center, Dublin, California (www.ebfertility.com) has an experienced team of doctors headed by Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr Ellen Snowden and offers the most comprehensive line of treatment and intervention for secondary infertility. East Bay Fertility Center makes sure that couples who have been facing problems conceiving a second time will successfully overcome the problem in the shortest possible time and realize their dreams of having a healthy baby. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.

Is Laparoscopy Beneficial for Endometriosis?

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure and an advanced tool that is used in different areas of medical science; infertility treatment being one of them. Endometriosis, one of the most common causes of infertility, and a painful disorder in a women’s reproductive system, is usually treated using laparoscopy.

What is Endometriosis?

The abnormal growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus that attaches to other organs in the pelvic cavity such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries is known as Endometriosis. The endometriosis implants will bleed during the menstrual period. As the tissues become enlarged, inflammation may cause pain. One of the possible reasons for endometriosis may be excess estrogen levels in a women’s body. There is an increased incidence among family members suggesting a genetic component to the disease. Endometriosis may affect fertility in many ways. Some of these include:

1. The over-production of prostaglandins which are hormones that plays an important role in the fertilization of the egg and implantation of the embryo.
2. Ovulation disturbances due to involvement of the ovaries
3. Pelvic scarring restricting the tubes and ovaries
4. Painful intercourse resulting in decreased frequency
5. Immunological abnormalities leading to an increased risk of miscarriage

Laparoscopy as a Treatment Option for Endometriosis

In women with moderate to severe endometriosis, laparoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for endometriosis-related infertility, as it leads to better pregnancy rates. It is unclear whether mild disease is similarly impacted by laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy is conducted to confirm the diagnosis and remove adhesions caused by endometriosis.

Laparoscopy, considered as one of the least invasive surgical treatment option that is available today, is usually done under general anesthesia. The procedure includes insertion of an instrument that has a tiny camera attached to it with a light, known as laparoscope, through a small abdominal incision. More than one incision may be required for inserting other surgical instruments for better access.

The Need of Laparoscopy

While treating Endometriosis, Laparoscopy is usually carried out for checking and treating the following:

• Examining the pelvic organs causing pelvic pain.
• Removal of endometriosis implants and scar tissues.
• Removal of endometriosis cyst on an ovary (endometrioma).
• Endometriosis pain after a hormone therapy.

Disadvantages of Laparoscopy used for Endometriosis

Though laparoscopy is a great tool, it does have certain drawbacks when it comes to diagnosing Endometriosis. A laparoscopic surgery is not always helpful to patients of endometriosis on a long term basis. There might be some accidental damage to the surrounding organs while the doctor maneuvers the instruments inside the body. There are also chances of the incision getting infected at times.

A Positive Note

The heartening news is that having endometriosis does not automatically mean that you will never have children. Rather, it means that you may face problems in the journey towards parenthood.
At East Bay Fertility Center, California, (www.ebfertility.com) an experienced team of doctors headed by Dr Ellen Snowden specialize in examining and treating potential causes of both male and female infertility including Endometriosis diagnosis and treatment. The process of treatment starts with free initial consultation with East Bay’s infertility specialist followed by a thorough diagnostic evaluation. The next step would be to identify the problem and start with the treatment.

With the right course of treatment and medical intervention, East Bay Fertility Center is committed to assisting couples facing problems conceiving. The goal is to help them overcome their infertility problem in the shortest possible time and realize their dreams of having a healthy baby.

For more information on fertility treatment options log on to http://ebfertility.com/

View this document on Scribd

Endometriosis – A Primary Cause of Female Infertility

Endometriosis is one of the common organic causes of female infertility in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and gets attached to other organs in the abdominal cavity such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Abnormal menstrual bleeding, severe pain during menstrual periods, painful urination, and pain during or after sexual intercourse are some symptoms of endometriosis. This disease grows more with the passing time. East Bay Fertility Center California recommend In-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment for severe endometriosis affected patients. Endometriosis and pelvic adhesions are sometimes also treated by laparoscopy.