Tubal Infertility Causes and Treatment - IVF vs. Tubal Reversal

Damage to the fallopian tubes as a result of prior infection, endometriosis or previous pelvic surgery is one of the most common infertility causes.  Tubal blockage can occur in several locations.  Often the ends of the tubes are obstructed, while the openings into the uterus are still patent (open).  In many cases the tubes fill with fluid, a condition called a hydrosalpinx.  Studies have shown that fluid in swollen tubes is highly toxic to embryos.  This fluid can leak back into the uterus and cause another barrier to implantation.  Patients with a hydrosalpinx in one or both tubes should strongly consider having them removed or ligated prior to undergoing IVF treatment.  It is often hard for patients to accept that their tubes will be gone, as it means that conception is impossible without assistance.  However the presence of this condition means that the tubes are non-functional and even if they could be rendered patent, the likelihood of pregnancy occurring would be remote.

Women who have had an elective tubal ligation and are considering tubal reversal vs. IVF should take into account the cost of a reversal, the recovery time necessary prior to attempting a pregnancy, and tubal reversal success rates.  In most cases, the cost of IVF is similar, it allows women to proceed immediately to treatment and not waste precious time, and has a higher success rate than conception after a tubal reversal.