Most women with tubal infertility are asymptomatic. Often they don’t realize their fallopian tubes are blocked until they consult a doctor for infertility, though women with extensive tubal damage may experience chronic pelvic pain.
The main symptom of tubal factor infertility is the inability to become pregnant. Other symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain when menstruating, urinating, or having sex
Tubal factor infertility occurs when a blockage in the fallopian tubes prevents the egg and sperm from meeting. This blockage can be caused by diseases, obstructions, damage, scarring, or congenital malformations.
Tubal factor infertility can be diagnosed with a hysterosalpingogram, which is an x-ray examination. In this procedure, dye is injected through the cervix into the uterine cavity. The dye is then tracked as it enters the fallopian tubes.
The success rates for women with tubal factor issues are similar to most other IVF patients. For women under age 35, about 40%–45% of IVF cycles lead to a birth.